The world's best downhill biking spots
Downhill biking, or MTB downhill (DH), as the name implies, involves riding downhill on a road, often mountainous. The rider must show commitment and technical skill, but above all control and precision to ride down a steep slope in the woods or on a trail. In addition to a road with obstacles such as roots, bumps and holes, there are often sharp bends to negotiate and sometimes jumps of varying sizes to make.
But before tackling the Red Bull Rampage, you can also try out this cool sport in hiking mode, for example, in a forest descent. You can also combine business with pleasure by enjoying a breathtaking panoramic view, which is not really rare in the mountain ranges.
So if you're bored of cycling and want a bit of adrenaline in your rides and escapades on the side of a mountain (or volcano), we've selected for you a dozen must-see destinations for downhill mountain biking:
Mont Ventoux (France)
Mont Ventoux is undoubtedly one of the most mythical passes for downhill mountain bikers in France. It is also rated as a 3-star mountain bike pass on Utagawa VTT, the benchmark for mountain bike routes in France. Dominating the Vaucluse sky at 1911 metres, it has acquired some remarkable nicknames over the years: some call it the Giant of Provence, but it is also known as the Bald Mountain. As you have probably already realised, it is indeed a mountain of character, which will give you an unforgettable experience!
Reykjavik (Iceland)
What better way to experienceIceland's spectacular scenery than by bike? Ride through Reykjavik 's volcanic landscape on a mountain bike and see the glaciers and northern lights along the way. One of the most beautiful places on earth to explore by bike and enjoy the wild and fantastic landscape of this region. You also have the option of being dropped off by helicopter at the spot. You take off from Reykjavik and fly over a steaming geothermal area before landing on top of the Hengill volcano. Then you start the descent of a varied technical single track from which you only come out to admire the breathtaking beauty of this majestic place.
Verbier (Switzerland)
Ready to ditch your GPS and follow your instincts? Leave the bike trails behind and tame Verbier 's toughest cross-country terrain with mountain biking trips through the famous Alpine mountain range! Verbier is well known for its winter sports, but underneath its thick blanket of snow lies a veritable treasure trove of high mountain terrain. The resort of Verbier is a continuum of green valleys and immense peaks. The lifts are equipped with bike racks, which makes your sessions much easier. Your instructor will tailor an itinerary to suit your experience and the height you are prepared to travel. Steep cliffs, rockfalls, forests and herds of cattle await you on the way, so don't hesitate!
Annecy (France)
The Semnoz descent is a great classic of downhill mountain biking. This long descent through the undergrowth will delight mountain bikers of all levels. From the start, you will have an exceptional panorama of LakeAnnecy and the Aravis and Bauges mountain ranges at an altitude of around 1700 metres, and of course you will also have the chance to see Mont Blanc in the background. Afterwards, you start the descent to Lake Annecy (1300 meters of negative altitude difference), in the middle of the Semnoz forest. The route combines technical sections with more rolling sections. The terrain is very varied but always very pleasant in the difficult sections, as well as in the more rolling ones and the sequences are really pleasant. The descent will alternate between wide tracks, narrow paths and forest tracks, which represent the diversity of the circuit. We guarantee that you will end the day with a big smile on your face as you emerge from the mountain at the foot of Lake Annecy, before dipping your feet in the water!
Whistler (Canada)
Located in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia, Whistler Park is one of the world's most famous downhill mountain biking parks. Only two hours north of Vancouver, this destination is also very popular for winter sports (snowboarding, skiing...). Whistler Blackcomb is one of the largest ski resorts inNorth America. A must-see spot with some of the best trails in the world for cycling and nature lovers. Several international competitions are held in Whistler with numerous courses for all levels and always a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountain landscape.
Queenstown (New Zealand)
There are many spots in New Zealand for mountain bike enthusiasts. Some of the biggest names in MTB downhill are training on the trails in this region and even a world championship round is held here. The Queensland Bike Park is one of Queenstown' s best known bike parks, with a multitude of trails and a brand new gondola (the first in the country). You take off from Brecon Street to Bob's Peak, 450 metres above the city and Lake Wakatipu. Once at the top, you'll enjoy stunning panoramic views of Coronet Peak to the north and the Remarkables mountain range to the east. From here you can choose from over 30 world-class trails totalling over 30 kilometres in length. If you don't want to take the gondola up, you also have the option of being dropped off by helicopter (heli-biking), with an unbeatable view of the mountain range. Don't miss the famous Gorge Road spot if you are in the area with its famous dirt terrain and single-track descent.
The fjords of Norway
TheHafjell bike park is world famous, but there are plenty of other spots to explore in Norway. The fabulous mountainside fjords offer great descents to ride your bike. When the snow has melted, the trails that wind through the Sunmore Alps are a real treat to ride, but you can also find equally exciting spots in the country, such as Stranda, Bygdøy and Akerselva nearOslo, or Sogndal in the Jostedalsbreen National Park. You'll be riding enduro trails through dust clouds, downhill hills, tight turns, trails through pine forests - the ultimate dream for any mountain biker.
Mont Maïdo (Reunion Island)
Located in the middle of the Indian Ocean,Reunion Island enjoys an altitude of 3000 metres. A dream spot for downhill mountain biking. The island is full of extraordinary places to practice this exhilarating activity. And Mont Maïdo is certainly the most beautiful corner of the island (if not the most beautiful in the world) for an unforgettable descent. The excursion will start at 2200 meters of altitude with the discovery of the cirque of Mafate, an enormous crater which can only be visited on foot or by bike! Then you will cross the Cryptomerias forest and this is where the adventure really begins! You will cross some technical passages in the Tamarind forest, and from time to time you will pause to admire the spectacular view of the volcanoes. As you leave the forest, you will see the sky and the Indian Ocean become one: an absolutely sublime sight! In the distance, you will also see the lagoon and the beach of Saint-Gilles-les-Bains.
Ligurian Final (Italy)
Located in a small town in the province of Savona in Liguria, this spot is world famous for its mountain bike routes. This dream destination owes its success mainly to its exceptional panorama where the sea and the mountains meet. Several enduro and freeride mountain bike events are organised on the Finale Ligure spot, often starting from the church of Madonna Della Guardia. For the DH (downhill) sections, we recommend the Manie area with a breathtaking view over the beautiful village of Varigotti rich in colours and vegetation. You will ride along the Mediterranean coast with many rocky trails and paths dedicated to downhill biking in a unique area.
Cape Town (South Africa)
Gansbaai and Cape Town are among the best destinations in South Africa for downhill mountain biking. The Western Cape is renowned for its long trails and routes designed specifically for mountain biking in an unspoilt natural setting. Located on the slopes of Table Mountain, Tokai Forest is a mountain lover's paradise with several different sets of routes. Enjoy a single track that offers a fairly technical adventure for experienced mountain bikers through this forest terrain. To top it all off, you can enjoy a panoramic view of False Bay. This area ofSouth Africa promises a great adrenaline rush while being immersed in the natural beauty of the Cape.
Vallnord Bike Park (Andorra)
One of the most spectacular mountain bike courses in southernEurope, located in the facilities of the Pal-Arinsal ski resort, which becomes the Vallnord Bike Park when the weather turns warm. The superb Andorran park offers a wide range of trails for all levels, ideal for beginners or for those who want to improve their technique. Some of the tracks are approved for the MTB World Cup, especially the Wood Park, which has bridges, jumps, potholes and other obstacles that are very popular with riders. The bike park website also states that enthusiasts can also enjoy cross-country riding on small trails, amidstAndorra's unique and beautiful landscapes.
