Portes du Soleil - MTB

This weeklong trip samples the best lift-accessed riding in Switzerland and France. The Portes du Soleil connects 10 resorts with 25 lifts encompassing the most diverse interconnected trail system in the Alps. We’ll ride with one of the architects of this system, Scott pro freerider Ben Walker, who will show us his favorite runs, best descents, and secret stashes. We’ll also head to some of the best spots just down the valley in Bex and Montreaux, and even catch a concert at the world-famous jazz fest there (early July). Our luxury chalet is the ideal place to unwind after a dizzying day of the best riding you’ve ever experienced. After getting a look at the potential of PDS, you’ll want to come back next year for more. Come discover why Portes du Soleil is the must-see Mecca of mountain biking in the Alps.

Package includes: 

• Private transfer Geneva airport to Champéry and return
• 7 nights lodging authentic Swiss Chalet/Hotel Champéry(dbl occ.)
• Breakfast, Lunch and 4 dinners (includes snacks during rides)
• Local wine and beverages with meals
• 6.5 days guided riding
• High-end road bike Demo
• Mechanical support (repairs will be invoiced separately)
• All lift tickets, bike shuttles and transfers, support van during rides
• Local vineyard visits and tastings in UNESCO Lavaux region
• Emergency Helicopter evacuation insurance
• Epic personalized concierge services: we can arrange for massage, yoga, child care, or children’s activities

*Note - Pricing below is based on a base package.  We take great pride in our ability to customize trip details according to your needs and desires.  Customized trip pricing will vary according to your preferred details.

*Dependent on conditions, may change

Day 1 (Saturday): Arrive in Geneva, meet your EpicQuest guides for the transfer to Champéry. Check into your hotel/chalet, assemble bikes, and if time permits, an afternoon tram run right above town. Après cocktails then dinner at an authentic fondue restaurant.

Day 2 (Sunday): Ride the Morgins / Crosets area of Portes du Soleil. Lunch on-mountain. A long lap back to Champéry. Dinner in town.

Day 3 (Monday): Head over to Châtel, on the French side for the ultimate PDS experience. From North Shore features, to wide-open freeriding, to manicured bike parks, Châtel has it all. Lunch in a mountain hamlet, and a long descent to Lake Geneva before catching the train back to Champéry. Dinner in town.

Day 4 (Tuesday): We’ll head down the valley to Bex / Villars, riding the underground trails accessed from the train system. Home to a hardcore crew of passionate riders, this is the true technical Swiss forest riding. Lunch in Bex, dinner in Champéry.

Day 5 (Wednesday): Head to Montreaux on Lake Geneva to ride the Rochers de Naye train.  4000’ descents from alpine to silky forest trails, through mountain meadows right down to the lake, this is what riding in Switzerland is all about. Lunch on the lake, then dinner and a special night of music at the Montreux Jazz Festival (July 3-18).

Day 6 (Thursday): Heading up the Champéry lift system, a climb to the head of the valley in Grands Paradis for a wild descent off the beaten path. Lunch in town. A relaxing afternoon in the thermal baths, and/or a private massage. Dinner in town.

Day 7 (Friday): Back up the PDS lifts for an all-day MTB safari, hitting as many trails as we can to rack up the kilometers. It’s possible to ride through nearly the entire resort system in one day for a massive lift-assisted singletrack loop. Lunch at an on-mountain hut, dinner in Champéry.

Day 8 (Saturday): Breakfast at hotel and transfer to Geneva. Opportunity for afternoon sightseeing, depending on flight time. Guest departure.