Frequently asked questions
Where can you find the Vélo Vert Festival programme?
The full programme for the Vélo Vert Festival is available on
the festival’s dedicated page. You can find all the information, details of the weekend, timetables, competitions and rides for a weekend dedicated to mountain biking in the heart of the Haut-Giffre valley.
What are the best-known road bike routes in the region?
The famous ascent of the Col de Joux-Plane is undoubtedly the best-known route in the region. It has been climbed many times by the Tour de France, and the south-facing slope offers no respite during the ascent! Perfect for pitting yourself against the champions. You can also take the Samoëns chapel trail and explore the region’s heritage. More accessible, it allows you to visit the Haut-Giffre valley in just a few hours.
Where are the departure points for the Grand Massif lifts?
The Grand Massif lifts remain open all summer for mountain bikers. From Samoëns, the Grand Massif Express cable car, located next to the Lacs aux Dames leisure centre, takes you directly to Samoëns 1600 and lets you enjoy the alpine trails. Then, to get to the Tête des Saix, at an altitude of 2120 m, the Chariande Express chairlift departs from Samoëns 1600, just off the gondola. For the rest of the resort, there are other chairlift links between Samoëns, Flaine, Les Carroz and Morillon.
What are the opening times and prices of the ski lifts?
The Samoëns and Grand Massif ski lifts are open from early July to late August/early September (depending on the village resorts). The Grand Massif Express opens at the beginning of June with the Vélo Vert Festival, so you can reach Samoëns 1600.
Click here for opening times and prices!
Where can you go mountain biking as a family with toddlers?
With the younger ones, you can go mountain biking on the paths along the Giffre, in the valley bottom. As a family, these trails are ideal because they are so accessible, even for the little ones. For a great day out, you can even finish off at the Espace des Lacs aux Dames leisure centre, where you can relax for a while.
Where can I hire children's bikes and equipment?
What better way to discover the Haut-Giffre valley and the village of Samoëns at your own pace than with a family outing! There are several options for taking the little ones with you. The majority of bike hire companies offer children’s bikes, and some of them also offer accessories for setting off on adventures with young children, such as trailers, baby seats, etc.
Where can I find a guide for an accompanied mountain bike outing?
Whether you’re an amateur or a complete novice, mountain biking can also be accompanied by a guide. The perfect way to discover the region and the Alpine trails in complete safety, there are a number of service providers in the town centre offering all kinds of routes to suit your level.
Is it possible to hire bicycles in Samoëns?
You can hire bicycles directly in the village of Samoëns. There are many bike hire companies offering road bikes, mountain bikes, electric bikes and children’s bikes. So it’s easy to set off for the day and enjoy a timeless moment in the heart of the Haut-Giffre.
Can I take the shuttle buses by bike?
In order to go further and discover the area on two wheels, the shuttles will be equipped with a bicycle rack that can accommodate up to 6 bicycles per journey (except for lines 3 and 5).
Chargeable service – Map and timetable here.
