UKC

Hello,

I'm looking to book a mtb holiday in either the alps or pyranees for later this year, and was after some recomendations to go and look at.

essential what we are after is XC style single track, but with minimised climbing rather than full on down hill - happy to do technical riding, but not really into 6ft dropoffs. Ideally I think we want guided and some skills improvement coaching as well - We are all fairly experienced, but could always do with our technique being a little more polished

So where have you been, who did you go with and would you go back?

Thanks

BB

In reply to balmybaldwin:

Hope to be doing a fair bit of riding (downwards focus!) in the Ecrins (southern side) again this year. Will be there second half August if you get over that way. So much riding to be had and all on empty singletrack.....

In reply to balmybaldwin:

Get the Footprints Mountain Biking Europe book. Its mostly ski areas that are trail centres in summer. Go to Austria. I can recommend Kitzbuhel and Iscghl.

In reply to balmybaldwin: Try www.altitudeadventure.com/ý
The English owners also run a small hotel and they specialise in singles track rides in fantastic terrain in the Eastern Pyrenees.

In reply to balmybaldwin:

I've been to the Pyrenees with AQR. Lovely people, nice chilled Gite. Long rides, not just a couple of hours and job done too. Guided ably by Kate & Ian Potter - Aussie & Brit who live out in Luchon.

Accommodation clean and basic but roomy. Food uncomplicated but good quality and quantity.

Also they taught me to ride switchbacks. That's a miracle in itself.

In reply to AlisonSmiles:

You got yourself on Strava yet

In reply to balmybaldwin:

Thanks for your suggestions so far

In reply to balmybaldwin: Try the Champsaur area in the Hautes Alpes, and perhaps Undiscovered Alps, owned by a British woman and an alpine guide.

In reply to balmybaldwin: These guys: http://www.bikevillage.co.uk/ run by the nicest couple, with 10 years eperiance in the area they will choose trails to suit your ability and preferance and have the most amazing riding on thier doorstep. Sam who runs it is also a great coach and gives brilliant advice.

In reply to balmybaldwin: Just check that if you're booking with a British operator all of their guides have the appropriate qualifications. In recent years there's occasionally been issues with UK operators employing unqualified staff. It's ruined a fair few peoples holidays in the process when their guides have been effectively barred from guiding.

In reply to balmybaldwin:

Not been with them, but I've heard good things about http://www.basquemtb.com/

They do some uplift and skills weeks too.

In reply to balmybaldwin:

If you are wanting fantastic XC singletrack AND skills coaching, then definitely go with Kate and Ian Potter. Kate is a qualified mountain bike instructor and coach and has competed at world level. She knows her stuff and the Luchon area down here has more stunning single track than you can shake a stick at!
http://www.aquickrelease.com/

If you just want a mountain biking holiday (guided or self-guided) then I too would recommend contacting Sally at Undiscovered Alps. I'm doing their Ecrins to Provence self-guided trip with some girly mates at the end of September. Can't wait!
http://www.undiscoveredalps.com/pages/Ecrins-to-Provence-Mountain-biking

In reply to balmybaldwin:

Hi, We run a catered farmhouse chalet in Morzine, part of the Portes du Soleil area. As keen bikers it is all set up for bikes with a large garage and bike wash area etc. As has already been said, the rules in France are very strict about MTB guiding/coaching. We can't claim that we are qualified but work with a local British guide who is great, and in our experience it can work pretty well having a couple days with a guide/coach and then more of an explore to consolidate on your own.

The lifts run through July and August, but theres masses of singletrack and X country to be done either from an initial uplift, using them throughout the day, or not at all!

Our website is http://www.44south.co.uk/1-summer/mtb.php , and get in touch if you'd like to know more!

Ali