Métabief Bike Park is the Jura Massif's leading lift-served mountain biking facility, running from the Mont d'Or gondola in Métabief village to a summit of 1,463m. With 70+ km of marked trails, an extended season from June to October, and a distinctive limestone-karst riding environment, it offers a genuine alternative to crowded Alps bike parks.
Métabief Bike Park: Trail by Trail
The bike park's gondola departs from Métabief village at approximately 900m and reaches the Mont d'Or summit plateau at 1,463m. The 563m vertical is served by the gondola plus one additional mid-mountain chairlift covering the eastern sector.
TL;DR — Quick Summary
Métabief Bike Park bike park operates June–October at 900m – 1,463m.
70+ km of marked trails from Green to Black Diamond difficulty.
Best accessed from Doubs, Jura Massif — see travel section for airport and transport options.
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'La Forêt du Doubs' (Blue, 7 km): The park's most popular trail — a flowing descent through dense beech forest with natural berms and occasional limestone root sections. Perfect for building confidence before tackling the reds.
'Les Combes Rouges' (Red, 9 km): Technical karst terrain with exposed limestone slabs, tight forest switchbacks, and a dramatic exit across open plateau. The park's signature trail.
'Mont d'Or Direct' (Black, 5 km): Expert descent from summit to village via the park's steepest line. Mandatory drops over limestone ledges and a loose scree section mid-descent. Full protective gear essential.
'Plateau Loop' (XC, 18 km): Non-uplift XC route circling the Mont d'Or summit plateau. Accessible to fit intermediate riders — outstanding views to the Swiss Alps on clear days.
Lift Passes & Operating Hours
Métabief Bike Park day pass (2025 approximate): €24–29 per adult, €16–20 for children under 12. Weekly passes available at 25% savings versus daily rates. Combined accommodation + lift pass packages are available through several hotels — worth asking about when booking.
Gondola operating hours peak season (July–August): 09:00–17:30. Shoulder season (June, September–October): 09:30–16:30. The park is open 7 days a week during the main season; limited operation (weekends and school holidays only) in June and October.
Bike Hire at Métabief Bike Park
Two bike rental outlets operate at the Métabief gondola base. Available bikes: hardtail trail bikes, full-suspension trail and enduro bikes, e-MTBs. Daily rates: hardtails €30–40, full-suspension €45–60, e-MTBs €55–75.
Helmet rental: €8–12/day. Protective gear packages (knee pads + helmet) available at €15–20/day.
Note: Métabief's Jura terrain is kinder to hardtail bikes than many Alpine parks — the relatively smooth limestone-based soil and absence of very large drops means hardtails are a legitimate choice on green and blue trails, reducing rental costs significantly.
Métabief Bike Park for Beginners & Families
Métabief Bike Park is among the most beginner-friendly in France. The village skills area (free access, no lift pass required) features a pump track, small drop progression zone, and a slalom course — a productive activity for children and first-timers before committing to the lift-served trails.
The resort's mountain bike school runs daily group lessons in July and August for children from age 8 and adults of all levels. Private coaching is available throughout the season by advance booking.
Family tip: the green trails can be ridden comfortably by children aged 10+ with basic cycling confidence. Younger children on balance bikes or 20-inch wheel bikes are catered for on the pump track only.
Métabief and the Jura MTB Touring Circuit
Métabief sits within the broader Jura MTB touring circuit — a network of marked cross-country routes connecting several plateau villages and nature areas across the Doubs and Jura départements. This circuit provides excellent non-uplift riding for rest days or mornings before the bike park opens.
The 'Route des Sapins' (Pine Route), accessible directly from Métabief, is a 45 km marked XC route through old-growth Jura fir forest — one of the most atmospheric rides in eastern France. Suitable for fit riders on hardtails or gravel bikes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many trails does Métabief Bike Park have?
Métabief Bike Park has 12 marked trails across green, blue, red, and black grades, plus an 18 km XC loop on the summit plateau. Total marked riding covers 70+ km. The park uses a gondola from the village and one mid-mountain chairlift for uplift.
Is Métabief Bike Park suitable for beginners?
Yes. Métabief Bike Park has dedicated green trails, a free skills area at the village base with a pump track and drop progression zone, and a mountain bike school running daily lessons in peak season. It is one of the more beginner-accessible bike parks in France.
What is the summit altitude of Métabief Bike Park?
The gondola summit at Métabief Bike Park is at 1,463m on the Mont d'Or massif. The village base is at approximately 900m, giving 563m of vertical served by the lift system.
Does Métabief Bike Park allow e-MTBs?
Yes. E-MTBs are welcome at Métabief Bike Park and are available to rent at the gondola base. The gondola accommodates e-bikes within standard weight limits. All trails are open to e-MTBs unless specifically marked otherwise.
What is the best trail at Métabief Bike Park?
The 'Les Combes Rouges' red trail (9 km) is widely considered Métabief Bike Park's best trail — a technical descent through Jura limestone karst terrain featuring exposed rock slabs, forest switchbacks, and an open plateau exit with views to the Swiss Alps. A close second is the 'La Forêt du Doubs' blue trail for its flowing forest descent.
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