When Ski Resorts Become Bike Parks
Every winter, the Swiss and French Alps attract millions of skiers. But a quieter revolution has been unfolding each summer. Resorts like Verbier, Morzine, Les Gets, and Champéry now open their lifts for mountain bikes from June through September, transforming thousands of metres of vertical into a trail network that dwarfs anything at sea level. The Portes du Soleil alone claims over 600 kilometres of marked MTB trails spanning the Swiss-French border, and Verbier adds its own extensive network just down the valley.
The scale is almost absurd. You can ride for a week without repeating a trail. Gondolas and chairlifts eliminate the climbing, which means you spend your energy where it matters — descending through alpine meadows, rocky mountain passes, and forested valleys with views that stop you mid-trail.
Verbier: Technical Riding With Big Views
Verbier sits at 1,500 metres and the lifts carry you well above 2,500. The descents are long, physical, and technical. Trails here tend toward natural alpine terrain — loose rock, exposed roots, steep gradients, and the occasional snow patch early in the season. It is not a manicured bike park; it is mountain riding in the truest sense.
The Verbier E-Bike Festival and other events bring the community together each summer, and the town itself is compact, walkable, and full of excellent restaurants and bars. The post-ride scene at places like Pub Mont Fort is a highlight — riders trading stories over cold Swiss beer with the peaks turning pink behind them.
Connect with training partners, earn travel miles, and discover terrain worth crossing borders for.
Join ZealZagFollow us on InstagramPortes du Soleil: The Mega Network
Cross the valley and you enter the Portes du Soleil, the largest MTB area in Europe. Morzine and Les Gets are the epicentre, with graded trails ranging from gentle green paths to double-black downhill runs. The Passportes du Soleil is a legendary one-day route that links multiple resorts across the border, covering 80 kilometres and 8,000 metres of descent. It is a bucket-list ride that combines endurance, navigation, and jaw-dropping scenery.
Les Gets hosts the MTB World Cup downhill, and the legacy shows in the trail building. Berms are sculpted, jumps are measured, and the flow trails are some of the best on the continent. For families or newer riders, this is one of the most accessible alpine bike parks anywhere.
Practical Tips for Planning Your Trip
Multi-day lift passes cover both areas and represent excellent value. Bike rental shops in every resort town stock quality enduro and DH bikes if you prefer not to travel with your own. The trail maps are solid, and apps like Trailforks have comprehensive coverage. Book accommodation early for July and August — these resorts are popular, and the best-value options go fast.
E-bikes are welcome on most trails and are a smart choice if you want to link areas without relying solely on lifts. Charging stations are available at most lift bases.
Plan Your Alps MTB Trip With ZealZag
The Alps are massive, and choosing where to ride can feel overwhelming. That is where ZealZag comes in. Connect with riders who have mapped out the best itineraries, discover which trails are running well right now, and find riding partners who match your pace. The ZealZag community brings local insight to a landscape that rewards it. Start your summer Alps plan with riders who already know the way.