Whatever your mountain biking passion Nikki and Hugh can help ensure that you get the most from your holiday at their luxury mountain B&B – Chalet Savoie Faire.
Whether you prefer your mountain bike action to be cross country, downhill, all mountain/enduro, freeride or trail riding then the French Alps provide some of the best terrain and backdrops in the world. The area around Fontaine, Naves is also the perfect setting for the increasingly popular activity of mountain bike orienteering – combining the skills of map navigation and mountain biking.
After five years of lovingly restoring a rundown Savoyard barn into luxury mountain accommodation Hugh is enjoying having the time to get back into the saddle and back into mountain training. His passion for cross country (XC) mountain biking and knowledge of all aspects of mountain biking and the local area puts him in a unique position to advise guests on routes, circuits, multi day circuits and local trails.
VTT (vélo tout terrain) is a hugely popular sport in France and in particular in the stunning and picturesque tarentaise region. Many prestigious and world class events are held within striking distance of Chalet Savoie Faire including:
UCI MTB World Cup in Meribel, August 2014
French MTB Cup – XC and DH – Meribel
3 Valleys Tout Terrain – July, Meribel, open to all
UCI Trials World Cup – Meribel
Lift assisted riding is also available for downhill enthusiasts in the Three Valleys which is only 30 minutes away. Meribel is a French Cycle Federation Labelled mountain biking site and offers an impressive 100kms of marked circuits another 117km is available in the neighbouring resorts of Courchevel, Les Menuires and Val Thorens. A Four Cross Slope can be found in Meribel during the summer months.
Make the most of your host’s local knowledge and let them advise you on any equipment hire you may need from bikes to protective clothing. They can put you in touch with local specialists and guides as well as arranging transfers and transport. English speaking local guides can be arranged so that you can make the most of the mountain. Just let them know in advance what you need and let Nikki and Hugh organise the rest.
After a tough but exhilarating day in the saddle, nothing beats returning to cosy Chalet Savoie Faire and being served food fit for the gods of cycling. The versatility of this alpine retreat means you can book a holiday to suit your needs – B&B, full board or self catering options are all available. With prior notice Nikki will be able to conjure up one of her superb gourmet meals leaving you free to relax before the next day’s endeavours in the saddle.
Massages for tired limbs can be arranged either at the chalet or in one of the local spas. The Thermal Springs in La Léchère offer a wide range of treatments and therapies for tired riders who need some relaxation.
If some of your group want a break from riding then there are a wide range of alternative activities available at or close to Naves Fontaines. Why not sign up to one of Nikki’s cookery classes or explore the local markets? There’s never a shortage of ways to relax or to be active in the mountains!
