Les Arcs - The Mountain Bike Chalet Company

Last year the downhillers at Moredirt decided to give Morzine another chance...

After a few years of seeking drier and quieter trails in Spain and Italy, the memories of blown out tracks, rain and lift queues had faded a little. Well.... the tracks were still blown out and the place was as busy as ever. Although the weather was good, the place was teeming with riders and as such we set off for pastures new again this year.

Slightly further, in a different direction from Geneva is Les Arcs and upon stumbling upon this as a location, research showed us that it was a prime location for riders from Dh shredders to xc riders. Another stroke of luck meant we avoided the mass market and booked with www.themountainbikechalet.com. We were promised quiet trails and more natural surroundings and we weren't disappointed.

After the initial disaster of booking the wrong outbound flight date and being stung for another £300 at check-in, the long journey ended in a small village in the Alps. Instantly, over a beer on the veranda we could tell that this was a more natural location with a more enjoyable pace of life. The chalet was excellent, with secure storage and a well stocked workshop, as well as good rooms and facilities.

The thing that makes a difference here however is that the chalet is rider owned and isn't simply turning its facilities over to dirty bikers to make a bit of extra cash in the summer. The difference in attitude because of this is refreshing and with everyone from the cook to the manager riding (either with you or on their own) on pretty much a daily basis, the whole thing has a great feel. To be frank Im not sure how the staff can ride most days and turn out the level of service they do but somehow it is managed.

The riding was surprisingly mixed, from fast open DH runs to wooded and rocky open exposed singletrack. Throw in endless switchbacks and some high altitude riding as well as double decker cable cars, breath-taking views and a pleasant climate and you have all the elements for a great riding holiday with ample opportunity to progress. Riding was better suited to a 160mm trail bike than a full on DH machine although we coped adequately.

Where Les Arc excels is its singletrack, which ranges from woodland blasts to high level exposed and rocky, it really gets as technical as you want it, there are no limits! For some of the residents, the sheer variety (and in a week we only scratched the surface) of riding (and the great service) brings them back year after year. Guiding is excellent (and a must because of the trails), well streamed and relaxed and the team run a professional outfit.

Cachette Downhill Track - Les Arcs

A real highlight was the food. Packed lunches are really very good and included in the price and the breakfasts and evening meals are plentiful, extremely good and attention to detail is noticeable. A good helping of wine thrown in is also very appreciated. Every meal was excellent and hearty!

To me a good bike holiday allows you to learn something more about your riding and how your bike should be set up to suit you. Les Arc gives you that in spades offering unrivalled levels of progression for the average rider. The Mountain Bike Chalet staff offer an awesome personal touch which is unrivalled anywhere we have been to before.

Next year we would recommend you don't follow the herd down to Morzine, but take a walk on the wilder, quieter side of the alps shredding natural trails!

For more information check out: www.themountainbikechalet.com