[Closed] Pyrenees - Luchon? / Other

I'd probably get info from the TI, ask around and go into the local bike shop with a 1:50k map and get them to draw on it. You could probably do a day on the trails from the lift station, buy a day pass and keep going round and round down the different trails. There was one trail which was quite long, maybe a day ride in itself, trail 11 or 12 if I recall.

It's a way from Luchon (sort of) but my cousin lives in Ax les Thermes and we went for a hike around there when we visited. There is a refuge ([url= http://www.refugeduchioula.com ]Chioula[/url]) on top of one of the local mountains which has a posted trail descending back into town. Cousin's bf reckoned 1-2 hour ride into the town so when I go back I'm taking the MTB. Will get a lift as close to the top as possible though 😉

Sorry, getting mixed up, it was a combo of trail 18 (castillon) although you can use other trails from the top lift station as long as you end up in castillon, and then another route from castillon which wound it's way around the opposite hillside, we didn't do the whole route, but a friend has and said it was good.

map here for the lift assisted stuff
[url= http://netfront.luchon.icor.fr/uk/vtt_et_randonnees.php ]http://netfront.luchon.icor.fr/uk/vtt_et_randonnees.php[/url]

just had a quick look on a map and the additional route from castillon that we were recommended wound around the hillside to St Paul d'Oueil and then around the hillside towards Luchon. we started doing it, but then rode straight back to Luchon as we'd paid for a day lift pass and wanted to make maximum use of it, we were only there for a day.

We've been riding there for a few years now but always ride guided with AQR. As always it's linking up the best stuff that takes the effort to link up. Worth the money

Ax Les Thermes has soem amazing trails, marked out and lovely tight singletrack, natural feeling and very quiet. The trail from Plateau Bonascre back down to the Ax town is immense !

There's also the bike park as well. I reckon there's a long weekend of riding there if I can get someone to shuttle me to the top 😉

OP - what sort of riding are you looking for?
Luchon has downhill from the ski resort and i think the gondola is open for most of the summner.
Le Mourtis also has downhill, but no uplift that I know of.
There are loads of waymarked trails to the east of Luchon if you prefer xc, all are graded.
There are also trails just over the border in Spain, also waymarked, but hillier terrain.
When are you going?
I have some info if you want to email me.

And the usual thing... if anyone needs a place to stay near Ax les Thermes, my cousin has a very cheap gite (plus an extra studio appartment) and her bloke knows the area like the back of his hand and can tell you where to go to ride or do guided hikes. Email me for details

There's no lack of great self-powered and uplifed riding out of Luchon but I doubt I could find a tenth of it again, despite having been guided. (we saw a lot of people just rattling down fireroads from superbagneres, the good trails seemed to be more locals trails.)