22 July 2021
"The routes in Crans-Montana are really suitable for all types of cyclists, from beginners to the most experienced. There are just as many easy paths as there are single trails with technical sections. It’s extremely varied. It’s an ideal playground not just for us, but also for our two girls". Lily (11) and Mila (8) have been able to learn and improve their cycling skills to the point where they can accompany their parents on some great cycling trips in the Crans-Montana region.
Here’s how a perfect day of cycling is structured for this little tribe.
Get moving and have fun
Every day off is a good excuse to get moving and have fun outside, so in the Pont-Combe family, when there’s no school, they can often be found mountain-biking in summer. "Unless it’s raining non-stop, as it can be dangerous when it’s too slippery, we like to prepare for a great family outing. Bike, helmet, backpack with a small picnic, drinks and a first aid kit; this is all we need to set off on an adventure".
There are rarely any arguments about the choice of route. "The girls love the Moubra loop, they have a lot of fun on the different agility modules. And so do we". This is the Family Forest Loop, a new mountain bike route specially designed for families in the Moubra forest, and which offers lots of agility posts to improve your technique on a bike. "The loop is about 3km long, and takes between 1 and 1.5 hours, depending on how long you spend on the different obstacles. It goes deep into the forest before it goes down towards the Briesses Lake, then ends with a beautiful climb towards the Moubra".
Along the route, the posts punctuate the ride, and the Pont-Combe family like to set themselves little challenges. "We really get into the game. Even for adults, working on your balance, agility and technique is always a good thing. The girls love to challenge us on bumps, pumps, between tree trunks or on the little jumps, and their energy is good for us too". But they also make sure that breaks are on the programme. "We like to stop 2/3 of the way along the route. After the little lakes, there is a place with benches near Briesses Lake. It’s very wild and peaceful, there are tadpoles, ducklings and there’s also a little slalom you can do on a bike. Then there are a few obstacles left before the final climb, so it’s a nice place to stop and get your strength back".
An idyllic setting
"The whole Family Forest Loop is really fun, you really learn while having fun. The fact that you can end the outing with an ice cream and a swim at the Moubra is a great motivation too. The Moubra site is really very attractive from all points of view. Surrounded by nature, the biggest lake in the resort really is a haven of peace, offering gentle sporting activities. "It’s nice to be able to finish the walk with some acrobranch at the Fun Forest, or a dip in the lake or just an ice cream on the beach. Also for families where not everyone enjoys cycling, or if you’re with someone with a pushchair or a dog, there are nice walks and even a parcours vita course in the Moubra forest".
On the banks of the lake, there is also the Restaurant de La Plage and the campsite café, and there is also a wonderful grassy area that is free and easy to access with games for children, slacklines and an outdoor gym. And another plus for parents: the Moubra is very easy to get to by free shuttle bus or by car, and has free parking places. "Logistics are important with a family".
The pleasure of sharing
But the most important thing is being able to share wonderful moments with your children. Séverine Pont-Combe and her husband Nicolas have founded a cycling school, VTT Kids Crans-Montana, which provides an opportunity for children to meet every week to practice mountain biking and learn the basic techniques. "Whether I’m with my daughters or with kids from the club, I’m lucky enough to be able to share my passion for sport and nature with children, and what I like best of all is seeing their smiles at the end of a successful outing".
If you also want to spend some quality time with your family and you love cycling, don’t hesitate to go and explore the Family Forest Loop at the Moubra, it’s an ideal place to improve skills and have fun on a mountain bike.
