Created in the 1990s, snow biking is still quite new. Snowbikes can’t be purchased in shops (for now!), so you’ll have to order a kit and make one yourself. As part of our Guide to Ski Activities, we dive into the underground world of snow biking.
If this daring combination of biking and skiing sounds like your next great adventure, read on to find out more!
What are snow bikes?
Snowbikes are BMX bikes with skis in the place of tyres—literally. It’s still mostly a DIY job. Start out with an ordinary mountain bike. Simply replace the front tyre with the ski-like attachment and the back tyre with the snowmobile-style track. Add a motor for extra power and you're ready to go!
As the DIY aspect is a bit overwhelming, snow biking spent a few decades of as an under-the-radar winter sport, but it began to pop up at ski resorts in the 2010s. Today, snow biking is relatively popular. There are about 60,000 snow bikers worldwide (including 10,000 in France). They’re in it for the exhilaration of mountain biking and the thrill of gliding over freshly fallen powder. Riding on and off-piste and even doing tricks is all part of the fun!
Ready to get started? Here are our tips for riding your first trail.
Prerequisites for snow biking
There’s no need for skiing or snowboarding experience. However, if you’ve mastered winter sports basics, you’ll certainly catch on more quickly. And if you’ve ridden a mountain bike, you’ll take to the handling easier. But if not, don’t worry! As long as you can keep your balance and are not afraid of a little speed, you’ve got potential to master the newest extreme winter sport.
A basic level of fitness is required—unlike in skiing and snowboarding, you’ll be using your whole body to keep control. Knees stay bent, and the arms and lower back need to be particularly strong. If you’re just starting out, opt for a lesson. It’ll help you start off on the right foot.
Note: Mountain bike frames could be uncomfortable for people with larger builds. Ride before you buy!
A Snow biking session
As with all winter activities, newbies can either take lessons or go it alone. We highly recommended that beginners take a lesson to learn the right technique. Snow biking is not recommended for children under thirteen and child-sized snow bikes are largely unavailable to rent. Use your discretion as a parent.
Snow biking lessons
Lessons are offered in many ski areas for around 45€ per hour (rental not included). In generally, after just a couple of runs, students are able to ride their bike with a good amount of control and ease. Snow bikes can gain speed very quickly, so you’ll need to learn how to slow down and stop for your safety. Breaking requires riders to position the bike perpendicular to the slope, and often takes more practice than it does in other winter sports.
Independent snow biking sessions
Experienced snow bikers can access the pistes, just as skiers do on chair lifts. (Snow bikes are accepted on most chair lifts, but ask in advance, just to be sure!) Lift passes are often already included in the price of your ski holiday, and snow bike rental is around 20-50€ per day.
If you go it alone, make sure can slow down and break properly—the pistes can get crowded!
Different types of snow bikes
While some adventurous types may prefer to build their own personalised snow bikes, rental remains the most practical option. Whether renting or building, choose the model that’s most adapted to the type of snow biking you’d like to do: freestyle or freeride.
Freestyle vs. Freeride snow bikes
Freestyle snow biking is the domain of jumps, tricks, and half pipes. Short-track systems are more adapted to this style. They make the bike more aero-dynamic and less cumbersome. However, if you’re interested in freeride snow biking—going downhill at speed—a longer track will help you to beat the clock.
Note: Shops are much more likely to have freestyle snow bikes for hire.
Other equipment and clothing for snow biking
Aside from the bike itself, it’s important to be equipped with a helmet that fits you properly and is secured with a buckle under your chin. Sunglasses and sunscreen are recommended. Even if the sun is obscured by clouds, you can still get sunburnt!
Ski wear is recommended: a base layer, a mid-layer, and a waterproof top layer. Gloves are essential. (You won’t be able to steer with your hands frozen to the handlebars!) Unlike in skiing and snowboarding, boots have no bindings! Opt for either snow boots or trainers with warm overshoes. If you need a reminder of ski wear basics, check out our guide, What to Wear Skiing.
Brands to explore: The North Face, Columbia, Patagonia, Arc’teryx
Where to go snow biking in France
Snow biking has found its way to many popular ski resorts in France. If you’ve got your own bike, you can hit the slopes just about anywhere. If you’re looking for rentals and lessons, check out our list below!
La Plagne offers guided snow bike runs from the Fornelet summit. La Plagne Montalbert is at the forefront of ski-adjacent extreme sports, including airboarding, snowmobiling, and all kinds of sledding. Certain activities are available for free on Mondays!
Les Arcs is home to Les Arcs Snowpark. The 7.5 acres park includes pistes, boxes, and half pipes so that freestylers can get some air!
La Clusaz has the ambiance of a picturesque mountain village and the winter sports offerings of a large international ski area. So, whether you want to hit the LCZ Snowpark or explore the backcountry, La Clusaz has something for you!
