Downhill mountain biking or Dh

Hi BOB’s, it’s downhill mountain biking time! We explain it all!

Downhill mountain biking, often abbreviated to DH, is a discipline of mountain biking (Vélo Tout-Terrain) that focuses primarily on the fast descent of steep, technical trails. It’s an extreme sport, yes.

Adrenalin, speed, conviviality, nature… that’s what’s on the menu. It can be practised on a variety of terrains, from beginner to advanced.

For practice, you need a mountain bike specially designed to withstand extreme downhill conditions, with specific features to offer better stability, control and durability when descending rough and steep terrain.

Here are some key features of a downhill mountain bike:

• 1. Suspension: Downhill mountain bikes are equipped with a long-travel suspension system, usually with a front fork and rear shock absorber, to absorb shocks and irregularities in the terrain.
• 2. Specific geometry: They have a geometry specially designed for greater stability at high speeds and better handling on technical descents. Frames are often longer and lower for a lower center of gravity.
• 3. Powerful brakes : Hydraulic disc brakes are commonly used to provide high braking power, essential for slowing down quickly on steep descents.
• 4. Wide, robust tires: Downhill mountain bikes feature wide, robust tires with plenty of grip for optimum traction in muddy or rocky conditions.
• 5. Reinforced protection: Due to the extreme nature of downhill mountain biking, these bikes are often equipped with extra protection for frame, pedals and components to minimize damage in the event of a fall or collision. . This sport requires protection such as a full-face helmet, back protection, knee pads, gloves…
• 6. Robust frame: Downhill mountain bike frames are built to withstand the high stresses of fast descents over steep terrain.

Downhill mountain biking is a very demanding discipline requiring great technical skill, self-confidence and good equipment. Fans of this sport are looking for adrenalin and speed while tackling steep descents and natural obstacles. Downhill slopes are often built in ski resorts or parks specially dedicated to this discipline.

Where can you go downhill mountain biking in FRANCE?

France offers many popular destinations for downhill mountain biking, with a large number of mountain resorts and mountain bike areas specially designed for this discipline. Here are some of France’s most famous downhill regions and resorts:

• The French Alps: The French Alps offer numerous ski resorts that transform into downhill mountain biking destinations in summer. Places like Les Gets, Les Deux Alpes, Morzine, Méribel and Val d’Isère are popular with downhill enthusiasts.
• The Pyrenees: The French Pyrenees are also home to several downhill mountain bike resorts, including Les Angles, Saint-Lary-Soulan, and Ax 3 Domaines.
• The Vosges: The Vosges, in eastern France, offers quality downhill runs at La Bresse and Gérardmer.
• Côte d’Azur: The Côte d’Azur region offers downhill mountain biking at Sospel, near Nice, and at La Colmiane.
• Massif Central: The Massif Central boasts a number of downhill destinations, including Super Besse and Le Mont-Dore.
• Jura: The Jura mountains offer downhill slopes in Métabief and Les Rousses.
• Corsica: The island of Corsica also offers downhill courses in places like Bocognano and Cervione.

Where can you go downhill mountain biking in Europe?

Europe offers a wealth of downhill mountain biking destinations, with mountain resorts and purpose-built trails in many countries. Here are some of the most popular downhill regions in Europe:

• 1. Swiss Alps: Switzerland boasts many world-renowned ski and downhill mountain bike resorts, including Verbier, Zermatt, Crans-Montana and Lenzerheide.
• 2. Austrian Alps: Austria offers popular downhill destinations such as Leogang, Saalbach-Hinterglemm, Schladming, and Innsbruck.
• 3. Italian Alps: In Italy, resorts such as Livigno, Val di Sole and Bardonecchia offer quality downhill runs.
• 4. Spanish Pyrenees: Spain boasts renowned downhill resorts such as Vallnord (Andorra), La Molina and Baqueira Beret.
• 5. French Alps: In addition to the destinations mentioned above, the French Alps offer many other downhill options, including Les Arcs, Tignes, and Serre Chevalier.
• 6. Scotland: Scotland’s mountains, especially in the Scottish Highlands, offer spectacular downhill runs.
• 7. Germany: Bikepark Winterberg and Bikepark Willingen are two popular downhill destinations in Germany.
• 8. Czech Republic: Bikepark Spicak is a well-known downhill destination in the Czech Republic.
• 9. Slovenia: The mountain resort of Krvavec is renowned for its downhill slopes.
• 10. Norway: Hafjell Bike Park is one of Norway’s most famous downhill destinations.
• 11. Sweden: Åre Bike Park in Sweden offers impressive downhill courses.

These destinations are just a few of the many in Europe. Each European country has its own downhill trails, each with its own charm and unique characteristics. Before visiting a ski resort in Europe, it’s a good idea to check opening times, weather conditions and information on local services, so you can plan your trip safely.