I shall be honest; I had never even heard of a pumptrack before last summer, when we discovered the pumptrack in Combloux!!!
So, what is a pumptrack? It is a circuit, with ups and downs and turns, on which the cyclist/skater/scooter can keep moving simply through “pumping” (no need for pedal action!). Not just for cyclists (BMX, VTT), it is also open to skateboards, rollerblades, scooters, draisiennes . . . You must wear a helmet, and other protective gear (gloves, knee and elbow protection) is also favourable. For now, there are FOUR to choose from au Pays du Mont-Blanc, all FREE to use: Servoz, Combloux, and Megève and there is a BRAND NEW one in Saint-Gervais-les-Bains!
A bit further afield, there is a pumptrack in Les Carroz.
*NB – pumptracks attract all age-groups, so do be vigilant with little ones*
Servoz
The pumptrack in Servoz opened last summer 2017 and it has a perfect location, next to the playground and tennis courts.
A visit to the pumptrack in Servoz could combine nicely with a visit to the Gorges de la Diosaz (open June to September).
address: chemin de a Grangiat, 74310, Servoz / FREE parking;
Combloux
We discovered the pumptrack in Combloux last summer, as there was a super FREE initiative from Combloux Tourisme: children could borrow BMX bikes to try out at the pumptrack for FREE! And then I found myself back at the pumptrack on a Sunny Wednesday afternoon in February this year . . . with some little patches of ice scattered about, and a fresh nip in the air, my elder son had the whole circuit to himself!
And now that the spring/summer season is finally upon us in 2018, the pumptrack in Combloux is a brilliant destination for a weekend jaunt: with picnic tables, a small skatepark, a terrain multi-sport (be sure to take a football or basketball to make the most of this) a lovely playground for little ones, a snack bar (in summer) all on the same site as the pumptrack, there is something for the whole family . . . and, let’s not forget the stunning views of Mont-Blanc! A short walk from the centre of town, you can buy any provisions that you might need for a picnic nearby! There are also WCs just behind the car park.
address: rue de la Mairie, 74920, Combloux / located just behind the school and Mairie / plenty of FREE parking;
*good to know: the terrain around the pumptrack is still being landscaped, but all the necessary areas for fun are open! / a freestyle parcours is in the building stage*
If you have come from afar to Combloux, you may well want to prolong your fun by visiting the TWO other playgrounds in this mountain village . . . or, in the summer months, you can visit the Plan d’Eau Biotope . . .
Saint-Gervais-les-Bains
Saint-Gervais-les-Bains has a BRAND NEW pumptrack of its own, with an area specially reserved for little ones!
address: Plaine des Pratz (behind swimming pool and next to tennis courts);
Megève
A short distance from the Palais, on the Plaine des Sports, are located: Megève’s pumptrack (600m²), its City Stade (football, basketball, handball), its outdoor tennis courts and the mini-golf. This pumptrack consists of two tracks.
address: Plaine des Sports, Megève / located near Le Palais / plenty of paying parking;
And a little further afield . . .
Les Carroz
Les Carroz will soon have its own pumptrack, near the skatepark . . . work has started and the pumptrack should be finished in time for summer fun!
Pump tracks sound fun.
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Pumptracks, Terry Dodsworth, are indeed FUN! Though not without risk! We’ll take you on your next visit to the Pays du Mont-Blanc!
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