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Mountain Bike Route No. 2 – The Saint-Nicolas Escape
Description
From the top of the Bettex/Mont d’Arbois cable car, follow this route with a view of Mont Blanc. With a mix of technical descents, high-altitude runs and forest sections, enjoy this challenging route with stunning mountain views.
The route begins heading towards Mont-Joux before a first climb leading to the Col de Christ, situated beyond the top of the Croix du Christ chairlift, on the path to the Chalet du Mont-Joly. From the pass, the route descends towards Déchappieu and then Le Gouet, alternating between high-altitude trails, technical sections and more challenging stretches.
Once you reach Plan de la Croix via the forest track, the route continues its descent towards Porcherey. It is only towards the end of the route that the trail becomes smoother, following the Val Montjoie path to reach Saint-Gervais at a leisurely pace.
Technical Information
Altimetric profile
Starting point
Points of interest
Date and time
- From 01/05/2026 to 01/10/2026
- From 01/05/2027 to 01/10/2027
Additional information
Environments
Mountain view
Panoramic view
Lake view
Mountain location
Updated by
Office de Tourisme de Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc - 10/06/2026
www.saintgervais.com
Report a problem
Open period
From 01/05 to 01/10 daily.
Subject to favorable snow and weather conditions.
Type of land
Stone
Ground
Hard coating (tar, cement, flooring)
Grit
Contact
Phone : 04 50 47 76 08
Email : tourisme@saintgervais.com
Reception complements
Wearing a helmet and protective gear is strongly recommended; a mountain bike suitable for downhill riding with an appropriate braking system is required. A mountain biking guide is available from all bike hire companies in the valley as well as at the Tourist Information Offices.
Guidebook with maps/step-by-step
Start: Top of the Bettex / Mont d'Arbois cable car
Take the 4x4 track towards Mont-Joux and pass by the Chez la Tante mountain hut.
A little further on, take the track on your left, below the top station of the Croix chairlift.
Follow the track beneath Mont Joux and head towards the top station of the Croix du Christ chairlift.
After passing the chairlift station, turn left and take the Hermance road beneath L’Épaule to the top station of the Chattrix chairlift.
Turn right towards Porcherey.
At Porcherey Devant, take the winding path up to Le Planey, then turn right towards Le Carteyron.
Turn left to head down to Le Quy.
On leaving the hamlet of Le Quy, take the Val Montjoie path on the left.
At the junction with the Chemin des Bouquetins, turn right and head down towards the Vivier fishing lake.
Continue along the Val Montjoie path towards Saint-Gervais.
Cross the Route de Tague and continue along the path beside the Bonnant.
At the junction with the Chemin des Margagnes, turn right, pass by the Bike Park, and head back up to the Plaine des Pratz.
Cross the Plaine and head towards the ice rink.
Once you reach the ice rink car park, turn left, cross the Pont du Diable, continue along the road and turn right into the Châtelet car park.
You’ve arrived!
Animals
Yes. Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times due to the presence of livestock.
Data author
