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

Downhill bike rental at Serre Chevalier is available from shops near the gondola base in Chantemerle. Dedicated DH bikes cost €60–€75/day and come with long-travel suspension, slack geometry, and flat pedals — everything you need for the bike park's red and black descents.

The Serre Chevalier Bike Park

The Serre Chevalier bike park is one of the best in the Alps. 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
• Dedicated beginner and pump track area at the base
• Bike park open late June to mid-September (full days), weekends in June and late September

Downhill Bike Specs Available to Rent

The DH bikes available at Chantemerle shops are purpose-built for lift-accessed riding. They're not efficient to pedal uphill, but that's not what they're for.

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

Protective Gear Rental

Full-face helmets and body armour are strongly recommended for red and black runs. Most DH rental shops also stock protection. For a full cost breakdown, see 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 bike park day pass is required on top of your bike rental. Passes are sold at the gondola base in Chantemerle and are not included in any rental price. Half-day passes are available from midday for riders arriving late.

• 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/late season can be weekends only

What to Expect on Collection

DH bike setup is more involved than trail bike rental. Allow 20–30 minutes at the shop, especially if it's your first time on a long-travel bike. See also the general rental guide for what to bring.

• Staff will set sag (suspension compression under rider weight)
• Fork and rear shock pressure set to your weight
• Saddle lowered fully for descending
• Flat pedals checked and tightened
• Bring photo ID and credit card for deposit (€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 rental shops near the Chantemerle gondola base. Expect to pay €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 ability levels, including green beginner trails and a pump track at the base. However, a dedicated downhill bike is really designed for red and black runs. If you're a beginner, a trail bike or even a hardtail is a better choice for the green and blue runs while you build confidence.

Is a bike park pass included in the rental price?

No. The bike park pass is sold separately at the gondola base in Chantemerle. Rental shops do not include it in the price. Budget for an additional €30–€50/day for the pass depending on the season.

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

July and August offer the most open runs and best trail conditions. Early morning on weekdays is the quietest time — gondola queues build from 10am in peak season. Late July and the first two weeks of August are the busiest — arriving early matters if you want to get the most runs in.