The Pass’Portes Du Soleil: The Prime Alpine Mountain Biking Event

For any cycling aficionado, and particularly fans of downhill cycling, the Alps are one of the most enticing destinations in the world. Vertiginous, plummeting slopes and hairpin road-bends, coupled with stunning landscapes, make this a tempting destination for any enthusiast of this two-wheel sport, particularly during the spring and summer months.

In that regard, one of the most popular times of year to engage in a spot of Alpine mountain biking is in late June, when the main competition in the region’s cycling calendar takes place. The Pass’Portes du Soleil sees thousands of downhill aficionados flock to the French and Swiss region to whisk down the slopes at high speeds, in what amounts to the ultimate adrenaline rush. And with more and more neophytes joining every year, the trend shows no signs of stopping.

One Day, Fifteen Slopes

Although the competition takes place over the course of three days – the 2014 edition spans the weekend of the 27th, 28th and 29th of June – each participant in the Pass’Portes is only allowed to take part in one of the days. This is, however, no demerit, as the routes on each day are exactly the same, and stretch over no less than fifteen slopes. Participants will therefore have the chance to skim down some of the most famous hills and mountains in the region, putting their Alpine mountain biking skills to the test at altitudes between 1000 and 2500 metres.

This exciting opportunity is what drives so many keen cyclists to this competition every year. Far from being reserved for professionals (like something such as the Tour de France), this event is not only open to beginners, it actively encourages them. Despite the considerable altitude of some of the tracks included in the competition, the Pass’Portes caters to all levels of Alpine mountain biking expertise, and newbies may not find it all that hard to keep up.

Also included in this event is a vote for Best Female Mountain Bike, which will see a panel of ten women test a number of dedicated female bicycles to determine which one is the most superior. This event is scheduled for Friday June 28, although the contestants will be welcomed the previous day.

The Perfect Bike

According to the Pass’Portes website, the perfect bike with which to undertake this competition should be able to "ride on mountain paths, absorb shocks for maximum comfort and feeling, all while remaining lightweight for added pleasure." In other words, cyclists looking to tackle this important event in the Alpine mountain biking calendar should opt for a lightweight, all-rounder bike, which can then obviously be modified to meet the demands of each track.

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.