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La Plagne bike park 2026: A full guide to ride like a local

La Plagne bike park summer 2026

Looking for an adrenaline-filled adventure that will take your biking skills to new heights? Look no further than the thrilling trails of La Plagne Bike Park. Whether you're a beginner eager to conquer your first downhill, or an experienced rider seeking the ultimate challenge, there is somethign for you.

Click to the bit you need, or keep on reading!

But lets be clear up front: La Plagne is not a mountain biking mecca. There are bigger, more popular neighbouring resorts. But – now here's the clever bit. Because La Plagne is less popular, the fewer trails we have are so much quieter. And if you've ever been to Morzine and queued up for 30+ minutes for 1 uplift, you'll appreciate when I say you will rarely, if ever, join a queue for a La Plagne bike lift.

So let's jump in to more of the details and FAQs I'm sure you have.

La Plagne bike park trails and lifts

The La Plagne bike park, or ‘Colorado Bike Park', is located in La Plagne Centre, and has 12 downhill trails:

4 easy trails
5 intermediate trails
2 difficult trails
1 very difficult trail

No matter your experience, there's something for everyone.

The Bike Park is serviced by 2 chairlifts: Colorado and FuniPlagne. All are equipped with bike attachments.

Most of the La Plagne bike lifts are open from 9 am – 1215 and then again from 1330 – 1740 and closed on Saturday. But check out this post with all the La Plagne lift pass prices, opening hours and days so stay fully informed.

Now first things first – go ahead and save yourself a copy of the La Plagne 2026 bike map.

la plagne bike park map summer 2026 Download

Summer 2026 shuttle buses in La Plagne

One of the best things about mountain biking in La Plagne is that you don't necessarily need a car once you're here.

During the summer season, a network of shuttle buses connects the valley with the resort villages, making it easier to access the bike park, accommodation and walking trails throughout the area.

Valley to resort shuttle buses

If you're staying in the valley towns or arriving by train, free shuttle buses operate between the valley and the resort. These services are particularly useful if you're travelling with bikes and want to avoid driving up the mountain each day.

Unlike the free shuttle buses that run between the La Plagne villages, these valley-to-resort services usually require advance booking, so it's worth planning ahead, especially during busy summer weeks.

Free buses between the La Plagne altitude villages

Once you're up in the resort, getting around is much easier.

The free shuttle buses connect many of the La Plagne villages, including Plagne Centre, Belle Plagne, Plagne Bellecôte, Plagne Villages and Plagne Soleil. These services are free to use and do not require advance booking.

They're particularly handy if you're staying in one village but want to access a different lift, trailhead, restaurant or activity without moving your car.

Simplified map of La Plagne’s free shuttle bus network showing routes between Plagne Villages, Plagne Soleil, Plagne Centre, Plagne Bellecôte, Plagne 1800, Plagne Aime 2000, and Les Charmettes. Color-coded lines indicate shuttle routes, Télébus, and cable cars, with icons for key stops like the Bobsleigh Track and lift departures.

Useful for bikers

Many riders use the shuttle buses to access different parts of the resort or to return to their accommodation after a long day on the trails. Most of the buses will have a rack on the back on the bus for you to hook your buss up to.

Before travelling, always check the latest summer timetables and booking requirements, as routes and operating dates can vary from year to year.

Read my full guide to the La Plagne shuttle buses, including routes, timetables and booking information.

Is the La Plagne bike park good for beginners?

In a word, yes La Plagne is good for beginner mountain bike riders! In fact, the La Plagne Bike Park or ‘bike park du Colorado' is the place to be for riders of all levels.

It's designed to help you learn and progress, with specially reworked areas that promise even more downhill excitement. And as a beginner(ish!) bike rider, often taking my kids out on the trails, I genuinely mean this. You can opt in or out of most of the features, making the pistes as challenging as you want them to be.

Beginner bike trails at La Plagne Bike Park

If you are starting out mountain biking for the first time, either on your own or with the kids. The easiest trail to begin with is Pony Club.

Pony Club starts at the bottom of the Colorado chair lift, where you can find the green ski slope in the winter. Here, you’ll find some gentle tracks with wide hairpin turns. Perfect for little legs to build their confidence, even on a balance bike. The only problem with Pony Club is that there is no lift back up to the top. You can either head down onto the road and get the free shuttle bus back up to Plagne Centre and then walk back to the top of the Pony Club piste. Or do what we did, which is just practice on the top part and walk back up with the kids. Then, cross your fingers that you feel confident enough to progress to one of the longer green bike runs serviced by a chair lift.

The next La Plagne bike run to head to is the Shoshone green bike piste.

Shoshone – One of the longest bike pistes in La Plagne at 4.8 km! This is a gentle descent with smooth, wide trails that are perfect for beginners to get a feel for downhill riding. The trail provides a gradual introduction to mountain biking, allowing riders to gain confidence as they navigate through the scenic alpine landscape. You will need to take the Colorado chairlift to get to the top of this piste, to get your bike onto the chairlift, just tell let the lift workers know you are a beginner and let them show or help you especially if you have kids and kids’ bikes with you.

TOP TIP: You will likely want to stop on the way down if you are riding with kids for the first time. It took me over 30 minutes to do the descent with my 5-year-old for the first time. Pack some snacks and water, and enjoy the view! You’ll likely surprise some Marmottes on the way do, so remember to take your camera!

Sweet Goat – 4 km long. This is the other main green bike piste in La Plagne, which is at the top of the Bergerie chairlift. Whilst this is still a green piste, it is narrower in places, and I find it is less well-shaped than the ShoShone. The other thing with Sweet Goat is that it takes you to the bottom of the Bergerie chairlift. So, if you want to get back to Plagne Centre, you will either need to take the Bergerie chairlift up and then ride down back to Plagne Centre, or ride back up the road or get the free shuttle bus.

TOP TIP: I actually find that the blue piste D’Ana is easier and more enjoyable than Sweet Goat. D’Ana is 1.3km long. D’Ana is also at the top of the Colorado chairlift, so it is easily accessible. The piste is perhaps steeper than Sweet Goat in places. But overall, the d’Ana piste is wider, smoother and better shaped. I took my kids on to D’Ana before doing Sweet Goat as I think the smoother, sandier pistes are easier for them to get comfortable with – especially as kids’ mountain bikes don’t have suspension!

Beginner bike lessons in La Plagne

For beginner mountain bike riders or those looking to take their skills up a notch, the park also offers skill clinics and lessons for beginners. I would 100% recommend booking some lessons to learn the fundamentals. Also, for renting all the protective equipment. I feel much more confident wearing the right equipment.

These bike lessons are led by experienced instructors who will teach the fundamental techniques of mountain biking, such as body positioning, braking, and cornering. By learning these skills in a controlled environment, beginner mountain bikers and children can quickly progress and feel more confident on the trails. The instructors at La Plagne Bike Park are passionate about sharing their knowledge and helping beginners develop a strong foundation in mountain biking. With their guidance, beginners can safely navigate the trails and build the skills necessary to tackle more advanced terrain in the future.

Intermediate bike trails at La Plagne Bike Park

Once you've mastered the beginner and green trails, it's time to step up your game and tackle the intermediate trails at La Plagne Bike Park. These trails offer a perfect balance between flow and technicality, providing an exciting challenge for riders looking to advance their skills.

Blue Tomato – blue bike piste and 2.7 km long. One of the first trails you’ll likely head to is Blue Tomato, from the top of the Colorado chairlift. A faster-paced descent with berms, jumps, and rollers that will keep your adrenaline pumping. This trail is designed to help riders improve their flow and pump skills, allowing them to maintain momentum and navigate through the features effortlessly. The top part of Blue Tomato is also more rocky, with some shale and loose stones, so it will push you to get more confidence on uneven ground.

The Blue Tomato is a favourite among intermediate riders, offering a fun experience while still being accessible to those who are progressing from the beginner level.

Comanche – Blue bike piste and 1.3 km long. A good one to move on to then is the Comanche blue Piste. This is at the top of the Bergerie chairlift and is a nice run back down into Plagne Centre.

Chinook – blue bike piste and 3.5km long. For those seeking a more technical challenge, the “Chinook” trail is a must-ride at La Plagne Bike Park. Again, accessed from the top of the Colorado chairlift, but this one heads down to Plagne Bellecôte. This trail is filled with rocky sections, drops, and technical features that will test your bike handling skills. Riding Chinook requires precision and focus as you navigate through the challenging terrain. It's a trail that will push you out of your comfort zone and help you develop the necessary skills to conquer more advanced trails in the future. Intermediate riders will find the Chinook to be a rewarding and exhilarating experience, showcasing the diverse terrain and challenges that La Plagne Bike Park has to offer.

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Advanced bike trails at La Plagne Bike Park

For experienced riders looking for the ultimate challenge, La Plagne Bike Park has a range of advanced trails that will push your skills to the limit. These trails are designed for riders who have mastered the technical aspects of mountain biking and are ready to take on the most demanding terrain.

Red bike trails at La Plagne Bike Park

Thunderbolt – red bike piste 2.5km long. The Thunderbolt red bike trail sets off from the top of the Colossus chairlift and makes its way down back into Bellecôte. Filled with more challenging switchbacks, steeper drops and some fun jumps, this one is going to test your skills! Possibly a little easier than the Redskins run, so try out Thunderbolt red bike piste before hitting the Redskins.

Redskins – red bike piste and 1.4 km long. First up, we have the Redskins, accessed from the top of the Colorado chairlift. A steep and gnarly descent that will test your bike handling skills and nerve. This trail is filled with roots, rocks, and tight switchbacks, requiring precise line choices and expert bike control. Riding the Redskins trail is a true test of skill and bravery, offering a sense of accomplishment to those who conquer it.

Black bike trails at La Plagne Bike Park

X’trem Canyon – Black bike piste, 1.5 km long. The most advanced La Plagne mountain bike trail is the “X’trem Canyon,” a jump line designed for riders who love catching air and pushing the boundaries of gravity. This trail features a series of tabletops, doubles, and gaps, allowing riders to showcase their jumping skills. The X’trem Canyon trail is not for the faint of heart, as it requires confidence and skill to tackle the jumps with speed and style.

Advanced riders will find the X’trem Canyon trail to be a thrilling and adrenaline-fueled experience, offering opportunities to push their limits and progress their riding to new heights.

Safety tips for riding at La Plagne Bike Park

While mountain biking at La Plagne Bike Park can be an exhilarating experience, it's crucial to prioritize safety to ensure a fun and injury-free ride. Here are some essential safety tips to keep in mind:

Always wear a helmet: A helmet is your most important piece of protective gear. Make sure it fits properly and is securely fastened before hitting the trails. While a traditional cycling helmet might be okay for riding around the roads, I would recommend getting a full-face helmet to head to the mountain bike trails correctly. If you rent equipment from any of the bike shops around La Plagne, they will be providing you with a full-face helmet.
Use appropriate protective gear: Wearing a helmet goes without saying! But in addition to your helmet, consider the list below to safeguard yourself from potential injuries.
Ride within your limits: Be honest about your skill level and ride trails that match your abilities. Pushing yourself too far beyond your comfort zone can lead to accidents and injuries. And don’t let your friends or partner try to teach you unless you want to fall out with them!
Follow trail etiquette: Be aware of other riders on the trails and always yield to those going downhill. Communicate your intentions with hand signals and be respectful of other trail users.
Check your bike before each ride: Ensure that your bike is in proper working condition before hitting the trails. Check the brakes, tyres, and suspension to prevent any mechanical mishaps on the trail.

By following these safety tips, you can enjoy the thrill of riding at La Plagne Bike Park while minimising the risk of accidents or injuries.

Essential gear for biking at La Plagne Bike Park

To have a successful and enjoyable biking experience at La Plagne Bike Park, it's essential to have the right gear. Here are a few items that should be on every rider's checklist:

Mountain bike: Choose a bike suitable for the type of riding you plan to do at the park. Full-suspension bikes are recommended for the more technical trails, while hardtail bikes can handle the flowy single tracks.
Helmet: Protect your head with a well-fitting and certified bike helmet. Look for helmets that provide ample ventilation and comfortable padding.
Protective gear: Consider investing in:

Knee pads, often with shin protection built-in
Elbow pads
Gloves – a must-have as you will need all the grip they can give to cling onto those breaks!
Protective eyewear – sunglasses will be good to start with, but if you plan on riding a lot, look at getting some goggles to offer better protection and more comfort.

Appropriate clothing: Wear breathable and moisture-wicking clothing that allows for freedom of movement. Opt for padded shorts to enhance comfort during long rides. Also, remember that it might be chilly when you set out, but after a few minutes of riding, you will feel the heat! Layers are always your friend.
Hydration pack: Stay hydrated on the trails by carrying a hydration pack or water bottle. It's essential to drink plenty of fluids, especially during hot summer rides. I always use my CamelPak bladder when I’m riding, as it’s so easy to drink whilst I’m on the move.
Tools and spare parts: Carry a basic toolkit and spare parts such as inner tubes, tyre levers, and a multi-tool for on-trail repairs.

By ensuring you have the right gear, you'll be well-prepared to tackle the trails at La Plagne Bike Park and enjoy a safe and comfortable ride.

Training and preparation for riding at La Plagne Bike Park

Preparing for a trip to La Plagne Bike Park involves more than just packing your gear. To make the most of your experience and maximize your riding potential, it's essential to train and prepare beforehand. Here are a few tips to help you get ready:

Build your fitness: Mountain biking can be physically demanding, so it's crucial to build your endurance and strength. Incorporate regular cardio exercises and strength training into your fitness routine to improve your overall biking performance.
Practice bike handling skills: Focus on improving your bike handling skills, such as cornering, braking, and balancing. Find local trails or pump tracks to practice these skills before tackling the more technical terrain at La Plagne Bike Park. You also have the pump track in Plagne BelleCôte, which is free and a great place to build up confidence on your bike.
Interval training: Incorporate interval training into your routine to improve your speed and power output. This type of training involves alternating between high-intensity bursts of effort and periods of active recovery.
Mental preparation: Mountain biking requires focus and mental resilience. Practice visualization techniques to mentally prepare yourself for the challenges you may face on the trails. Visualize yourself successfully navigating technical sections or conquering challenging features.
Stretch and warm-up: Prior to riding, warm up your muscles with dynamic stretches and movements. This will help prevent injuries and improve your overall performance on the bike. Don’t forget to warm down after your ride as well. When I remember to stretch out or use a foam roller after riding, I feel so much better the following day.

By incorporating these training and preparation tips into your routine, you'll be well-equipped to tackle the trails at La Plagne Bike Park and make the most of your biking adventure.

Other activities and attractions in La Plagne

I always get asked the question: What activities are there to do in summer in La Plagne? While the La Plagne Bike Park is undoubtedly a haven for mountain bikers, there are also plenty of other activities and attractions to explore in the area.

Here are a few of my top recommendations to enhance your overall experience:

Hiking and Trekking: Lace up your hiking boots and explore the numerous hiking trails that crisscross the mountains surrounding La Plagne Bike Park. Immerse yourself in the stunning alpine scenery and enjoy breathtaking views along the way. And the best part? Easily accessible for all abilities and age groups and free fun for all the family!
Paragliding: Take to the skies and experience the thrill of paragliding. La Plagne offers paragliding opportunities for adventurers seeking an adrenaline rush and a unique perspective of the mountains.
Via Ferrata: Challenge yourself with a Via Ferrata adventure. Climb the iron ladders, traverse the exposed ledges, and soak in the panoramic views as you navigate these exhilarating mountain routes. The most well-known La Plagne Via Ferrata courses are up above Belle Plagne, but there is also a Via Ferrate course in Champagny. Plus, an acro branch, tree-top climbing playground in Belle Plagne, perfect for your little climbers.
Relaxation and Wellness: After an intense day of riding, treat yourself to some well-deserved relaxation. La Plagne has several spas and wellness centres where you can indulge in rejuvenating treatments and unwind sore muscles. Check out the best La Plagne swimming pools in this recent article.
Cultural Exploration: Immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting nearby villages and towns. Explore traditional markets, sample regional delicacies, and learn about the rich history of the area. You can even try the Beaufort cheese made at the La Plagne fromagerie, just above La Plagne village! They make the best the best Beaufort in the world (in my opinion!)

For more ideas, see my full guide to the best things to do in La Plagne in summer.

That’s La Plagne @ the La Plagne Bike Park

La Plagne Bike Park offers a fun biking experience for riders of all skill levels. From beginners looking to gain confidence to advanced riders seeking the ultimate challenge, the park's diverse trails cater to every type of rider. With a focus on safety, well-maintained trails, and a stunning alpine setting, La Plagne Bike Park is a must-visit destination for mountain enthusiasts.

So, pack your gear, prepare for an adventure, and get ready to conquer the trails of La Plagne Bike Park. Embark on a journey from beginner to expert and discover the thrill of riding in this mountain biking paradise.