Come experience the last Sunset 3200.
Thursday, April 2, from 4:45 p.m., head to the Puy-Salié slopes
until sunset and enjoy a generous sweet and savory buffet
at the 3200 restaurant.
Activity also open to pedestrians.
Booking required online or at points of sale until 12 p.m. the day before the activity.
Safety, respect for nature and techniques for all levels
Have you decided to get into mountain biking in Les 2 Alpes? Good idea. With its 138 km of trails, 29 marked runs and an exceptional vertical drop of over 2,300 meters, Les 2 Alpes Bike Park™ is one of the most impressive playgrounds in Europe.
But a large domain also means responsibility. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced rider, following a few MTB best practices is essential to fully enjoy the experience safely, preserve the trails and ensure a positive riding atmosphere for everyone.
This guide gives you all the keys: safety, equipment, environmental respect, technical progression and riding styles. Read it before dropping into your first trail!
Downhill mountain biking is a demanding activity. At 3,200 meters altitude, on fast and technical trails, the margin for error is small. The Les 2 Alpes bike patrollers remind riders of these golden rules at the start of every season.
This is non-negotiable: a full-face helmet is mandatory on all downhill trails at Les 2 Alpes Bike Park. This is not about style — it's about safety.
For the rest, knee pads, elbow pads, long gloves and a back protector are strongly recommended — and honestly essential if you’re tackling red or black trails. It’s better to sweat under your gear than spend your holiday in the emergency room.
A quick check before each session can prevent many issues. Go over your brakes (bite and lever travel), tire pressure, chain and derailleur condition, dropper seatpost and suspension.
If you’ve rented your MTB locally, shops in Les 2 Alpes provide suitable equipment, but doing your own check remains a good habit. On the trails, eco-friendly wash stations also allow you to maintain your bike after each run.
The Les 2 Alpes MTB area is carefully marked by a team of 8 bike patrollers working daily to secure the trails. The color code is the same as skiing: green for beginners, blue for intermediate, red for advanced, black and elite for experts.
Respect your level and the signage. Leaving marked routes means taking unnecessary risks and damaging protected natural areas.
On bike park trails as well as shared paths, one rule applies: the rider downhill (in front or below) always has priority over the rider coming from above.
Never overtake without announcing yourself clearly. Do not stop in the middle of a trail — use designated stopping areas. These basic courtesy rules help traffic flow and prevent collisions.
On a trail you don’t know, adapt your speed on the first run. Ideally, walk technical sections beforehand to inspect them.
Take into account trail traffic: in peak season, Les 2 Alpes trails can be very busy, especially on weekends. Adjust your speed depending on visibility, terrain and rider density.
Good equipment makes the difference between a memorable session — and a memorable one for the wrong reasons.
MTB is not limited to one type of bike. For Les 2 Alpes Bike Park and its downhill trails, a full-suspension DH (downhill) or enduro bike is strongly recommended.
These bikes are designed to absorb impacts, roots and jump landings. If you also want to explore XC trails or e-MTB routes around the resort, other geometries will be more suitable.
Shops in the resort offer rentals across all categories: DH, enduro, electric and junior.
Beyond helmet and protective gear already mentioned, bring a minimal repair kit: a spare inner tube (or tubeless kit), a multi-tool and a mini pump.
At altitude, the weather can change quickly: a lightweight waterproof jacket in a small backpack can save your day. For hydration, plan at least 1.5 liters of water for a half-day ride — at 3,200 meters, sun and altitude dehydrate faster than you think.
In summer, temperatures at the top (3,200 m) are much cooler than in the resort. Plan layers: a breathable technical jersey, a light windbreaker and MTB shorts with built-in protection are ideal.
MTB-specific shoes with good grip and stiff soles significantly improve pedal control — especially on technical sections.
As a bonus, lightweight elbow and knee pads designed for enduro offer protection and freedom of movement without adding bulk.
Les 2 Alpes Bike Park trails are varied: dry dirt in summer, rocky sections, wet forest passages.
Adjusting your tire pressure to the terrain is a simple setting that makes a huge difference in grip and comfort.
For suspension, setting the correct SAG (static sag) based on your weight is essential for keeping the bike active over bumps.
If in doubt, technicians in local bike shops can help you.
The Oisans massif is an exceptional natural setting. Les 2 Alpes is actively committed to preserving it, and every rider has a role to play.
The mountains belong to no one — and to everyone.
Cutting corners or leaving marked trails permanently damages soil and fragile alpine vegetation.
Chamois, ibex and other species living in the area are easily disturbed by sudden rider movement.
Stay on designated routes, avoid unnecessary skidding and don’t create new off-trail lines.
In the mountains, the rule is simple: what you bring up, you bring back down.
Energy bar wrappers, punctured tubes, cans… nothing should be left behind. Bins are available in the resort and at lift stations.
Some routes around Les 2 Alpes are shared with hikers, families and sometimes horse riders.
In these shared areas, mountain bikers do not have priority. Slow down, announce your presence and greet others.
A positive attitude on the trails ensures good coexistence and avoids conflicts.
After heavy rain, trails are damaged. Riding on wet terrain creates deep ruts and makes sections dangerous.
Resort webcams allow you to monitor conditions in real time. If trails are closed due to weather, there’s a reason — respect it and enjoy other summer activities.
The Les 2 Alpes Bike Park is designed for all levels.
No need to jump onto Black Garden on day one if you’ve never ridden downhill.
The Vallée Blanche sector hosts the beginner initiation area, expanded for the 2026 season.
The Easy Park in the resort, free and accessible via the Vikings magic carpet, is perfect for first attempts.
Then progress naturally from blue to red trails as your confidence and technique improve.
Progressing alone is possible. Progressing with a certified instructor is faster and safer.
Several MTB schools are available: Bike Infinity, Gravity Bike, Ride Camps, TipTop Coaching and Bike in Muzelle.
Core skills — low position, looking ahead, absorbing impacts, line choice — come with repetition.
The pump track is an excellent tool to develop flow and terrain reading without the risks of downhill trails.
The Diable sector modules, enhanced through the Commencal partnership, help riders learn berms and jumps in a structured environment.
A 10–15 minute warm-up — shoulder rotations, hip mobility, dynamic leg stretches — prepares muscles and reduces injury risk.
At altitude, the body also needs to adapt: the first runs of the day should be considered warm-up laps.
Hydrate regularly, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
The most classic form of MTB: climbing and descending, exploring varied terrain and covering distance.
A mix between XC and downhill. Climbs are done by pedaling (or lifts), followed by technical descents.
The core of Les 2 Alpes Bike Park™. Riders descend from 3,200 meters on trails designed for speed, jumps and technical features.
Electric assistance has transformed mountain biking. It helps access remote areas and ride longer without exhaustion.
Unmarked trails may hide holes, unstable rocks or sudden drops.
Outside the marked MTB area, you are no longer covered by Bike Park rescue services.
Closed trail signs are there for safety reasons (maintenance, damage, hazards).
Ignoring them puts you and rescue teams at risk.
Mountain weather can change in 30 minutes.
Check forecasts and observe the sky. If in doubt, head back.
Following too closely is a common cause of collisions.
Always keep a safe distance.
XC focuses on endurance, enduro combines climbing and technical descents, downhill emphasizes speed, and e-MTB adds pedal assistance.
For Les 2 Alpes Bike Park, a DH or enduro bike is ideal. For XC or e-MTB routes, other models are more suitable.
A full-face helmet is mandatory. Knee pads, elbow pads, gloves and back protection are strongly recommended.
The Oisans massif hosts fragile ecosystems that must be preserved.
Lessons with certified instructors are the fastest way to improve.
Ultimately, all these rules serve one goal: helping you ride longer, better, and in a preserved environment.
Concretely, it means:
Riding safely and avoiding accidents
Preserving the environment
Improving your skills
Enjoying a positive experience
Prepare your next MTB ride by following these best practices, discover the best trails in Les 2 Alpes and rent your equipment locally to enjoy the experience safely.
