Preparing For An Alpine Mountain Biking Holiday

In recent years, Alpine mountain biking has rapidly been gaining in popularity as one of a range of active, healthy alternatives to the traditional beach holiday. As more and more tourists discover the merits of Europe’s largest mountain chain as a summertime destination, so too do cycling enthusiasts realise that the very same slopes which delight their winter sports counterparts each year are excellent for whisking down atop their pedal-propelled steeds!

However, embarking on a holiday of this type is not advisable without some kind of previous preparation. As far as cycling in general goes, Alpine mountain biking routes are some of the most challenging in the world – stumping even some Tour de France contestants – so even experienced MTB practitioners should observe some basic procedures to ensure they are in shape at the start of their holiday.

Gym Time

Going to the gym for preparation should, of course, be near the top of the list of anyone preparing to embark on any type of activity holiday. As the place par excellence to get fit in modern society, even the most modest gymnasium will contain at least a few pieces of equipment to help the active traveller hone his or her fitness ahead of their sporty holiday.

Tourists wishing to go Alpine mountain biking should, obviously, look towards the bicycles as their main focus when embarking in a gym session. With their numerous settings, devised to simulate a real mountain-climbing experience, this equipment can whip the leg muscles into the shape necessary to undertake this type of venture. At the same time, they can also get less experienced cyclists used to the force and pull of an uphill effort, which they are likely to experience during their Alpine holiday.

Practice Makes Perfect

For those not fond of gyms, or past that stage in their preparations, a good way to get ready for what they will find on their Alpine mountain biking holiday may be to head to the nearest mountain or hill range. Most cities or towns will have at least one of these within reach, and while most are likely to not be as high or as demanding as the French Alps, they can nonetheless provide a good ‘training ground’ for the later, more challenging stages.

Cyclists taking this course of action are advised to start slow, especially if they have not cycled in some time. Starting out on the least demanding routes and progressively upping the ante to as close to Alpine stakes as possible is preferable to attempting to take on the harder courses right away, which can sometimes bear unwanted results.

Whether holidaymakers opt for either of these forms of practice or go for an alternative one – jogging can also help, in a way – it is always advisable that they get themselves at least moderately into shape before embarking on their Alpine MTB adventure to prevent injury.

Liz Olkowicz is the Business Development Manager for Ski and Summer Morzine, a tour operator, based in Surrey, offering tailor-made holidays. If you're looking for a thrilling holiday, Alpine mountain biking could be the sport for you. Morzine is the perfect location from which to explore the French Alps on a mountain bike, so for a great-value Alpine holiday, call us.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.