Serre Chevalier Bike Park Guide — Runs, Lifts & What to Expect

The Serre Chevalier bike park is one of the best lift-accessed riding destinations in the French Alps. The gondola from Chantemerle reaches 2,483m and 25+ marked descents cover over 1,100m of vertical. Here is everything you need to know before your first visit.

Getting There and Lift Access

The bike park is accessed by the Serre Ratier gondola, which departs from the Chantemerle base. The gondola carries bikes in the cabin or on external racks. A bike park day pass is required on top of any rental fee and is sold at the gondola base. The gondola runs daily from late June through mid-August, and weekends only in early June and late September.

• Gondola departs from Chantemerle (Serre Ratier station)
• First gondola — typically 9:00–9:30am
• Last descent signalled 30–60 minutes before gondola close (usually 5pm)
• Bike park day pass required — sold at the gondola base
• Half-day pass available from midday

Runs by Difficulty

The park covers a wide range of ability levels. Don't skip the easier runs on your first visit — they give you a feel for the terrain before committing to the steeper lines.

• Green — beginner flow trails, wide and forgiving, suitable for first-timers
• Blue — moderate descents, some technical sections, good for building confidence
• Red — technical singletrack, roots, rocks, some drops and steeper pitches
• Black — steep, committing lines with larger features and exposure
• Double black (where marked) — expert only, consequence terrain

What Bike to Rent for the Park

Bike choice matters in the park. A trail hardtail works on green and blue; red and black runs reward a full-suspension bike. Dedicated downhill bikes are available in Chantemerle for riders spending most of their time on the most challenging runs. See the downhill bike rental guide for specs and prices.

• Green and blue — hardtail or entry-level full-suspension
• Red — full-suspension trail or enduro bike
• Black — enduro or dedicated downhill bike
• E-MTB — permitted on most runs, good for climb-back sections
• Full-face helmet mandatory on black runs, strongly recommended on red

Facilities at the Park

The Chantemerle gondola base has a good range of facilities. Most of what you need is within a short walk of the gondola station.

• Pump track and skills area open to all (no pass required)
• Bike wash station at the gondola base
• Basic mechanical repair stand with tools
• Cafes and a restaurant at the gondola base
• Rental shops within riding distance of the station

Tips for Your First Visit

A few things that make your first bike park day significantly better. For help choosing the right rental bike beforehand, see the main rental guide.

• Start on green and blue runs — get a feel for the terrain before going harder
• Ride the full run top to bottom before sessioning sections
• Go early — gondola queues build from 10am in peak weeks
• Take a trail map from the gondola base — runs are signed but the map helps planning
• Wear more protection than you think you need on your first day

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Serre Chevalier bike park good?

Yes. It is one of the better bike parks in the French Alps — serious vertical (1,100m+), a range of well-built descents from beginner to expert, and a gondola that runs reliably through the summer season. It is less well-known internationally than Morzine or Les Gets, which means shorter queues and quieter runs.

How much does a bike park day pass cost at Serre Chevalier?

Day pass prices vary by season and are updated annually. Passes are sold at the gondola base in Chantemerle. Budget for approximately €30–€50 per adult day pass based on recent seasons. Kids passes are significantly cheaper. Check the Serre Chevalier tourism website for current prices before travelling.

Do I need my own bike to ride the Serre Chevalier bike park?

No. Rental shops in Chantemerle and across the valley provide bikes suitable for the park. Downhill and enduro bikes are available from shops near the gondola base. You do need to purchase a separate bike park pass at the gondola station.

Is the Serre Chevalier bike park suitable for beginners?

Yes, with some caveats. The beginner area at the gondola base and the green-graded trails are genuinely accessible. However, the mountain is big and it is easy to accidentally take a turn onto terrain that is much more demanding. Stick strictly to marked green trails on your first visit and don't venture off the marked network.