MTB in La Plagne: Expert Guide to the Bike Park and E-Biking in Paradiski

The La Plagne domain is not just a winter paradise; in summer, the mountains transform into one of the most diverse playgrounds in the Alps for MTB (Mountain Biking) enthusiasts. Whether you are a fan of pure downhill (DH), an enduro lover, or an explorer on an E-MTB (Electric Mountain Bike), our resort offers world-class infrastructure.

Staying at Chalet Dakota in Plagne 1800 means enjoying strategic access to the heart of the domain. Between larch forests and ridges facing Mont Blanc, we share our expert advice and secret trails for a 100% riding experience.

👉 Discover our Expert guide to summer in La Plagne

La Plagne Bike Park: Adrenaline and Panoramas

The Bike Park is centred around fast lifts like the Colorado chairlift in Plagne Centre or the Bergerie. This is where you will find the most iconic trails in the domain.

• For Beginners (Green/Blue Trails): The Shoshone or Blue Canyon trails are ideal for getting used to mountain riding. They offer gentle banked turns and well-maintained surfaces.
• For Intermediate Riders (Red Trails): The Comanche trail is a must-ride. It combines technicality and flow with breathtaking views of the peaks.
• For Experts (Black Trails): Take on the challenge of X'trem Canyon or Thunderbolt, where technical sections and jumps will put your suspension to the test.

E-MTB and Enduro: The Magic of the Balcony Trails

If the Bike Park is the kingdom of gravity, La Plagne’s E-MTB (electric mountain bike) domain is the realm of escape. Thanks to the unique terrain of the Tarentaise, we enjoy exceptional "balcony" trails that allow you to cover miles of stunning scenery with manageable climbs, all while facing the most beautiful peaks in the Alps.

The Balcon des Frasses: From Bellecôte to Plan Bois

This is the signature route for those staying at Chalet Dakota. Starting from Plagne Bellecôte (just 2 minutes away via the free shuttle from Plagne 1800), this trail winds through forests of Scots pines and larches.

• The Route: A nearly horizontal 12km crossing (return trip) linking the high-altitude resorts to the Plan Bois plateau (above the chalets of Montchavin-Les Coches).
• The Experience: The trail offers spectacular viewpoints over the Haute-Isère valley and the Beaufortain massif. It is a flowing track, ideal for testing the "Eco" or "Tour" modes on your battery.
• Expert Tip: Stop for a gourmet break at Refuge du Plan Bois or Chez la Vieille for lunch facing Mont Blanc before heading back.

Heading to Montalbert: The Adrets Crossing

For total immersion in nature, we recommend the link towards the chalets of Plagne Montalbert. This mellow enduro route takes you through changing landscapes, from alpine meadows to dense spruce forests.

• The Trail: Departing from Plagne 1800, take the Sentier des Mairiers (running alongside the bobsleigh track). This historic path, once used for water channel maintenance, is a marvel of flow on an E-MTB.
• The Profile: A gentle, winding descent that leads you down to the charming village of Montalbert. It is often a quieter sector, perfect for spotting local wildlife in the early morning.
• The Return: No need to worry about the climb back up: the Montalbert gondola is equipped to carry mountain bikes, whisking you effortlessly back to the peaks to drop back down into 1800.

The Crossing to Champagny-en-Vanoise: The Wild Side

For the more adventurous, crossing over to the south face is a "must-do". By heading over the Col de Forcle, you leave the bustle of the resorts behind and dive towards Champagny-le-Haut. 

The landscape changes dramatically: you enter a high, rocky mountain area before descending into a protected valley, at the gateway to the Vanoise National Park. It is here that the electric assist becomes truly valuable, allowing you to tackle the 1000m of elevation gain on the return journey without compromising your riding pleasure.

Learn and Improve: Schools and Rentals

To progress in complete safety, we highly recommend the Bike Sensation school. Located in Plagne Centre, they offer:

• Children's Clinics: Lessons from age 8 to learn the basics of balance and braking on descents.
• Guided Rides: Ideal for discovering the hidden single tracks that only a local instructor knows.
• Quality Hire: To make the most of your day, hire a recent full-suspension mountain bike.

Your MTB Base Camp at Chalet Dakota

After an intense day of riding on the Paradiski trails, the comfort of our chalets is your best ally for recovery:

• Secure Storage: A dedicated space to keep your bikes completely safe.
• Bike Wash: Facilities to clean your gear after a dusty or muddy session.
• Recovery: Make the most of our sauna to soothe your muscles before the next day's riding.