That's cool :)

Let me know when you will try it, Salève seems great for it. As for me I'm a beginner in downhill but not at all in cycling.

Les-Gets is a good place for mountain and downhill biking:

http://www.lesgets.com/vtt/

Thanks guys for addvices !

As I just came here I don't have a mountain bike yet, and the priority is to find an appartment... Which is coming I hope.

So then I will be able to look for a nice mountain bike, but I would like to find something I could use for mountain and downhill too. I was thinking about that one : http://www.giant-bicycles.com/fr-fr/bikes/model/trance.x/7465/44626/

What do you think ?

Yeah but the problem is that with freerides bikes it's not nice for usual mountain biking... And I don't want to have 3 bikes one of each... road (already have one), mountain and freeride.

So that's why I would like to find something that I know won't be the best for downhill but will be good for mountain as well.

Hi go for an all mountain bike, Scott genius LT, Lapierre Spicy, Santa Cruz Hekler/Blur.  Make sure you get at least 6 inch suspension on front you'll need to get the most out of the terrain the area has to offer.  Good luck

I would advise looking across the border in France for a bike or getting one from Germany, I got one from Raddiscount, they have some good offers. Otherwise Decath in annemasse is a good bet. You don't need huge amounts of fork travel unless you are in the bike parks in ski resorts.

Something like the Rockrider 9.1 would be ok for a lot of riding, cost is about 700 euros.

I know this is a downhill thread but do you know if there's any crosscountry biking on the Saleve? I ride my road bike on it and see the downhillers but not sure if there's any crosscountry trails.

Cheers,

Los

I'm also looking for people to downhill with. I have my own bike and I'm free for the next two weeks.

let me know when the next trip will be

There are  a lot of possibilities for XC/ST riding both on and under le Saleve. Did you try the path from la Croisette to St Blaise for example? It can be a bit muddy under the trees. In the other direction you can do a big loop from la Croisette along the ridge line.

I can understand that, I have a garage full of bikes! For downhill take a look at the Felt Redemption 3 Full Suspension, weighs about 16.5kg which is not massive. You can get is for under 1200 euros at the moment:-

http://www.raddiscount.de/P06057.html?utm_medium=mail&utm_term=P06057_htm&utm_campaign=preisliste&utm_source=Preisliste&utm_content=htm

Otherwise for a more mixed use the Decathlon/BTwin ER1 looks quite interesting. 14kg, 150mm of front fork travel, the 180mm disks might suffer on extended downhills. I wouldn't even diss the Decath FR6, I know a few people who ride them, one guy has had his for 3 years with some serious use. Decath were lending them out at the Mondial du VTT at les Deux Alpes where even the pro riders had generally positive comments; the main neg is the rear shock. You can get one for 550 euros at the moment and keep your other bikes. When you grow out of it take it along to the Trocathlon and get half your money back to put to your next bike.

And what about bikes from Giant ? Because I have I can have good prices on Giant bicycles. That's why I was thinking about the Trance X 2.

For the price it doesn't really matter because I will use it enough so I don't mind spending 2000 euros if it's for a good one.

Dunno about Giant MTBs, I've only got a city bike from them which is great but as the other replies have said the bike you showed is more XC than downhill... maybe you wouldn't take it down the Pas d'Echelle although lets not forget that 10 years ago we were doing downhill routes on 100mm forks and V brakes.

Yeah just saw now that there is not 160mm in front on that one...

So I saw that one which seems quite good :

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/fr-fr/bikes/model/reign.x2/7462/44620/

You should maybe take up the poster aboves offer to go out with him and borrow a bike ?

Yeah :) Will finish moving in region and then enjoy all that ! Thanks all for advices anyway and I'm sure we will have lots of fun :)

Hey folks! I've just read this thread...I live in Geneva and have been exploring the XC trails on the saleve recently...the DH trails look pretty good there too and so keen to try out! I have a full suspension trail bike but looking to get a FR/DH now too.

Keen to join some of you guys for some FR/DH/XC some time if that's cool?

Cheers!

Simon

Hey Jonathan - just a quick one to say that I"m running a few "Beginners" weekends in Verbier, over the summer.

4&5 June, 30&31 July, and 3&4 Sept.

Not posted on Glocals yet - will be doing so shorty and will post in the commercial "things to do" tab. 

In the meantime if you wish to find out more - email me direct 

Thanks (www.puregravity.ch)

Hey hey hey.

Just arrived in Geneva this month, and will be here for sometime, hopefully.

I'm Ressuscitating this thread to know if anoyone is into DH this season.

I'm used to all-mountain and enduro, but as I found myself this near the Alps I've bought a DH rig. :-) Could not help it.

Looking forward to discover awesome spots like Les Gets, Morzine, Champery, Chatel....

If you're into this, please drop me a line, Thanks

Best regards

Francisco

Hi Francisco

Id be happy to show you tracks on Le Saleve

James

is there anything similar in Crozet?

Hey guys seems to me this is the new down hillers in geneva thread.

I moved to geneva 2 weeks ago and use to live in whistler but have not ridden down hill for about 8 years, i would call my self a novice, I have been up the saleve and realized the trails up there are amazing but not verry well marked out , I have riden a few of them but did not want to push my luck. 

I am looking for a person / people to ride with/show me around.

At the moment im looking for work so i can go riding when ever.

Any help would be great as riding on my own = dangerous.

Regards Alan

Welcome to join us next time we hit Le Saleve. Trails are awesome, 8-10 technical tracks. Give me your email & I'll let you know

James

Hey there that's great, cheers for the quick reply, my email is.  

[email protected]

i look forward to hearing from you guys in the in the future,

cheers AlanAlan

Hello Jonathan,

I just read that your intetested in mountainbiking. Are you more a beginner or advanced biker? I'm clearly a beginner and look for likeminded beginners to explore some trails in the hinterland of Geneva.

Regards from Frankfurt,

  Frederic

Hey Guys,

Don't know if the tread is still active. But I would really love to start some DH mountainbiking next spring.. I am a beginner in DH, but used to drive a bit of XC..

I'm looking in to buying an Enduro bike when this years ski season ends.. Would anyone be interested in going for a ride on Saleve or Jura.?

I kinda need someone to show me around the first time.. Plus it would be nice to team up and ride together with someone..

Hope some of you guys are still active on this tread..

Regards

Frederic

now that summer is over and mountain biking season in the alps is ending...  is there anyone who regularly rides locally in the Jura or Saleve?  I ride enduro or dh.

i am still keen to do some riding before the real winter comes, and after a year and half I still haven't ridden Saleve yet...

Yeah mate I'm looking for people to ride with, I've been up the saleve and hade a look around and there is some good riding but you don't really want to do it on your own, I'm headed up to chamonix for the season but will be back mid may you can contact me directly on  [email protected] we should go up for a ride there was another bloke on the post that said he would show me around, maybe in spring it looks like now.

cheers

alan

Sorry mate headed to Cham, in the spring for sure thou

I'm pretty much moving to Cham not for the season too but will let you know if I'm around at all to ride Saleve...fun trails up there.

Hey again guys,

Thanks for all the replies. I guess I might have posted on this forum a bit to early - since I am not looking in to doing any riding until spring. And I still need to get a new bike first as well..

I will post again on this forum when I am ready for some riding. And hopefully some of you will still be around and up for showing a DH/enduro newbie around the trails.

Regards

Fred

Get a bike now while you can still get the 2012 models cheap. People DH on the Saleve all through the winter

I would get a bike now - but there is 2 things that renders it impossible to buy a bike now.. I am on a course in Zurich until end of December, and I also still do not have the money for a proper bike.. Otherwise I would have been trying my best on Saleve or Jura already :)

Your not Australian are you? Bojangles is a very famous Aussie pub, chopper not sure if you have seen it?

Hey,

Not sure if this thread is still active at all, but now that the snow is disappearing I'm wanting to get back downhill mountain biking. I'm planning on riding up at the Saleve and Juras (if there are any trails there?), and getting out to the bigger resorts in the Alps when I can (and when the lifts open!)... Will probably go mostly to Les Gets / Portes du Soleil.

Anyone interested in organising some rides? Or maybe I could tag along with some of you guys?

Cheers,

Tom 

Hello,

I am selling a Canyon Torque FR 7.0 (size M) bike for 650 euros. It is five years old but has only been used for one season and is in very good condition. You can find more info on Canyon's website at

http://www.canyon.com/_en/mountainbikes/bike.html?b=3057

I am also selling a 661 Pressure Suit Body Armour (size M) and Bell helmet (59-61 cm).  Good deal for anyone buying the whole package.

You can call me at 076 478 2901 or email at [email protected]. I live in Champel/Malagnou in Geneva.

robert

ps. there are very nice easy routes on the saleve as well (if you are willing to pedal/walk for 10 minutes)

Hi Tom,

Will be in a similar situation soon, just moved out and will be shipping my bike out mid June - wouldn't mind checking out Saleve with anyone that knows it well, seeing as its so close. Did Les Gets  a few times years back, so i'm interested to see some different places like Verbier if anyone is considering heading that way too.

For now i'm resorting to riding my commuter bike around the roads..nice as it is i'm looking forward to getting back to some DH/Enduro

Cheers

Dave 

Hi Dave,

I went up Mont Saleve last weekend and followed some French guys down a nice, but hardcore trail! Seems like there's quite a few options there.

Give me a shout when you get your bike and we can maybe sort out some trips. I'm up for travelling to some new resorts as well.

Cheers,

Tom

Just a shout out to people looking for riding partners, will be moving back down to Geneva in 2 or so weeks, after a great winter. And I'm itching to get on my bike any one that's interested can email me on [email protected]

kind rregards 

alan

Hi everyone,

 I just moved to Geneva and brought my AM-Bike. I want to discover Le Saleve/Jura and Portes-du-soleil when lifts open. I will go for my first ride in this area on Thursday 9 May. Anyone I could join or anyone who wants to join? Any tips for useful maps and where to get them?

Cheers, David

Hey all,

I'm also looking to get into some all-mountain biking (not necessarily DH). I've got a shit bike I brought over from NL and am looking for a good secondhand one. I live in Esserts-Saleve, so literally I just have to go out back to ride, lol.

Best,

Steve

Is anyone riding the "Passporte du soleil"?

I'd be up for a couple of days riding in the PdS area once the lifts are up and running, happy to help with the drives etc. I'm looking more for the XC/AM than pure DH though. Anyone interested?

definitely!

Hi guys,

I would be interesteed in AM and downhill. The ski lifts in Les Gets open again during the weekends, starting May 25 (depending on the weather). I would also like to join someone going to ride the Saleve or Jura but do not know any trails there.

Following Ben's post, how about going to Les Gets on May 25th? There are some nice AM trails as well as downhill tracks for all levels.

Hey,

I would be up for a day at Les Gets on May 25th. I've been there lots of times and the trails are always great. Like Miguel says there is something for all levels. I'm more into the DH stuff but happy to check out other style trails as long as it doesn't involve too much pedalling! My bike doesn't like to be pedalled...

Cheers,

Tom

I can transport 2-3 bikes plus 2-3 persons in my car...

Hi guys,

due to the adverse weather the opening of the bike park in Les Gets was postponed 1 week to June 1st. Shall we go then?

Anyway, if someone still wants to ride this weekend in the Saleve, Jura, Flaine, PdS just let us know.

If anyone's going on the 1st I'm in. You can't beat the first weekend of the season at Les Gets before the braking bumps turn up!

I've got a mountain bike that I'd like to sell, it is in good condition.  Just send me a pm if you'd like more details.

Hey,

I'll go riding at Les Gets with my cousin the weekend of the 1st June for sure (assuming they don't have anymore snow!). Let me know if you plan to go and we can meet up there.

If I get time I might go up the Saleve this Sunday... Will let you know if I do, and anyone is welcome to join. I only know one trail there so will be doing some exploring / following locals!

Cheers, Tom 

I'm in for the 1st of June. We can meet there.

Hey, so I'm definitely going to Les Gets on Saturday. Only the Chavanne lift will be open, but there's a couple of decent DH tracks from there to ride. I'm not sure what time I'll arrive (got to pick my friend up from Geneva airport around 8am), so maybe we could meet at lunchtime/late morning? PM me if you're going and we can exchange phone numbers, or just look out for me there - I'll be on a giant glory, with a grey full face helmet, hopefully not crashed into a tree! ;-)

Cheers, Tom

Anyone in for a ride in Les Gets tomorrow?

hi guys

i was wondering if you recommend les get for some cross coutry riding, myself and wife would go there, we lack downhill experience so would stick to green / blue runs at best..was thinking about the mont cherry side as it looks more friendlier, also i was wondering if its possible to ride up rather that take the lift?

thanks a lot

n

Sorry Miguel, only just saw your message, was up in Les Gets yesterday. Did you go?

Neil I wouldn't recommend Les Gets for XC, especially as it needs to thaw out a lot first before the trails that go round the top of the valley are open. You'd be better off on the Jura or Saleve for now

Neil,

I'd agree with Steve that you should leave it a couple of weeks for the snow to thaw. Les Gets does have a few decent cross country trails though. There's a nice long and fairly easy run (even though it is graded black) that goes from the top of the Chavanne lift, around the back of the mountain (with views of Mont Blanc) then drops back into Les Gets... Last time I did it, it was poorly signposted so a map is useful! There's also a few trails on the Mont Chery side that are more family friendly. You can cycle up, but I'd recommend getting the lift, as I don't think the ride up is very interesting.

There's also 2 really great green downhill runs if you want to give it a try... One from the Chavanne lift, and one from the Mont Chery gondola.

After the end of June, the rest of the Portes du Soleil area will be open (Avoriaz, Les Croset....), and then you have loads of options for cross country and downhill.

Cheers, Tom

perfect thanks a lot for the help guys

cheers

n

Hey all,

I'm going up to Les Gets again tomorrow for a good few DH runs on the Chavanne, as the weather seems like it will be reasonable. Hoping the tracks will have dried out a bit since last weekend as well...

At the moment I'm going alone, and planning to get there around 9-9:30. Drop me a message if you want to meet up there.

Cheers, Tom

Great. Will meet you there. Sent you a PM

Hey, I didn´t saw your post. I was as well in Les Gets today. Weather was nice until 6pm. If weather is good I may go again tomorrow. Next week Chatel opens. I will def be going if weather is ok.

To the guys that rode in Les Gets this weekend : Any idea if the XC trails are rideable yet?

I was in Chamonix this weekend and the lower trails were in perfect condition, but I'm not sure about the stuff higher up...

I'm not too sure about the condition of the xc trails, but there was still quite a bit of snow around, especially on the Mont Chery side. I'd probably leave it at least another week or so, depending how the weather is.

Hi,

Next Saturday, I'll arrive @Les Gets with 3friends for a DH week in PdS.

But, helassss, we booked in January, and when lift schedules were released, we realised that lots of them are not yet opened that week.

Basically, only Les Gets, Most of Morzine, Champery, and Chatel 1st weekend...Major bummer :-/

http://en.portesdusoleil.com/summer-lifts.html

Anyone will be around?

We will probably try to find a way to go to Chatel, Sunday 16 (1st ride day), and maybe Champery some other day (too hardcore?)

For the other days, any advise how can we move between Les Gets and Morzine? (some lifts closed)

And to whomever has already been there this year: Mud tires?

Thanks! all the Best

Francisco

Hi Francisco, I remember riding there with you last year. I went up a week ago and it was insanely muddy but it might have dried out a bit in the last week

I've never done it but I think you can roll on the road mostly downhill from Les Gets to Morzine without using the lifts, but for the other way you'll need the Pleney to be running (which it should be)

Hey guys

I have a mate in town for the next few days, and we were hoping to do a spot of XC mountain biking. I spent a week in les gets a few years ago so not a total beginner but def out of practise.

Is there anywhere people would recommend to go (eg saleve, Jura), where we could rent everything we'd need, and have a good day out?

cheers all!

Sandy

Hey Sandy,

Chamonix is totally worth it for XC, and many of the trails are rideable right now (or were last weekend). The Chamonix Classic trail is a great day's riding, not too tough but with some challenging sections

Drop by ZeroG in downtown Chamonix for rentals and more guidance on which trails to do:

http://www.zerogchx.com/default.asp?id_lang=1

Super friendly, great service (speak English if you need). Rentals are about 40 Euro a day, but the bikes are really nice (Specialized Stumpjumper FSRs & Enduros). Tom, the guy who literally wrote the book on MTB in Chamonix works here, he'll be able to help with advice on trails:

http://thechamonixbikebook.com/

If you want to stay closer to home, the signposted black VTT trail across the Saleve (from the top of the cable car) is great fun, but you'll need to detour the descent because it's been destroyed by logging. PM me and I can send you some gps traces if you like.

Ben

I've just brought my bike over so will be heading to Saleve this Sunday to get back into it - nothing to intense this stage, just want to work out where the main trails and DH tracks are for the future. If anyone else fancies riding locally this weekend and showing me the trails that would be an added bonus.

Cheers

Dave

Hi Francisco, you can roll down the road from Les Gets to Morzine no problem. You may as well get the Chavanne lift up though, as there's a signposted trail from there down into Morzine (or take the Pleney DH track). You need to pedal a bit, but still easily done on a DH bike.

Where you might have a problem is getting back. Apparently the Pleney lift will be closed for the summer season, as they are replacing it for the winter. Check out:

http://en.lesgets.com/mtb/mtb-news/mtb-les-gets-morzine-lift.html

Not sure if the bike bus back to Les Gets will be running the week you're up there unfortunately. If you've got a car, it maybe better to drive down into Morzine, or over to Chatel if you want to ride there.

Not sure about mud tires... It was just about dry last Saturday, but the weekend before was really wet! I'd go for dry tires... at least they're still fun in the wet!

Anyone wants to go to Chatel on Saturday? Weatherforecast is excellent. I ll start around 9am by car in Geneva.

Hey there, finally got my bike up and running, I'm keen as mustard for a bit of down hill on the weekend, lets keep contact you can get me on [email protected]

or on 0786598013

have a good one see you soon

alan

Hi all,

Thanks you Steve and Tom! I've also learned that Morgins will be opened.

First thing to do upon arrival is finding out how to move there. Mostly from Morzine back to Les Gets, and also find a way to get our arses in Morgins one day.

If anyone is going, drop a line here.

Thanks again!

F

Went up Saleve this weekend (albeit with slight hangover today courtesy of last nights glocals gig) - tracks running mostly dry but still plenty of greasy sections which keeps things interesting. Alot more technical than I expected with plenty of line choice - does anyone know if its possible to do a full run without hitting roads at any point? All in all some pretty sweet tracks on our doorstep which rival the Alps for technicality, nice booter to finish aswell.

I don't think there are any runs which completely avoid roads top to bottom but there are a few where you either just cross them or do a 100 yard stretch at most

Ok that makes sense as I guess you have to cross the road at some point, didn't want to miss out on a trick though.

I'm heading up Saleve for a few runs this Saturday, if anyone wants to join give me a shout.

Dave

Considering Les Gets / Morzine this weekend if anyone else is interested in sharing a hire car.

Will also be heading up Saleve on Friday evening - drop me a message if you want to join.

Cheers

Dave

Hi,

I live in Geneva and got hooked to DH last year. Since then I have been doing some riding in Chatel, Les Gets, and between Villars-Bex but never on Saleve. Came across this thread and was wondering if any of you go for regular rides on Saleve and if this is the place to organise riding. Have not been up there yet and keen to tag along to see what it's like! Not a super experienced rider but very enthusiastic!

Cheers

Hello,  I moved to Geneva about a year. I do Down Hill since 2007 although I had completely stopped since 2012 because i didn't have my bike here just until now. So I'm looking company to do some declines. I would love to go to Chatel, les Guets. I have a car and I can share it for trips.

Hi Reinier, I've only ridden a couple of dh tracks on the Saleve that I found by following tyre tracks in the mud! There's probably people on here who know the area better. I'd be interested in going riding there regularly though, especially when the Alps resorts close for the autumn.

Hi Bruno, I ride quite regularly up at Les Gets and Chatel with another guy on here, Miguel. We were planning on riding 24th/25th August, somewhere in the Portes du Soleil. You'd be welcome to tag along. I'll probably head up there one day next weekend (17/18th) as well - will let you know.

Cheers, Tom

Thanks for your reply Tom. Will be a pleasure for me to join you. I'm available all weekend so let it match it.

Cheers, Bruno

Hi Reiner - i've been heading to Saleve a few times recently, will let you know next time i head up. There is actually quite alot of tracks up there, pretty technical (rival most things in the alps for technicality). There is always other riders up there and on the lift, so if you ever loose your way there should be people to ask. FYI if you intend to go alot you can buy a pack of 10 passess for 43 euro which saves on buying single tickets. 

Due to holidays and other commitments I won't be doing much more riding this summer, but i'll be heading out in oct/nov so will post up here when i do. Will be keen to know if there is any good XC in the Jura aswell.

Cheers

Dave

Thanks for the replies.

Bruno, I'd love to go to Les Gets/Chatel as well. Unfortunately the first weekend I'd be able to go is 30 Aug-1 Sept. If you guys are going, let me know!

Dave, thanks for the info on Saleve. Let me know when you're up and running again, keen to check it out.

Cheers

Hi, 

A group of friends and I are looking for some intermediate level rides near Geneva - we're thinking Crozet in the jura is close enough to bike to and the downhill from the lift should be ok.  I tried the Saleve last weekend and I failed to find the riding trails (unless they were supposed to have so many hikers on them).  

Any thoughts on some moderate downhills reachable without a car nearby?

Will love to join you guys in Les gets/Chatel when I get my sea-legs.

cheers

Reiner B. For me it is great for this weekend. Once you have more news I get in touch with you.

Cheers,

Bruno

Hi all,

Me and Miguel are planning to go downhill biking this Saturday in the Portes du Soleil. The plan is to meet at the Chavanne lift ticket office in Les Gets at 9:30am to buy lift passes, then drive to Lindarets (up the valley from Montriond, which is near Morzine). As far as I know there is nowhere to buy a lift pass at Lindarets.

We'll most probably do some riding in the Chatel bike park, then head over the Mosettes chairlift to Les Crosets for a few runs of the DH track there. If time/energy we could also ride the trails under the Lindarets-Avoriaz chairlift.

Let me know if you want to join. I can give some directions to Lindarets if you don't know it already (or just check out google maps).

Cheers,

Tom

Hey Guys,

New to the area. I did some BMX champioship when I was youger and feel the need to meet again with speed, jumps and so on. As I am back in the Alps, I would like to start DH. Anyone of you would be ok to welcome a rooky? 

I should invest in a Giant Glory soon but any tips for better bike is most welcome.

Cheers,

Alex

I meant. a Rookie not rooky.... :-)

Won't be able to come out this weekend but you intend to go again next weekend I'd be in.

Enjoy!

For me this Saturday is impossible. I work in the morning. I can only go on Sundays. For September 1 would be great for me.

Cheers,

Bruno

In case of interest, I have a Sixsixone Comp helmet (white) and pair of Sixsixone Comp Knee (size L) protectors for sale.

Both are close to brand new and have only been used 5 times. For more info you can check http://sixsixoneeurope.com/

Selling due to duplication.

Helmet goes for CHF 80, knee pads CHF40. Set goes for CHF 100.

Cheers

Hi Guys

after a great summer in the PDS and Tignes im still wanting more, apart from Verbier is there anywher local to ride? i know there are some DH stuff on the Saleve but can find no trail maps, i like to get to know a trail first before i try to kill my self. im sort of between beginner, intermediate level if that makes sense.

This is my current wepon of choice.

http://www.pinkbike.com/photo/10077844

Id be grateful for any help

cheers

Matt

Trail maps are finally available in Hotpoint bikes on Rue de Paquis - 29chf for tear-resistant map of the Saleves and around Annemasse.  They also show difficulty gradations on trails. Will let you know after Sunday if they're of any use...

Anyone know if there are any resorts besides Verbier with lifts still open until the end of September?

Hi Stee

Pretty sure that Champery is open until 1st week in october  and crans montana is open untill end of september

Crans Montana and Verbier should both me open until October 20th.  Then there are places like Dorenaz, Bex, Biel, Gurten which are all accessible on mountains trains that run all year. 

In the saint-cergue area you ride la chevrerie.  you get off the train at the last stop before saint-cergue and you finish at givrins.  their a few other nice trails on la barillette and les fruitiere, but you need to climb up yourself, so better suited for enduro.

Hi folks,

are you only doing downhill mointainbiking or also the more "classical" way, I mean several ups and downs on offroad paths?

Marcel

my bike is only designed to go down, pure dh i may get an enduro type bike for next year. :-)

were they any good?

Has anyone been up Saleve already for some downhill runs and is he/she planning on going soon again?

For me if I want to go just say so. We can mark something for a weekend.

Crans Montana opens Thursday...

Andrew, the Crans Montana website says 29 June or am I missing something?

Bruno, are you familiar with the trails up there? It would be my first time up there..

For those going for the first time Saleve is advisable to know what rails are a bit technical but accessible to almost everyone. I went there last year and went down a few times and not had any problems.

I was there today, it was open!  Morgins is also now open, and Verbier opens the following weekend...

Bruno,

Would you be able to go this weekend, just for a morning or an afternoon?

Any other takers?

Will be available on Sunday. We go in the morning. They say?

I'm in! I'll shoot you a message to discuss the details!

Hi guys, 

Sort of a MTB novice but really want to get into it. Let me know if you are planning something, would love to join. 

Cheers,
Roshan 

I Bruno, 

Would love to try Saleve for some biking. Do you go there often? 

Just moved to Geneva, not that expirienced as a rider but really want to get out there. 

Cheers,
Roshan 

Hi Roshan,

If you're interested in cross country / All Mountain MTB, then I'd be happy to meet up for a ride , on the Saleve or other trails in the area, or further into the alps. Message me if you're interested (same goes for anyone else interested in going uphill as much as downhill!).

If you're more into the pure Downhill stuff, I'm not really the right person for that, but there are definitely some people on this thread who are.

Best,

Ben

Hello to all. Inform you that tomorrow I'll be in Saleve around 10:00h  Who wants to come will be happy to show the tracks and help with anything you need. Note that Saleve is not a bike park. The rails are somewhat technical and therefore befits own protections take effect for the bike listed and not forget the helmet.

Hi Ben, 

That would be great, definetly up for some cross country / All Mountain. I hope you dont mind dragging along beginner? Would you know any good places to rent equipment in Saleve? 

Cheers,
Roshan

Anyone want to go to Saleve on Sunday? Reinier and I are thinking about going there.

Good times on Saleve yesterday, thanks Bruno for another good outing!

2014 Santa Cruz Nomad 27.5 Carbon - Size Large, Stealth Black.

I just bought this bike but only used it for one day, it is too small for me so I need to change. There are a couple of small scratches on the rims and derailleur but otherwise perfect.

This is a fantastic bike and I'll get the same again in a bigger size!


EUR5,500 firm, an exceptional deal for this bike!
Frame Only EUR2,500.

Crankset: SRAM XX1 1X11.
Shock: Rockshox Monarch Plus Debonair 165mm
Fork - Rockshox 160mm Pike with Cane Creek headset (Fox 34 in the photo)
Brakes: Avid Trail XO.
Seatpost: Rockshox Reverb Stealth with WTB Saddle
Wheelset: Crankbrothers Iodine 3.
Tires: Schwalbe Hans Dampf (Tubeless)
Handlebars: Azonic Flow Bars 750 with Easton Havoc stem.
Frame Protection: The entire frame has had Invisiframe custom made frame protection put on it (GBP90 value), can be removed if you prefer.

Hey, can anyone please post directions from the top of the teleferique to the petit Saleve trails?  Thanks

That's a lovely Santa Cruz. You must be gutted. How tall are you?

Stee - You need to go down to Monnetier through the village and then up the Chemin du Petit Saleve. From the telepherique you can just cruise down the road to get there, but then you'd miss all the best trails!

Great Sunday. We have to repeat. I really liked the new track found. I leave here the link of a video that I prepared in 2010. Wait who like despite the poor quality of the camera.

http://www.pinkbike.com/video/177904/

Great - so I need to come up the Monnetier side?  A colleague told me 500m downhill from the telepherique, then away you go... are the trails direction Mornex or back towards Monnetier?  Or maybe I join on the next Saleve weekend - anyone up for Saturday?

Yep...spent alot of time choosing and spec'ing..ah well, live and learn! I'm 187cm so between sizes as they say...

you are aware that the PDS is and has been open for the last couple of weekends? from friday all the lifts will be open ( apart from Avoria).

Ie Morzine, Les Gets, Chatel etc.

Hi folks!

I just bought my brand new AM mtb, it's a Canyon Spectral 7.9 29! I just need to assemble it this Sunday and then I'm ready to hit the Saleve/Jura's slopes for AM riding tours!!

I really like technical DH trails but I like as well to climb up to get the deserved pleasure of the downhill ride ;) my bike should enable me for both!!

Please let me know if you plan some rides over the next weekends/evenings! Feel free to drop me a PM and we can exchange phone numbers.

Cheers,

Andrea 

Hey,

Can anyone post up any trail maps for the Saleve?  

Cheers

Tom

I don't have any maps but am going tonight so can point you in the right direction if you like.

Cheers Steven.  I can't do tonight but I might head up tomorrow evening.  I've ridden down to Monnetier a couple of times but I'd really like to get hold of a map to have a better overview of the place.

I'll take some GPS traces at some point and overlay them on a google map for everyone.

that is stunning, did you manage to sell it?

Found this:

http://www.rando-saleve.net/photos/vttplan.jpg

Ok, as far as I know here are all the DH trails on the Saleve. I had a look and found most of them are marked on openstreetmap.org so I took their map and added some colour-coding: http://goo.gl/TTJKUm

They all go down to Monnetier village,  and ultimately converge on the steps which are the only way to get down the cliffs back to the telepherique without climbing over the Petit Saleve. The easier trails lead to the East side of the village meaning you have a 10 minute pedal uphill through town (shaded yellow on the map). The harder routes go straight to the top of the steps but have some tricky sections (shaded red).

In order of difficulty (easiest first) they are:

Old railway (Shaded Green) - Straight, wide and not too steep, as you'd expect from an old railway line

L'Entre Deux (E) - A more interesting trail with the occasional drop, but all with easy chicken runs. Halfway down you can go through the stone tunnel under the old railway and join the steep bottom part of La Courte to cut back to the road if you want to avoid the climb through Monnetier

La Longue (F) - Really fun, fast, long trail. Rocky and technical in places but not steep. It's the least muddy trail after it's been raining

La Premiere (A) - This is the main footpath up the Saleve so watch out for hikers, particularly if you do the variation that starts from the road (shaded orange). The trail is wide and fast, but with a nice technical rock garden towards the bottom (shaded red), but that section is short and easily walkable. Once you're through the rock garden it's best to stay right onto the road as the rest of the trail isn't great

Below the Steps - Steep and loose and not ideal for beginners, but all trails converge on the stairs so it's unavoidable

La Source (Green squares) - I can't really remember this one but it ends up on the steep part of La Courte

La Courte (D) - Top section is fun, bermy, and pretty easy. Once you get to the old railway line it get steep, off-camber, and rutted. You can miss that bit and join L'Entre Deux if you don't mind the cycle uphill through Monnetier. And the end of the steep bit cut onto the road to go straight to the steps

La Raide (B) - Raide = steep in English, and it's the hardest trail on the Saleve. Unfortunately it's also the easiest trail to stumble upon if you just cruise down the road looking for a track. It has some good-sized jumps which are easy to go around so doesn't get that difficult until you cross the road for the last time where you can bail out if you like

See you all up there!

Thanks for putting this up Steven.  Much appreciated.

If anyone is doing one of these trails any time soon (late afternoon on weekdays ?) then I'd love to join you - let me know ? 

Matt, you might want to start a new thread, rather than add to this old on. It started back in 2011, so might be misleading in some respects (I didn't bother to read the whole thing to be sure...too old and long)

Hey, I m also hijacking the post !

I d like to try these downhills, but i don't want to do it alone, it s never good if you have a problem, and it s way more fun with other people.

I have a car and a bike rack. I work in plan les Ouates in Swiss so I could pick up someone after work and get there before it s dark.

Any candidates ?

Luigi

What kind of bike/experience do you have?

I have a giant glory 1 for downhill, i m going to bike park every years, i can roll down almost every thing, i don t do huge jumps though ( like moto cross style !).

I have a kona taro for all mountain trips.

Cool, will send you a PM

ANybody interested in heading to Verbier on Sunday? Haven't been there yet, but looks great. Have no car so not sure if we will rent a car or take the train. Any suggestions on the best way to get there are welcome

why ont, we coule take my car, anyone else ls UP for it?

(as i was typing with T9 on french : "Why not, we can go there with my car, the weather looks ok for tomorow. I have a bike rack for 3 bikes, anyone else would like to join ?)

Cool. There is two of us. What time should we leave and where should we meet you? Looking super forward to checking out verbier

We had a great trip to Verbier two weeks ago. Anybody keen to go on Sunday, it's the last opening day for the season.

Cheers,

Grant

Hey all!!

I am also looking for people to go riding with. I know the thread is now ancient but is anyone

of you still around Geneva, with all bones together willing to go riding soon??

Let me know!

Christina (intermediate DH, enduro)

Hi Christina, 

I am looking to go ride somewhere near Geneva this weekend. Weather looks great, I am flying in from Qatar and so need to rent everything. Do you know what DH areas are still open this weekend, or do you already have plans?