If Les Saisies gets the pulse of wide-tyre enthusiasts racing, it's because the resort is where modern mountain biking was born. The plateau, which hosted the cross-country skiing events during the 1992 Albertville Olympic Games, naturally carried on this legacy by becoming one of the very first FFC centres of excellence for Cross-Country. The trails.
For cyclists seeking tarmac and history, the Col des Saisies is a legendary stage on the Route des Grandes Alpes, that iconic route connecting Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean Sea. Climbing this pass is a journey through geology and culture. The ascent from the Gorges de Flumet offers a magical transition between Haute-Savoie and Savoie, passing through dense conifer forests before opening onto the plateau. The exceptionally well-maintained road surface provides outstanding performance, making up for the length of the effort. The climb is a pilgrimage for cycle tourists from all over the world, drawn by this unique transition where the effort of the climb leads, without interruption, to the vastness of a high-altitude alpine pasture.
In Aux Saisies, gravel finds its original expression on the backroads used by farmers. The network of compacted dirt tracks connects the various hamlets where the famous Beaufort cheese is made. Riding here means plunging into the heart of a living mountain, to the sound of the bells of the Tarine cows. The forest tracks, often covered with fine slate gravel, wind along the ridgelines without ever descending into the valley, offering ideal terrain for high-altitude bikepacking.
The plateau profile of Les Saisies directly influences road conditions. The absence of direct rock barriers creates excellent air circulation, avoiding the greenhouse effect of valleys in summer. Mornings here are cool and absolutely clear, perfect for exertion. The soil, rich and grassy on the surface, rests on a stable base that drains stormy rains perfectly, ensuring dry and fast-rolling forest tracks just a few hours after a shower.
