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Looking for somewhere to go with my girlfriend in the summer, it is her first introduction to alpine riding, so I am looking for somewhere where there is plenty of flowy singletrack that isn't too technical, and is mainly lift assisted.
I seem to remember about 6 or 7 years ago there was somewhere in the Italian alps that the Athertons were promoting that looked really good, and a little different but can't remember the name of the place, although as I haven't seen it mentioned again since maybe they didn't continue to develop the summer bike riding.
How about somewhere near Peisey-Vallandry? You've got easy access to the lift network with the 'lobster pots' up to Vallandry itself and then you've loads of options ranging from blue upwards with plenty of lift access.
that isn’t too technical,
With the caveat that all alpine riding can be pretty technical - lots of it is pretty narrow, exposed, and there's always "something" that you'll need to deal with. I'd always recommend good 'ole Morzine for first timers. It has everything you want, the lift network and trails are very established. it's easy to get to, and there's things to do nearby that aren't MTB for days off, the surrounding countryside is v pretty. both Les Gets and Morzine have shops and restaurants and hotel and Air BnB for every budget.
It's a great intro.
Are you still based in Germany op? Saalbach-Hinterglemm and also Leogang have a range of trails for all abilities. Not just the mad lines you see on videos. A lot of German friends really rate Meran in Italy. I’ve never been so can’t say how easy or difficult it is. One area I’d really like to go riding in is Sexten in the Dolomites. I was skiing there over Xmas and the area is stunning with a lot of cycling infrastructure.
The first place my Mrs ever rode a mountain bike was Morzine/Les Gets and she loves it. Everywhere has blue and green trails for total beginners so there's always something to ride.
We've never been as far East as Austria but it looks like there's a cluster of bike parks that are packed with long flowy trails and the scenery is spectacular.
I seem to remember about 6 or 7 years ago there was somewhere in the Italian alps that the Athertons were promoting that looked really good, and a little different but can’t remember the name of the place, although as I haven’t seen it mentioned again since maybe they didn’t continue to develop the summer bike riding.
https://dirtmountainbike.com/news/italian-bike-resort-alpi
Bit longer than 6-7 yrs ago.....;)
We are already going to Saalbach-Hinterglemm for a long weekend at the beginning of June.
I am kind of tired of Morzine, as much as I like it, I have been there 6 or 7 times now.
Peisey-Vallandry?
Is the funicular running this summer, I thought it was going to be closed for repairs for a few summers, or did I get hold of the wrong end of the stick. I remember there being some good singletrack down the other side of the valley if you take the cable car across from Peisey-Vallandry, but it is a bit of a timewaste to then cycle back along the river to the funicular, and a lot of the bike park on the les arcs side is just horrible gravel pit/ moonscape.
Livigno. One side of the valley is flow, the other side less so. Lots of mellow XC straight out too, it's lovely. Also, duty free.
if you want to Peisy, Vallandry I'd go with BikeVillage as they'll suit the terrain to the rider
I'd second the Leogang/Saalbah-Hinterglemm spent a fantastic week there last summer. Its not all about the bikepark.
Lenzerheide / Arosa in Switzerland has a wide mixture trails that can either start right next to the campsite in Lenzerheide or use lifts. Great lake for swimming afterwards as well.
Livigno is great and cheap, but a pain to get to. Paganella is a couple of hours from there and had stunning scenery.
Solden has lots very long flowy blues and reds, its probably 2 hours drive from Leogang.
Serfaus is an hour from there and the bike park is only small but it's got a bit of everything. The longer trails outside the bikepark are mainly blue/easy red, probably my favourite park.
Livigno or Tignes