"Steuplééé! Let me try!" For weeks now, your child has been begging you to sign him up for a course in downhill mountain biking during your next vacation in La Plagne. But you're hesitant... I mean, it sounds dangerous! Why would you need such a harness if it was really safe?
So, yes, downhill mountain biking is impressive. But it's like anything else, you have to learn. Entrust your little hotheads to a qualified instructor with complete confidence: not only will they discover all the techniques they need to become accomplished riders... but, above all, they'll cultivate essential qualities that can be reused in everyday life. You'd be wrong to say no, wouldn't you?
1: Downhill mountain biking pushes you to excel
Downhill mountain biking is one of the most impressive disciplines in the world of mountain biking. The idea is to hurtle down a relatively narrow dirt track at high speed, while overcoming fun obstacles (banked turns, bumps, jumps, wooden modules, etc.). Not very reassuring when you're a parent!
But don't worry: as with any sporting discipline, learning to ride is a gradual process. At first, the slope is gentle, the turns are wide and the modules are only a few centimetres high (green runs / easy level). It's the ideal way to take the plunge with confidence and immediately learn the right postures and reflexes.
Once you've mastered the basics, it's time to move on to intermediate slopes (blue level). The slope will become steeper, the turns tighter and higher, the modules larger. And so on to red runs (difficult level), then black (expert level; probably not the first week 😉 ).
The downhill mountain biking encourages you to constantly push yourself: you have to keep daring, under the encouragement of your coach and friends. Perfect for getting out of your comfort zone!
2. Downhill mountain biking is a school for perseverance
It's not enough to know how to pedal on sanitized forest trails to become a seasoned downhill mountain biker. In the beginning, there are bound to be a few bumps and "that was close" moments, and probably even a few falls. But when you're having fun and want to make progress, you don't hesitate to get back in the saddle and ride again!
Don't be surprised to see your kids doing the same track over and over again. For the pleasure of becoming more precise, gaining flow, knowing every turn by heart. Or aiming for a podium finish in one of the Super Kids Races organized in mid-July as part of the SUPER8 public cycling event.
Because yes, downhill mountain biking is a sport of perseverance: talent isn't enough, you have to practice to get good at it. And the ego loves getting good. It makes for great videos to share on Tiktok 😉 Who knows, they might want to persevere in other areas? Maths, perhaps? We can dream...
3. Downhill mountain biking sharpens sociability
Has your child taken to the sport? It's a safe bet that soon all he'll be able to talk about is downhill mountain biking! And of course, when you're an enthusiast, you want to talk to other enthusiasts. Talking technique, discussing equipment, comparing idols, convincing others that the best track in the world is our own, and that's all there is to it.
Passion brings people together and makes them want to get moving. After all, what's the point of scrolling through your own phone when you can be out riding with friends? Screen time is slowly but surely diminishing...
4. Downhill mountain biking boosts self-confidence
The schoolyard isn't always kind to our children. Not average? They're quickly lumped into a box: the one who sucks at French, the one who sucks at soccer, the one who sucks at drawing. What if, by encouraging them in their new passion, you helped them to become "the strong downhill mountain biker"? It's so good for self-confidence to see yourself progressing track after track, day after day!
Downhill mountain biking, because it's a demanding discipline that requires self-transcendence and perseverance, makes children proud as much as their parents. Believing in yourself helps you to dream big in everyday life. Believing in your ability to build a bright future is pretty cool, isn't it?
Children's version of the La Plagne Bike Park:
- 3 easy downhill trails (green trails) and 5 intermediate downhill trails (blue trails), accessible via the Colorado and Colosses chairlifts(mountain bike pass prices here).
- Fun modules (moguls, footbridges, etc.) for youngsters and beginners
- Private mountain biking lessons and group courses to discover downhill mountain biking in complete safety and progress at your own pace.
- Sports stores to rent a downhill mountain bike in your size.
- Bike Park bonus: two pumptracks for pumping fun on an asphalt loop with one woop after another
