Green Graded Mountain Bike Routes in the Chamonix Valley

Route No. 1, 12Km (Green)

The route starts south of the leisure centre, on the "fory de ski fond" through the "Bois du Bouchet". Go under the road and railway and passes "Pierre d'Orthaz" at 1060m. Cross the river l'Arveyron, through the forest trails of "Lots des Bourses" passing the helistation on your right. Gain the up hill road towards "Les Bois", first left and first right through the village. After another right turn, pass a turning on your left towards "Les Tines". Keep heading strait on, crossing the main road (N506) near the railway crossing, then continue down a small road until you reach "Pont de la Corruaz" (1092m). Cross the railway line and the river l'Arve, gain a small section of the "Petit Balcon Sud" and now heading down the valley until you meet a three way fork in the trail. Take the lower fourwheel- drive track and watch out for the VTT signposts ahead. They direct you on a smaller track left of "Paradis des Praz" so you don't disturb the ponys. The four-wheel-drive track again takes you back across the river and through a Golf course. Turn right onto the main road pass the clubhouse, then another right towards "La Flegere" Telepherique station. Over a bridge, a sharp left and follow the river (watch out for the stones) crossing the main road. A fast pace can be made along this path, watching out for walkers and the boulders at the road junctions. A refreshing cool breeze can be felt from the glacial melt water. Take a left at the road near the tennis courts and head back to the centre of Chamonix.

Route No. 2, 8Km (Green)

This route starts at a place called "Les Gaillands", a local rock climbing crag (site d'escalade)
situated on the old road towards "les Bossons" down the valley from the centre of Chamonix. From there you gain the trail into the woods, passing some rectangular man made lakes. This fast trail soon starts to follow the river l'Arve. With the river on your left, keep to the lowest possible trail heading down the valley. The chalets of "les Bossons" can be seen on your left through the trees. Passing a river bridge, the trail breaks from the river for a section and heads around a small hill to follow the river further down stream. Passing a second bridge, the trail heads steeply up hill until it forks. Taking the left track you head down hill, over a stream and onto the rivers flood plain. The track then leads steadily up hill towards another fork at "les Roches". Keep left and head down hill until the track veers onto the road at "les Eaux Rousses". Follow the road for nearly a kilometre until you reach the final destination, the railway station of "les Houches". The recommended return route is via the "route nationale et chemin Napoleon". I found it better to retrace the trail rather than taking the road.