Andy- I yearned to do the event for years and finally was given unpaid leave from work last year and had what was probably the best MTB weekend of my life. I have ridden in the PdS for years, and the PPdS was magnificent. It is a single day ride, with a variety of routes/ shortcuts/ choices to be followed. The route follows a series of well established trails, mostly ranging up to UK ‘blue’ standard I suppose, but with the very occasional surprise thrown in- but never too nasty.
It is definately NOT all downhill. The temperature was 30 degrees plus when I rode it last year and the long forest climb up to the Chatel lunch stop (we started in Les Gets) was a bit wearing to say the least. And once in the full sun a lot of people seemed to just melt in the heat.
You are right to think that you get a day of ‘event’ and then get to do your own thing. But you could always do the event twice! It is approx 80- 90 km depending upon your route. I suggest that you buy your lift pass for the non-event day(s) with a mind to where you want to ride. PDS is a vast area.
Book flights etc asap once your place is reserved.
Accommodation; remember that it is downhill to Morzine, but if you miss the last lift it is uphill to Avoriaz, Linderets and Les Gets, possibly worth bearing in mind if anyone in your party likes to ‘appreciate the scenery’.
And I am so jealous!- but I’ll be there again a month after you. But the snow will be gone by then I suppose 🙁
