Explore the mountains by bike

By Skier & Snowboarder on 26th May 2026 • ( 0 )

Spring, summer and autumn turn the Alps into a playground for cyclists, with world-famous road cycling climbs and hundreds of mountain biking tracks. Now OVO Network has a dedicated range of Cycling Friendly, high-end chalets, all hand-picked for their bike-friendly locations, style and facilities.

For 2026 the company has over 50 chalets with the Cycling Friendly accreditation, each offering easy access to top cycling routes, secure bike storage, cleaning facilities and information on bike routes. Many also offer additional facilities such as hot tubs, saunas, gyms or swimming pools.

Chris Thompson, director of OVO Network UK, says: “Over the past few years there’s been growing interest in all types of cycling, and for the Alps that translates into increased road, mountain and gravel bikers visiting the region. Road biking in particular is a major draw, with events such as the Tour de France attracting the eyes of the world to the terrain on offer.

“To help meet that demand we developed our Cycling Friendly chalets, each selected for their bike-friendly locations and range of facilities. This combination is perfect for both groups of cyclists and families, providing the perfect ‘basecamp’ from which to explore some of the world’s best cycling.”

Figures from I&D Tourisme, an association of the Offices de Tourisme et les Territoires of Haute Savoie, show that France welcomes over nine million cyclists on holiday every year, with 20% of those coming from overseas. In Haute Savoie it estimates that up to 2,500 cyclists per day, cycle round Lake Annecy, with 30% of visitors to the region enjoying some form of cycling.

From 24 August to 5 September 2027 the Haute Savoie will also host the prestigious UCI Cycling World Championships, with OVO Network featuring chalets in event locations such as Châtel, Samoëns, La Clusaz, Thônes, Les Gets and Annecy.

Road Cyclist?

For road cyclists the Alps offer something for all levels. From climbs such as the Col de la Croix Fry, Col de l’Iseran and Col du Galibier, to scenic rides through picturesque mountain villages and tours of Lake Annecy, road cycling in the French Alps grows in popularity each year. Out on the road, drivers are more respectful of cyclists and you’ll find a growing number of cycling cafes such as Lo Garajo in Manigod, Daka near La Clusaz and Le Bon Wagon beside Lake Annecy for a fuel stop.

Mountain Biker?

For mountain bikers the Alps will never disappoint. Through the summer months many of the ski lifts are open to whisk riders and their bikes up to some of the top spots, with hundreds of kilometres of tracks taking in Alpine meadows, mountain climbs/descents and some fabulous traditional eateries.

OVO Network has also teamed up with Kilian Bron, one of the world’s leading mountain bike adventure film makers, to help showcase the Alps.

Easy Bike Rental

For anyone unsure about travelling with their own bike then it’s easy to rent mountain bikes, road bikes, e-bikes and gravel bikes in resorts across the Alps. Plus there are plenty of specialist bike shops on hand in case repairs are needed or new gear needed.

Example Cycle Friendly chalets include:

NEW Chalet Nivalis, Valmeinier in the Maurienne Valley New to OVO Network this year, it has an outdoor hot tub spa to ease tired muscles, plus a games room with table football, barbecue and outdoor dining area. The nearby Vanoise National Park and Cerces massif offer plenty of cycling opportunities. It sleeps up to eight guests.

SPA LOVERS: Chalet Etoile Nordique near Saint Gervais Set just 500m from a cycle path and with a private outdoor swimming pool (May to September), this chalet is close to Saint Gervais with its famed spa treatments. It also has a separate independent apartment.

HOT TUB BLISS: Chalet de Nantaux, Saint Jean d’Aulps near Morzine With its hot tub and sauna, peaceful location close to great cycling and a wood burning stove, Chalet de Nantaux is just 5km from all of the action of Morzine.

VALUE LUXURY Chalet Paravis, La Clusaz This luxury chalet with a sauna, gym and pool table is perfect for road cyclists and mountain bikers looking for easy access to some fabulous rides. It’s set just off the famed Col des Aravis road, and you can find mountain biking routes from the door.

OVO Network has specialised in beautiful, hand-picked mountain chalets since 2010, and now has over 240 properties across the French and Swiss Alps, as well as in the Pyrenees.

To view the full range of chalets and the latest special offers visit ovonetwork.com