Downhill Bike Rental Serre Chevalier — DH Bikes at the Bike Park

Dedicated downhill bikes are available from shops near the gondola base in Chantemerle. They cost €60–€75/day and come with long-travel suspension, slack geometry, and flat pedals — the right setup for the bike park's red and black descents.

The Serre Chevalier Bike Park

The gondola from Chantemerle reaches 2,483m and the descents run back to around 1,350m — over 1,100m of vertical per run. There are 25 marked descents covering all ability levels, from wide flow trails to steep technical lines with rock features and drops.

• Gondola from Chantemerle base, Serre Ratier station.
• 1,100m+ vertical per run.
• 25+ descents from green to double-black.
• Beginner area and pump track at the gondola base.
• Open daily late June to mid-August, weekends in June and late September.

Downhill Bike Specs

The DH bikes available in Chantemerle are purpose-built for lift-accessed riding. They don't pedal efficiently uphill — but that is not what they are for.

• 170–200mm travel front and rear.
• Coil rear shock for more consistent performance on repeated runs.
• Slack head angle (63–65°) for stability at speed.
• Flat pedals standard, SPD available on request at some shops.
• Wide handlebars (780–800mm) for control on steep terrain.
• Frame sizes S to XL at larger shops.

Protective Gear

Full-face helmets and body armour are strongly recommended for red and black runs. Most DH rental shops also stock protection. Full cost breakdown in the price guide.

• Full-face helmet — €10–€15/day, mandatory on black runs at some parks.
• Chest and back protector — €10–€15/day.
• Knee and shin pads — €5–€10/day.
• Elbow pads — €5/day.
• Neck brace available at some shops — ask in advance.

Bike Park Pass

A day pass is required on top of bike rental and is sold at the gondola base — it is not included in any rental price. Half-day passes are available from midday.

• Day pass sold at the Chantemerle gondola base.
• Half-day pass available from midday.
• Multi-day passes offer a per-day saving.
• Kids passes significantly cheaper than adult.
• Check opening dates before travelling — early and late season can be weekends only.

Collection and Setup

DH bike setup takes longer than a trail bike rental — allow 20–30 minutes at the shop. See the general rental guide for what to bring.

• Staff will set suspension sag to your weight.
• Fork and rear shock pressure adjusted.
• Saddle lowered fully for descending.
• Flat pedals checked and tightened.
• Bring photo ID and a credit card — deposit is €400–€600.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a downhill bike at Serre Chevalier?

Yes. Dedicated downhill bikes with 170–200mm travel are available from shops near the Chantemerle gondola base, from €60–€75/day. Full-face helmets and body armour are also available to rent.

Do I need experience to ride the Serre Chevalier bike park?

The park has runs for all levels, including green beginner trails and a pump track at the base. That said, a dedicated downhill bike is built for red and black runs. Beginners are better off on a trail bike or hardtail for the green and blue runs while building confidence.

Is a bike park pass included in the rental price?

No — it is sold separately at the gondola base in Chantemerle. Budget around €30–€50 per adult day depending on the season.

What is the best time to ride the Serre Chevalier bike park?

July and August for the most open runs and best conditions. Weekday mornings are the quietest — gondola queues build from 10am in peak weeks. Arriving early makes a noticeable difference to how many runs you get in.