Here is a new video that we have just uploaded to our Youtube channel, hopefully it will whet your appetite for some action over the summer:

http://www.youtube.com/Chillchalet

So I’m Annie, and if any of you are lucky enough to be Chillchaleting this summer, I’m the person who’s going to be looking after you and making sure you have a super cool time! Get excited!
One week till I get out there and I cannot wait. I’m dreaming of awesome dry, dusty sun baked trails. The past 3 weeks has seen two endurance races, both in horrific rain watching in fascination as the course dissolves into thick unrideable goop. Although seeing everyone constantly slipping over certainly adds to the entertainment.
The first race was 24 hours of exposure, the UK and European solo 24 hour champs. With no friends competing, it was just me, some dodgy waterproofs and some serious rain. It didn’t help my tent leaked the night before so I was a bit soggy before the start.
I love 24hrs because you get to see the sunset, the sunrise and chase a tiny dot of light through the darkness when the course reveals a totally different mysterious character. Although I think getting back on Mishka (my bike) at 4am in the pouring rain was one of the hardest things ive ever done. Having no support team to give a slap and man up talk meant it was only the thought of missing the dawn lap that got me back out. This lap is amazing, your world slowly expands and you get to see the pale faces of the other riders, Shouting cheery good mornings to everyone, you see who has come through it well, those that suffered just respond with death stares We were totally outclassed by the other ladies and struggled in 5th place (4th in Europe) but made so many friends and chatted to some wonderful people which made placing irrelevant. Surviving was enough!
Saturday was 10 under the Ben, just 10hrs this time! Although neither me nor Mishka had recovered from the 24 I decided to have a crack anyway. And oh so much mud and rain. Brilliant atmosphere though as most people were just having a laugh and up for a chat to make the dreaded fire road climbs go quicker. The course was amazing with plenty of techy sections to make you keep wanting to ride it. Convinced I was in last place I pootled round my final lap stopping to help everyone with their mechanicals. Very amusing to be called a bike guru when my front brake had fallen off long ago! Surprisingly I managed to scrap into 36 out of 119 and 3rd lady despite this. More satisfying was beating the boys I was there with, although I don’t think they were too amused! Anyway, happy riding folks, I wish you sunshine.

See you all at Chillchalet. Bring on the Alps!

Sorry for the lack of action on here of late, winter got busy, we had a baby, blogs slowed to a snails pace, BUT, we have already had some guests on bikes in Les Arcs making the most of the funiculaire still being open, and are now taking bookings for the summer.

We have just been asked by some guests if we can arrange for them to do the trail from the Col D’Iseran down to Bourg, 50kms of glorious epic mountain biking and the answer is yes, most definitely. Our guys will show you the route and a Coolbus will drive you and your bikes up there.

For information about the route, or indeed, any of the trails in and around Les Arcs, have a look at:

http://www.chillchalet.com/mountainbiking/index.htm

We have added loads more content to our our mountain biking pages which you can see here

As always, if you want more info, don’t hesitate to get in touch office@chillchalet.com

After a whole season riding here i am still finding new trails and can not decide which my favorites are. I have loved the technical challenge and the range of riding that is available in the area. While there may not be the man-made, jumpy downhill tracks you can find elsewhere in the Alps, the place more than makes up for it with its vast network of incredible single track and the fact that you can go  a whole day riding all over the mountain and NEVER have to wait for a lift, hit breaking bumps the size of a crater or even see another rider!

very much hope to be back next year to carry on exploring and really hope all our wonderful guests will also be joining us…they really made the season!

Tignes is a resort which is new to biking but really trying to put itself on the map. We had heard mixed reviews so were dubious but thought what the hell, its only half an hour away and nice to have some new views to keep you inspired. There were two lifts running up either side of the valley and loads of buzz in the resort which gave the place a fun atmosphere. The riding itself was not bad. In my opinion it is still a work in progress. Some of the tracks didn’t flow as they should and while there are some really well made sections which are smooth, fast and fun, others leave you slightly puzzled. Having said that, it is still certainly worth a visit with enough to keep you entertained for at least a day or two. There is a good selection of well sign posted tracks and some absolutely mental free ride features, including the most enormous natural rock wall ride. This thing is huge, with a drop on the inside of at least 40ft , sketchy run in and terrifying exit, it is probably the most frightening feature I have seen anywhere.
Perhaps the best thing about the resort was that it was absolutely FREE!!! lift passes required a 5 euro deposit which you can claim back when you hand in your lift pass. There were loads of free parking and bike washing facilities and you can even demo bikes for free!
All in all, it was a fun day out and good to do some fast tracks and big jumps…still doesn’t compare to the trails we have in Les Arc though!!

Next time…Le Thuile

I just wanted to say a few words about some local (ish) resorts that i have had great fun riding! The last few weeks have REALLY made me see how lucky i am to have such a vast amount of incredible riding not only in Les Arc but also within a few hours drive. Simply brilliant.

Extract 1: PILA

This was one of the most fun days I have spent on my bike this season. Pila is about a 2 hour drive from Bourg ( if you get travel sick or you have just munched an almond croissant it can be a pretty unpleasant drive…but worth every sickening corner in van full of smelly boys!).
You can get a cable car right up into the resort and a chair lift will take you the rest of the way. There is a huge variety of trails at the top. The top section of Pila and the majority of the riding in the resort is fast dh style built trails. There are some fun jump lines, techy corners and places you can really let off the breaks. It is also a great place for beginners and experienced riders alike with a selection of fun blue trails and the world cup course which is pretty nails…especially in the crazy Pila dust!
However, the highlight of the day for me was the 11 Km descent from resort to the car park! FOOKING BRILLIANT! Stunning bit of trail….everything you want; long flowing singletrack, techy rocks and roots, tight switchbacks and built berms, alpine meadows…think i may have even heard angels singing!!! For me it was up there with the best trails EVER!

Tune in for extract 2…..Tignes.

Enjoy