Heading back to Chatel in July for a second time with the family, so would love anyone’s input on routes. I have the Bikefax and VTopo books, but wondered what peoples’ favourite off-the-beaten-track rides are in the area?

The trails down through the woods into Torgon are much less ridden, steep and loose so a bit different to rutted and rocky.

Have a search here for Col du Cou (into Champery) and Samoens. I don’t know the Chatel area so well as we’ve only ridden the bike park and as we usually stay in Morzine or Les Gets we know that area much better.

I would suggest you look at he map (geoportal.gouv.fr and switch on IGN maps) or buy one out there. Its fairly easy to pick up the marked paths/trails and explore. The list which run in the summer are marked in purple as are the paths.

Cheers. Rode Col du Cou last year and def back on the list for this year too.
Any gems in Morzine / Les Gets area?

YGM