Three days of mountain biking dreams in Les 3 Vallées

• Routes: Brides-les-Bains -> Le Praz (Meals) -> lifts -> Courchevel 1850 -> Courchevel Moriond -> Les Avals -> Refuge Grand Plan

• Ascent: Approx. 1700m D+ | 400m D- | 27 km

• Departure: Start your adventure from Brides-les-Bains, a charming village known for its thermal baths in the French Alps.

• Ascent to Le Praz: Pedal through enchanting forest terrain, where the shade of the trees will accompany you to your first stop.

• Meal in Le Praz: Enjoy a well-deserved meal in this picturesque village before setting off again.

• Lifts: Use the lifts to reach Courchevel 1850, allowing you to gain altitude without extra effort.

• Downhill from Courchevel 1850 to 1650: A short, pleasant descent takes you from Courchevel 1850 to Courchevel Moriond (1650), offering superb views of the surrounding area.

• Ascent into the Vallée des Avals: Continue your ascent into the Vallée des Avals. The terrain becomes wilder, with sparse vegetation and mineral landscapes. You'll pass through mountain pastures where cows graze peacefully.

• Arrival at Refuge Grand Plan: Finally reach the refuge, secluded and peaceful, with a breathtaking view of La Portetta. Spend the night in this idyllic setting, waking to the sound of marmots.

Atmosphere: The refuge is far from everything, with a magnificent view of the Portetta. In the morning, the marmot dance is an enchanting natural spectacle.

• Itinerary: Refuge Grand Plan -> Prameruel -> Cycle path Col de la Loze (meal) -> Chaudanne (Méribel) -> Lifts -> Tougnette -> Les Menuires -> Refuge Lac du Lou

• Difference in altitude: 1050m D+ | 2200m D- | 37 km

Departure from Refuge Grand Plan: After a good breakfast at the mountain refuge, set off in the direction of Prameruel.

• Ascent to Col de la Platta: Face the steepest and most technical climb of your stay in the French Alps. Some sections will require you to push your bike, but the views are well worth it.

• Descent to Prameruel: An easy, pleasant descent awaits you, alternating between tarmac and 4x4 track, until the final, steeper section with gravel.

• Col de la Loze cycle path: Follow the 5 km cycle path on either side of the pass. This section is asphalted and car-free, but beware of steep sections.

• Panoramic view from the summit: Stop at the summit for panoramic views of the Courchevel and Méribel valleys, the Vanoise glaciers and Mont Blanc.

• Descent to Les Menuires: Descend to Les Menuires via the bike path or the bike park's green trail.

• Ascent to Lac du Lou: End the day with an easy 4x4 ascent to Lac du Lou.

Atmosphere: The refuge on the shores of Lac du Lou is ideal for a refreshing swim (temperature around 12°C). The refuge is new, very comfortable, and serves organic and local cuisine.

• Route: Lac du Lou -> Les Menuires -> Lifts -> Roc des 3 Marches -> Col de la Cherferie -> Mottaret -> Lac de Tueda (Meal) -> Méribel Altiport -> Méribel Village -> Brides-les-Bains

• Difference in altitude: 550m D+ | 2500m D- | 38 km

• Back to Les Menuires: Start from Lac du Lou and take the same route to Les Menuires.

• Roc des 3 Marches: Use the ski lifts to reach the Roc des 3 Marches.

• Descent to Col de la Cherferie: Descend via the bike park's green trail or the cycle path, offering spectacular views of the Belleville and Méribel Valleys.

• Crossing Col de la Cherferie and Mottaret: Continue on a 4x4 track with a difficult gravel section.

• Tueda Nature Reserve: Pedal through the Tueda Nature Reserve, skirting its lake. Bikes are only allowed on 4x4 trails. Have lunch at the refuge or at a nearby farm.

• Single Track to Méribel Altiport: Enjoy a magnificent single track between Mottaret and Méribel Altiport. This section is a little more technical.

• Descent to Brides-les-Bains: Finish with a long descent through coniferous and deciduous forest to Brides-les-Bains.

Atmosphere: Enjoy a variety of landscapes, from mountain lakes and alpine meadows to vast expanses and lush forests.

• Equipment: Prepare yourself with suitable clothing, extra batteries for the mountain bike, and plenty of food and water. Find the list of charging and washing stations for MTB.

• Safety: Be alert to weather conditions and follow the instructor-guide's instructions.

• Respect for Nature: Adopt an environmentally-friendly attitude, and take all your garbage with you.