I shall be honest; I had never even heard of a pumptrack before last summer, when I 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 protection) is also favourable. For now, there are three to choose from au Pays du Mont-Blanc, all FREE to use (Servoz, Combloux, and Megève) and plans are underway for a new one in Saint-Gervais-les-Bains:
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 (opening soon!).
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! I found myself back at the pumptrack here on a Sunny Wednesday afternoon in February this year . . . 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 WC 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 is planning a pumptrack of its own, with an area specially reserved for little ones!
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!
*NB – pumptracks do attract all age-groups, so do be vigilant with little ones*
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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