The 5 Best MTB Destinations in Europe

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Climate and geography are the two main determining factors when it comes to mountain biking destinations, and Europe offers a thriving cycling culture both in the cities and in the beautiful countryside. There are an abundance of mountain bike trails in the beautiful continent, well worth exploring.

The Alps, Dolomites and many other places offer challenging terrain and longer distances for you to enjoy and hone your cycling skills. Whether you’re looking for a tough climb, an adrenaline-filled descent or fast routes, here are the top five mountain biking destinations in Europe.

The Alps, France

The French Alps are widely known for downhill skiing, mountain biking and paragliding. Sunny slopes, an incredible lift network and a long single track make the French Alps a popular mountain biking destination. The most famous cycling area in the Alps is the Portes du Soleil network of resorts between Mont Blanc in France and Lake Geneva in Switzerland. There are plenty of other options in the French Alps with resorts such as Les Deux Alpes, Les Arcs and Chamonix all offering great singletrack for cyclists.

Madeira, Portugal

Madeira is an island of eternal spring and a perfect destination for mountain biking all year round. Located in the Atlantic Ocean, the island is closer to Africa than Portugal. No matter your skill level, the island’s mountainous terrain caters to all sorts of needs as you pass its arid, sunny ridges and verdant groves. The island is best to visit during the non-winter months to indulge in cross-country, downhill, all-mountain or even casual riding.

Are, Sweden

Åre Bike Park is Scandinavia’s largest bike park offering 50 km of pure adrenaline, spread over 34 tracks and a vertical drop of 853 m. Located next to a lake, the park is surrounded by the green hills of northwestern Sweden and hosts the country’s biggest mountain biking festival every summer. You can combine it with cultural, hiking, leisure or culinary tourism, or other adrenaline-infused activities, making it an incredible destination to explore.

The Dolomites, Italy

The Dolomites in eastern Italy are a popular destination for hiking and climbing, and a favorite among mountain bikers. Offering challenging trails, the region is also an unforgettable adventure with rugged mountains and dense forests. The Western Dolomites have four major mountain biking areas: Sella Ronda in the heart of the region; the Alpe di Siusi to the northwest; Cl Rodella in Val Suron, east of Stella Ronda; and the Baita alla Cascate.

Tirol, Austria

Tyrol’s top mountain biking destinations have everything you need for an adrenaline rush through a perfect combination of terrain to challenge cyclists of all skill levels. Tyrol offers the longest trails in the Alps, with steep climbs, tight switchbacks and intense descents. The region also has 32 stages and 1,000 km in total as well as ski lifts and a cable car to provide easy access. It is also one of the most accessible mountain bike trails in Europe.

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