The Pass’Portes du Soleil is a fun mountain bike event that traverses a series of lifts through ski resorts and towns in the French and Swiss Alps. It’s not technically a race, but private battles do break out around the route, which ranges from 1,000m to 2,250m in altitude, with around 6,500m of descending.
Now in its 11th year, the 2014 Pass’Portes du Soleil will be held on 27th, 28th and 29th June. Although the event is held over three days, each ride takes one day. Around 6,500 riders are expected to take part, many excited by the challenge of the classic 80 km route using 15 lifts, although different variations are available for riders wishing to cycle uphill.
The route is well marked and fully supported, and guarantees access to the finest tracks on offer in the Portes du Soleil, with diverse descents suitable for riders of all abilities. Instead of the full-distance route, riders can choose instead to do the 45 km ‘intermediate’ trek, the 30 km ‘discovery’ trek or a children’s version.
An MTB fair in the host town of Les Gets, which runs throughout the three days, has signed up over 100 of the most important brand names in the sport, which will create the perfect opportunity to test new products, watch stunning pro demos, and generally have a good time, accompanied by live music. There are also opportunities to sample local food at the pit-stops in each village en route.