The lifts are closed, it's quiet in town and a perfect time to run uplifts, or even pedal/push to the top. We all know deep down that nothing quite matches a good XC ride here in the Portes du Soleil in interseason. The mountains are clearing of snow, the animals are starting to appear, the grass and trees are turning green and the flowers are in bloom.
So you would think we'd be up in the hills here. Grinding the gears on the XC bike or even lugging the DH rig up the mountain. No, we're going to Switzerland instead. To make use of the brilliant train systems they have. To be precise, to a place called Biel/Bienne, that has some awesome tracks to ride and a train to take you back up. Why not.
There are a good handful of "lift assisted" places to ride, all within easy reach. Closest to Morzine you have Samoens, where they are hosting some trial uplifts over the next few weekends (more info here). Another good place is the Telepherique du Saleve on the A40 between Annemasse and Geneva. Open every day from 09:00 - 19:00, and until 23:00 on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, there is riding abound for all creeds. A bit further afield you have Bex. The railroad there takes you from Bex to Villars and on to Bretaye. From here there are many options for getting down or going along. For the more determined there is Biel/Bienne, a good 2 1/2 hours drive away, with a funicular to get you to the top. I've not been there before, so I'm not sure what it's like, but I've heard it's good. So I'll let you know how it is when we get back.
Hopefully my little ramble has inspired you to get out in the hills. So don't just sit there, get out and ride. Wherever you choose to go, make sure you have fun!
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