The trails range in altitude from 2,250m – 1,000m and take riders through both France and Switzerland. All routes use the area's comprehensive lift network meaning that much of the uphill work is done from the comfort of a chairlift and all you have to do is enjoy the downhill. Riders tackling the full 80km circuit are rewarded with a whopping 6,500m of descent! However, if you prefer to earn your descents with a bit of uphill pedalling, then each route has an alternate section enabling you to get your head down and get a bit of a sweat on. Likewise, for hardcore downhillers, options are available to deviate off the main drag onto some steeper, more technical sections where you can really put those downhill bikes through their paces.
To ensure that everyone makes the most of the day, the lifts operate extended opening hours, allowing ample time to complete even the 80km circuit at a reasonable pace. It seems the secret to completing the full circuit in good time is to get on that first lift, otherwise you can get a little snarled up in the lift queues, as each gondola or chairlift can only take a maximum of two bikes at a time. There are refreshment points en route serving produce typical to the area – smoked hams, sausages, cheeses, raclette, Swiss chocolate, etc – you're never too far from a pit stop should your legs begin to flag. The other excellent thing about the Pass’Portes is that there are two fully equipped workshops on the circuit, offering mechanical assistance to anyone that needs a gear tweak or a squirt of oil. In addition, there are also roving mechanics on motorbikes to assist you throughout the circuit should you hit a problem. It goes without saying that you still should be equipped with the usual spare inner tubes and puncture repair kit of course, but at least you can rest easy that help is never too far away if you really get stuck.
For many people, one of the highlights of the Pass’Portes is the Bike Show – a MTB exhibition, where around 70 of the biggest brands in mountain biking (Kona, Sunn, Shimano, Scott, etc) all flaunt their latest kit and trends for the following year. The location of the show changes yearly as each resort on the main Pass’Portes circuit takes a turn to host it, although there are also entertainments and activities available in each participating resort. At the event, you can check out the very latest in bike technology for yourself courtesy of the numerous free bike tests, putting them through their paces on terrain appropriate to your ability and preferred type of riding (cross country, downhill, etc). As well as bike tests, you can also marvel at the skills of the pro riders in various competitions and demonstrations, such as dirt jumping and trail riding that take place during the event. Film screenings, music concerts and nocturnal activities also take place in the evening ensuring that when you do finally go to bed, you’ll definitely be dreaming of bikes.
There is also a Pass'Portes Pedestre - a walking Pass'Portes event for those travelling with MTB Pass'Porters. Marked but not accompanied walks starting from five resort villages that will run in parallel with the main MTB event. Depending on the route, walkers can enjoy tastings at local farms, see some of the local wildlife, and learn about the Chablais Geopark from guides.
Whether you’re an experienced rider or just getting into the pleasures of mountain biking, the Pass’Portes du Soleil is a great opportunity to ride some fantastic terrain, check out some new toys, eat raclette and mingle with fellow mountain bikers in truly stunning surroundings.
