LE DOMAINE - LA CLUSAZ MTB AREA
GUIDE 2020
OPENING
• From the 3rd July to 30th August WEEK-ENDS • From 12th to 14th June • 19h & 21st, 26th & 28th of June • From 4th to 6th, 11th to 13th September
SUMMER 2020 FROM JUNE 26TH TO 28TH FROM JULY 3RD TO AUGUST 30TH
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE «DÉTENTE PLUS» PASS IN LA CLUSAZ AND ENJOY UNLIMITED ACCESS TO A MULTITUDE OF ACTIVITIES AND GREAT DISCOUNTS ON LOTS MORE!
LE DOMAINE LA CLUSAZ MTB AREA
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INFO
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W W W. L A C L U S A Z . C O M
Welcome to «Le Domaine», La Clusaz’s natural MTB park in the heart of the alpine forests and only 30 mins from Annecy. There is something for all MTB enthusiasts with 20 circuits over 125kms of tracks for different levels, from starter tracks to enduro and a Bike Park, all accessible from 4 ski lifts. Everyone from beginners to experts, and the young to the not-so young, can have a go at mountain biking here. Whether you are looking for a fun or cultural trail, an easy or a high on adrenalin ride, you are sure to find what you are looking for through wide-open landscapes, summer meadows and expertly prepared trails.
THE FIGURES 20 TRACKS WITH : • 1 All Mountain, • 1 Bike Park, • 9 Crosscountry tracks with : 1 new track on the Danay • 5 Downhill • 4 Enduro tracks
WHAT’S NEW IN 2020 MAGNETIC PASSES AND ONLINE PURCHASE
La Clusaz has set up 2 easy-access tools to make it even easier for MTB fans to do what they love best. The pass for the domain can now be purchased online from the comfort of your own home. Once at the resort, all you need do is approach one of the many terminals with the pass in your pocket and you are set to enjoy “Le Domaine”!
« ACCUEIL VÉLO » ACCREDITATION
The Tourist Office has been awarded «Accueil Vélo» status, which is a guarantee of quality service to riders along the cycle trails. An establishment with the «Accueil Vélo» award means that it : • Is less than 5km from a cycle route • Provides adapted equipment including secure bike shelters and repair kits • Provides a warm welcome to riders with information and useful advice • Has bike-friendly services for riders: luggage transfer, laundry service, bike hire and accessories etc..
LE DERBY DES ALPAGES TH TH 5 AND 6 SEPTEMBER More info P9.
ONLINE PASS ENJOY LA CLUSAZ THIS SUMMER
IN LA CLUSAZ THE FUN KEEPS ON COMING!
Going back to school or work does not necessarily mean the end of the MTB season, so this year for the second year running, La Clusaz is playing extra time. This means the ski lifts in La Domaine will be open for the first two weeks of September from Friday 4th September to Sunday 6th and Friday 11th September to Sunday 13th. It’s an Endless summer in La Clusaz!
I WISH TO BUY A 4H MTB PASS
I WISH TO BUY A ONE DAY MTB PASS
MORE CROSS-COUNTRY
I WISH TO BUY A FEW DAYS MTB PASS
I ONLY WISH TO BUY A SINGLE TRIP
I HAVE INTERNET
Work has been carried out on the blue trail, the boucle du Vargne near the Corbassières, to make it more accessible to e-bikes. Improvements will continue to be made over the next few years. I CONNECT TO FORFAIT.LACLUSAZ.COM OR THE LA CLUSAZ APP
I GO DIRECT TO THE TICKET OFFICE ON CHAMP GIGUET OR CRET DU MERLE
NEW FOR ENDURO
The access to the Bois du Plan and Encarnes trails have been improved over last summer and autumn. Where certain sections required intensive braking and concentration, they have been replaced by less steep sections and while remaining technical, the trails are now much more fun and easier. The first part of the Encarnes trail is now red and the lower part for more experienced riders is still black.
More info on : WWW.LACLUSAZ.COM
I ALREADY HAVE MY PASS (A CARD WITH A NUMBER THAT STARTS WITH 01-1614)
I DON’T HAVE A PASS
I TOP-UP MY PASS: NO NEED TO GO TO THE TICKET OFFICE, DIRECT ACCESS TO MY ACTIVITY!
I ORDER MY PASS AND PICK UP MY CARD FROM AN AUTOMATIC TERMINAL 7 DAYS A WEEK, 24 HOURS A DAY!
LA CLUSAZ’S CHAMPIONS MORGANE KILIAN
ADRIEN
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CHARRE
BRON
Morgane Charre has a smile that hides a fiercely competitive spirit. She is considered one of the most passionate mountain bikers within her sport. After having reached the top in 2012 with her Downhill World Champion title and her 9 world podium positions, she continues to compete all over the world. And the resort is where she found the varied tracks and wild spaces that she loves.
Originally from Annecy, Kilian Bron has been mountain biking since he was young. He started off with mainly downhill tracks, always in search of adrenaline and that feeling of flying. He then began his travels around the world, cycling from Indonesia to New Zealand, passing through Hawaii...Today he divides his time between enduro races and making videos and photos.
30 years old Downhill / Enduro
« The variety of tracks is what I like at La Clusaz. I like to ride on the resort’s mapped-out tracks but also the routes that are in the middle of nature and are accessible from the resort! »
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28 years old Enduro / Freeride
SEIMETZ
22 years old Enduro / Freeride
Adrien Seimetz is the resort’s rookie mountain biker. Cycling before he could walk, he has been riding his bike in La Clusaz’s mountains since he was a child. He knows the resort’s tracks and routes like the back of his hand!
« The La Clusaz resort is splendid: there are so many exceptional panoramas and varied landscapes in both forests and mountain « La Clusaz is a fully- pastures. Mountains equipped mountain biking exactly how I like them! » resort that’s accessible to all and for all disciplines. It’s rare to find a resort that satisfies everyone! »
E-MTB EXPLORE THE MOUNTAINS EASILY ON AN E-MTB
Mountain biking is the ideal way to explore the mountains. Going uphill is a breeze thanks to todays’ technology, just add a little electrical assistance and no extra effort! Today the mountains are accessible to all cyclists of any age and ability, all you have to do is enjoy the view! Mountain Biking, long time viewed as a sport for the initiated is becoming more inclusive thanks to the development of the electric mountain bike for everyone to enjoy the numerous trails and itineraries in La Clusaz. No more excuses to get on your bike!
MTB FOR BEGINNERS MTB COURSES
Before getting going, it’s important to know the basics. The MTB schools are here to accompany you and get you started at any age. You can also choose to take it further with extra lessons to safely advance as you master the techniques.
LEARN IN SMALL GROUPS
THE BIKE PARK
This fun zone has been created with both beginners, who want to progress and experts who are looking to develop their manipulative skills in mind. Ideally located on Mini-Loup to be accessible to all riders, the Bike Park is now the new playground for the Domaine and will continue to evolve over the next seasons to provide a rich and innovative experience for riders.
Schools offer individual, personalised lessons adapted to your level. It’s also possible to organise tailor-made family or friends’ excursions. A great and safe way to discover the area!
LE DERBY DES ALPAGES LE DERBY DES ALPAGES TH TH
5 AND 6 SEPTEMBER «The descent from the summer grazing pastures» is a tradition that has perpetuated in the Alps since the Middle Ages. It involves escorting the cows from their high mountain pastureland to the fields for grazing in the valleys, where they will see out the winter. It also means the herdsmen who have spent the summer months alone with their dogs and cattle high in the mountains return to the company of the local villagers. Inspired by this tradition, La Clusaz has decided to organise an MTB mass start race. FRIDAY 4TH SEPTEMBER Free reconnaissance of proposed tracks. SATURDAY 5TH SEPTEMBER • 8AM-11AM Number bib pick-up • 9AM-2PM Free reconnaissance • 2PM-5PM Individual qualifications • 7PM-9PM Entertainment in partner bars SUNDAY 6TH SEPTEMBER • 9AM Skilifts open
CHOOSING THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT
Choosing the right equipment depends on your morphology and the type of activity. We advise beginners to start with one of the sports’ shops in the resort where experienced professionals will guide you in your choice of equipment.
MY FIRST MTB OUTING
Le Tour du Danay (check the circuit idea page)
A simple concept : 200 cyclists dressed in white jerseys with black spots, to look like the cows coming down from the pastures followed by 5 top riders(1) including Killian Bron (see below) as the herdsmen. After the mass start of the «cows», the «herdsmen» have to pass in front of their herd to guide them to the finish line in the centre of the village of La Clusaz.
• 11AM Race begins in a mass start • 12PM Podium for the first 5 to arrive and prize giving
PRACTICAL INFORMATION MTB LIFTS Everyday from 3rd July to August 30th 2020, from 9.30am to 5.30pm. Week-ends : June 12th to 14th, June 19th & 21st , June 26th & 28th, September 4th to 6th , September 11th to 13th • Beauregard Cable Car: from 9.30am to 5.30pm • Crêt du Merle Chairlift: from 9.30am to 5.15pm • Crêt du Loup Chairlift: from 9.40am to 5pm • The Patinoire Cable Car is not accessible to mountain bikes. Online purchase and top-up of passes on forfait.laclusaz.com
PRICE
Adult *
Junior **
Day pass (fixed priced)
19,20€
13,80€
Pass 4h
17,20€
12,40€
Pass 2h
36,70€
24,80€
173,00€
89,00€
Saison
* Adult : From 15 year old ** Junior : from 5 to 14 year old All Passes are strictly personal and non-transferable. Photos are obligatory for the seasonal pass. Free for under 5s on proof of age. Users must obtain a magnetic pass at a cost of 2€ which can then be topped up. Find all prices on forfait.laclusaz.com.
WHERE TO HIRE EQUIPMENT? ALPES AVENTURES 471, Route du Col des Aravis Tel. : +33 (0)4 58 23 10 00 Email : contact@alpesaventures.com www.alpesaventures.com/laclusaz CHALET NORDIC 317, Route de la Chapelle - Les Confins Tel. : +33 (0)4 50 02 51 94 Email : chaletnordic@gmail.com www.chaletnordic.info INTERSPORT FREESPORT LOCATION 1, Place de la Poste Tel. : +33 (0)4 50 02 52 80 Email : contact@intersport-laclusaz.com www.intersport-laclusaz.com
LA RANDONNÉE 4387, Route des Confins Tel. : +33 (0)4 50 02 65 91 Email : larandonnee74@orange.fr LE SCHUSS 59, Place du Pré de foire / Champ Giguet Tel. : +33 (0)4 50 02 42 68 Email : schuss.le@wanadoo.fr www.le-schuss.notresphere.com/ete PASSION GLISSE – SPORT 2000 6, Place Yves Pollet-Villard Tel. : +33 (0)4 50 02 57 98 Email : remonnay.sport@wanadoo.fr www.passion-glisse.sport2000.fr SPORT BOUTIQUE 176, Route des Grandes Alpes Tel. : +33 (0)4 50 02 42 05 Email : skisetlaclusaz@orange.fr www.sportboutique.fr
Name
Bike Park
Washing area
Maintenance area
MTB availability
HÔTEL
Au Coeur du Village ***** Beauregard**** Les Chalets de la Serraz****
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Le St Alban****
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Alpen Roc*** Alp'Hôtel*** Carlina*** Chalet Alpage*** Christiania*** Altitude 1647** Beaulieu** La Ferme** PRESTIGE CHALET Chalet Au Coeur du Village Chalet du Bossonnet Chalet La Douceur Le Chalet des Rhodos TOURIST RESIDENCE Les Cimes**** Les Grandes Alpes**** La Résidence** CAMPING Camping Capfun****
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PLAZA BIKE Chalet des Rhodos Col des Aravis Tel. : +33 (0)4 50 02 48 14 www.rhodos.fr
WIFI access + free phone charging and electric bike batteries Free half-day mountain bike loan for all half-board stays. Mountain bike rental, with or without accompaniement, for a day. or a raid with a stopover in Rhodos. Lemon-flavoured water + K-Way waterproofs offered. Basic tools + inflation system. Special rates on food and drinks. In partnership with Alpes Aventures and Moustache bikes.
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WHERE TO EAT
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MOUNTAIN BIKING SCHOOLS ALPES AVENTURES 471, Route du Col des Aravis Tel. : +33 (0)4 58 23 10 00 Email : contact@alpesaventures.com www.alpesaventures.com ÉVOLUTION 2 - LA CLUSAZ 232, Route des Grandes Alpes Tel. : +33 (0)4 50 02 81 29 Email : info@evolution2-laclusaz.com www.evolution2-laclusaz.com
CLEANING AREAS (FREE)
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At the Beauregard lift (also equipped with a repair kit) At the Cret du Merle chairlift
A DETAILED MAP OF THE RESORT IS AVAILABLE TO BUY FROM THE TOURIST INFORMATION OFFICE IN LA CLUSAZ
Tête de Paccaly 2467m
Tête Pelouse 2537m
Roche Perfia 2499m
La Roualle 2589m
La Grande Torche 2505m
La Grande Balmaz 2616m Pointe des Verres 2532m Les Parossaz 2556m Porte des Col de Aravis Aiguille des Calvaires Balme 2322m
Pointe de Merdassier 2313m
L’Étale 2483m
Passage du Père
Trou de la Mouche
Col des Aravis
Torchère
Vers La Giettaz Flumet / Megève
La Creuse
Combe de Tardevant
Combe de Balme
Combe de Bellachat Combe de Paccaly
Combe de Fernuy
Combe du Grand Crêt
Crêt du Loup
15
Lac des Confins
14
Paccaly
38
Combe du Voret
9
Wall Ride
21
13
Merdassier Bike Park 13
14
12
Les Chenons
8 14
11
Le Fernuy
N
La Rochette
Crêt du Merle
37
Les Verriers
Le Plan Le Nant
Gotty Les Tollets
20
23
25
25
Tête de Cabeau 1650m
19
19
Vers Manigod
Plateau de Beauregard 1690m
18
20 25 39 39
23 18 25 20
Les Fiaux
Bois du Danay
Centre village
19
Col de La Croix-Fry 1480m
Les Joux
Le Bossonnet
Les Granges La Perrière
25
Les Étages
Les Converses 10
Le Cortibot
La Graillère
Tête du Danay 1700m
20
Combe des Juments
Bois de la Motte
Le Var
N
Col de Merdassier
36
14 N
Le Belvédère
Les Riondes
24
18
29
17
Les Riffroids
Chapelle du Parc
20
39
25
25
17
N
18
39
Croix de Colomban 1691m
29
Vers Saint-Jean-de-Sixt Le Grand Bornand / Thônes
All Mountain
Easy
Lifts pass purchase
Enduro
Average
Cleaning area
Downhill
Hard
Repair station
Difficult
Picnic area
(forbidden to pedestrian)
Cross Country Bike Park
Link
8. Les Confins / Le Grand Bornand 9. Descente du Loup 10. La Grenèche 11. Bois du Plan 12. Bois de la Motte 13. Sud Aravis 14. Merle / Danay 15. Les Encarnes 17. La Boucle du Vargne 18.Le Tour de Beauregard 19.Le Tour de l’Andran (Manigod)
20. L’Envers de Beauregard 21. Balcon du Vorêt 23. Le Bré 24. La Fériaz 25. Tête de Cabeau (Manigod) 29. Les Ecotagnes 36. Les Juments 37. La Trace (by Kilian Bron) 38. Le Dahu 39. Pré à l’Ours (Manigod) N. Tour du Danay
FAMILY-FRIENDLY CIRCUITS LE TOUR DU DANAY
Le Domaine added a new 13km circuit last summer, a round trip through the heart of the forest, leaving from the Confins and passing by Saint Jean de Sixt and Le Grand Bornand. A great way to disconnect from the world in the heart of nature.
L’ENVERS DE BEAUREGARD
Enjoy a great family adventure as you admire. The Aravis range, cross through summer meadows and descend through the woods to arrive in the village. The trail begins from the Beauregard cable car with a descent down a rocky 4x4 track then becomes hilly all the way to the Col de la Croix Fry. Then on to an easy section through the forest joining with the tour de l’Andran loop. Just before arriving at the Col de Merdassier, the track splits to join another narrower and faster track, the trail then comes to a gentle end back at the village.
E-BIKE CIRCUIT LE BOIS DE LA MOTTE
The wide Bois de la Motte trail is ideal for beginners and departs from the Crêt du Merle chairlift. Most of the trail goes downhill without any major points of difficulty (apart from some short passages over roots at the end of the track) to take you gently back to the village.
E-MTBs are ideal for exploring the mountains without any difficulty, but you still need to know where to go! To get the most out of your day, straight from the village, head direction “le ranch” to reach the summit of the crêt du Merle, past the balcon du Voret. On the way down, pass by the Confins Lake before going down to the village. The more adventurous can take it further and go round the tour du Danay. There are many circuits available depending on your level!
A DAY WITH KILIAN BRON
BACK IN THE SADDLE
After filling up, it’s back on the tracks. There’s just a 5 mins ride from the top of Crêt du Merle to the trail head of the Encarnes. It’s a great way to get back into the swing of things, but don’t head off to quickly, the last 50m are tough. You can always try to go up to the top, but I recommend keeping some strength for the descent.
TO GET THE MOST OUT OF OUR MTB AREA, OUR CHAMPION KILIAN BRON LETS YOU IN ON SOME OF HIS SECRETS, WITH SOME SPOTS, ADVICE AND TIPS.
ENDURO
THE START
All ride days are different, but they all start in the same way for me. I like to arrive in time to take advantage of the morning dew on the runs through the forest just as the area opens up. I often park at the car park on route du Col des Aravis, under the Crêt du Merle chairlift. The view over the village is stunning, it’s generally quiet and there’s enough space to sort the bike before leaving. If it’s not too chilly I start with a few runs in the forest on the Encarnes. The ground is still a bit damp in the morning, and I love riding on it. As the sun slowly rises over the peaks of the Aravis it really is my favourite time to get the best out of the area.
PHOTO STOP
WARMING UP
For a gentle warm up on the bike, I advise combining the Crêt du Merle and Crêt du Loup chairlifts. Once up top, I get into the swing of things on the descent of the Crêt du loup. The first tracks mean you can gently warm up before heading into the forest. Then all you need to do is head to the bois du Plan and follow it right to the bottom! Then to catch up with the sun, Beauregard is great. There are some lovely tracks, personally, I like to head into the Bois des Ecotagnes.
BETWEEN FRIENDS
A good day on the bike is a day out with friends. In my opinion, the best place to ride together is to La Trace. We created it together with a few friends a few years ago. Every year, we used to organise a weekend together with local mountain bikers to build and shape our own trail with spades and pickaxes. It became an official track a year ago and it makes its way into the Encarnes forest with jumps and flowing turns. There are lots of different tracks in this part of the area as there is also a freeride zone on the lower area and some steeper gullies to have fun in.
Everyone has their favourite spot! I have a few depending on the time and my mood. At the end of the day, the light and the view are fantastic at the top of La Trace. There are some lovely shots to be had from here when the sun moves round to shine on the first jumps.You can get some good shots in the morning or at the beginning of the afternoon of the wooden features on the North Shore trail round about the hill reservoir on Beauregard. For the more ambitious, a trip into to the scree behind the trailhead of the Encarnes trail is well worth the effort. In fact, there are some great slabs and stunning mountain tracks just beyond!
SNACK TIME
Personally, I’m a big fan of Pizz’Avalanche in the heart of the village.The big plus for them is that you can easily head back up the tracks as the Crêt du Merle chairlift is right beside it. Otherwise, if you want to chill out for a longer meal, La Ferme is right beside the car park I usually park at (I mentioned it at the beginning of the article). Another option: take a packed lunch to eat at the viewpoint of the Bike Park on Crêt du Loup.
Life isn’t just about downhill,and I love doing a short enduro trip. On a 2-hour trip you can combine chairlifts with pedalling to go from one end of the valley to another as far as the Confins Lake. The advantage of the Domaine of La Clusaz is that a lot of tracks are linked, which means you can go whereever you want. There are so many options, you can imagine, for example a trip going down from the Combe des Juments to then go up in the direction of Manigod, before going down to Thônes.
THE FINISHING TOUCH
After a long day in the saddle, you deserve a rest. There are many terraces around the village to enjoy a drink, but you can also go up (again) to the Confins Lake to watch the sun go down. As for me, I go home to Annecy for a dip in the lake!
THE 10 RULES FOR A SAFE RIDE 1
2 Equipment
Respect the difficulty levels
Make sure that your mountain bike is in good condition. Wear protective gear. Make sure you have a repair kit, a telephone and a first aid kit.
Choose your downhill track to match your skill level and based on the difficulty levels indicated
LA CLUSAZ’S NEW CULTURAL AREA
3 Respecting cyclists
Respecting pedestrians
Slow down when pedestrians are near. Pass pedestrians on the left. Yield the right of way to pedestrians.
Respect other cyclists, by behaving with caution and courtesy. Never go back up a DH (Downhill Track) or an Enduro track.
Respecting information, markings and signage
!
4
5 6
6 Adapting your speed
Adapt your speed to suit your abilities and the terrain. Adapt it to suit weather and traffic conditions.
Stay on the marked paths. Respect private property. Respect the Bike Patrol. Leave the equipment in place.
«Pedagogical and playful» «AN INNOVATION AT LA CLUSAZ» «Beautiful work to mixe tradition and modernity»
«Amazing visit with the children!» Source: Google opinion year 2018-2019
67
8
Overtaking
Stopping
Overtake on the left. Leave a wide birth.
Stop only if you are visible and far away from other cyclists. If you fall, vacate the trail as quickly as possible.
69 Going up and down the moutain on foot
Leave your equipment outside of the tracks. Keep off the main track when cycling.
10 If you witness an accident
Raise the alarm by calling 112. Provide assistance and identify yourself to the Bike Patrol or the RM agents.
©D.Machet | C.Hudry | J.Desnoulez
WWW.LEHAMEAUDESALPES.COM
LA CLUSAZ WITH AN EASY ACCESS BUY YOUR PASS ONLINE « LA CLUSAZ » SMARTPHONE APPLICATION
You can purchase your pass direct on the «La Clusaz» application
FORFAIT.LACLUSAZ.COM WEBSITE
You can purchase your pass direct on the forfait.laclusaz.com website Use your skipasses from this winter, all you need to do is top them up online and off you go!
NEW : SKIPASS EXPRESS
You can now pick up your ski pass bought online or top up your pass every day 24hours from the new terminals at the Champ Giguet and the Merle ticket offices.
LA CLUSAZ CONNECTED FACEBOOK “LE DOMAINE”
All the advice and useful information for mountain biking at La Clusaz.
INSTAGRAM “LA CLUSAZ SKI RESORT”
Go to Instagram to follow La Clusaz resort’s news, deals, accommodation offers, competitions and more.
“LA CLUSAZ” SMARTPHONE APP
Discover La Clusaz for free on your smartphone! A complete application which allows you to access all the useful information for your stay or your discovery of Le Domaine.
PARTNER
WWW.LACLUSAZ.COM Agissez pour le recyclage des papiers avec La Clusaz et Ecofolio.
Design : SEML La Clusaz • Photo : P. Henni / C.Hudry / G. Dieu / D. Machet. / P.Lebeau / R.Bord / J.Desnoulez / R.Laurent / Non contractual document (text and photos). Prices are given for information purposes only, SEML La Clusaz cannot be held responsible for any changes in information. Document printed on eco-certified paper. Do not litter.