Where can I go pumptracking around La Plagne (Savoie)?
There are two outdoor pumptrack trails in the La Plagne area, both of which are paved (and both of which are accessible free of charge, with no need for reservations):
- One at Aime-la-Plagne, in the valley, which can be used all year round (except when there's snow at low altitude);
- The other at Plagne Bellecôte, at 1900 m altitude, is open from spring to autumn (depending on snow conditions).
Parking is available close to both pumptracks. The Aime-la-Plagne parking lot is free all year round, while the Plagne Bellecôte car park charges in winter(you can check the free/paid periods here).
Two pumptrack trails, three levels of difficulty
Although it may look like a gentle, fun trail, pumptrack requires a little training to get the hang of it and understand how to pump your legs effectively. In fact, it's advisable to be comfortable with your equipment on flat ground before setting off on a pumptrack track (even an easy one!).
The level of difficulty of a pumptrack track depends mainly on: the height and sequence of the bumps (also known as "woops"), the number of banked turns and their configuration (tighter or looser turns, faster or slower sequence), and of course the overall length of the loop (you need strong legs to pump for a long distance!).
La Plagne's pumptrack trails have three levels of difficulty: beginner, advanced (blue) and advanced (red). There's something for everyone, whatever your age or level, to enjoy and progress with each loop.
Pumptrack at Plagne Bellecôte :
- 1300 m²
- 1 beginners' course (easy): 50 m long
- 2 sensation courses (blue level / beginner, and red level / advanced): 200 m total length
Aime-la-Plagne pumptrack :
- 1200m²
- Blue level course (beginner) with red level options (advanced)
- 200 m of track in total
BMX or mountain bike: what type of bike should you choose for pumptrack?
BMX and dirt bikes (smaller than conventional mountain bikes) are particularly well-suited to pumptrack: they're maneuverable, light and solid, and therefore ideal for the configuration of pumptrack tracks (a succession of bumps to pump over, banked turns, etc.).
Don't have a BMX or dirt bike to hand? Then don't give up on the pumptrack trails at La Plagne: you' ll have just as much fun with a classic mountain bike!
Note that pumptrack is not just for bikes. Do you skate? Inline skating? Scooters? Do your kids ride a draisienne? Then you've come to the right place on La Plagne's two pumptrack trails.
How do you equip yourself for safe pumptracking?
Because falling is part of the learning process, it's essential to have the right equipment before you set off on the pumptrack (even if it's blue or easy). The first essential is obviously a helmet for everyone (not just children!), to which you can add elbow pads, knee pads, gloves and wrist guards.
The right reflex? Never go pumptracking solo. Firstly, because it's more fun with a group (and someone has to immortalize the run with their phone); but above all, because it's safer (in the event of a fall, it's always reassuring to have someone you trust nearby to run over with a bandage... or call the fire department).
Pumptrack: an activity that appeals to children and adults alike
If you're new to pumptrack, you'll soon realize that this type of fun trail is multi-generational. You'll meet experienced riders as well as up-and-coming champions, and even tots as tall as three apples on their draisienne.
The little ones will have a blast on Plagne Bellecôte's introductory pumptrack track, before quickly overtaking their elders on the two blue-level loops. It's amazing how much less fear you have of falling when you're closer to the ground...
Pumptrack regulars of all ages will enjoy themselves on Plagne Bellecôte's red-level loop, and won't hesitate to take the scarlet alternatives on Aime-la-Plagne's mostly blue loop.
