Pra-Loup Bike Park delivers an MTB experience shaped by the dramatic terrain of Alpes-de-Haute-Provence — wide open alpine ridges, deep larch forests, and the kind of sustained 1,000m+ descents that rarely appear in more densely packed northern Alps resorts. The bike park is part of the Grand Domaine Cyclable, one of the largest linked mountain bike areas in the southern French Alps.
Pra-Loup Bike Park: What Riders Need to Know
Pra-Loup Bike Park is managed by the Pra-Loup ski resort with a dedicated summer mountain biking programme. The park uses 5 of the resort’s winter ski lifts during summer, giving riders access to the full vertical from 1,500m to 2,600m.
All bike park trails are one-directional and clearly signed. The park features a skills area at the base, a timed race section on the main red trail, and three designated photo points with mountain panoramas set up by the resort for social media content creation.
Trail Network: Pra-Loup Bike Park 2025
Green: 3 trails covering the lower mountain sector, all under 6 km, with smooth surfaces and modest gradients. Suitable for beginners over 10 years old with basic bike handling skills.
Blue: 5 trails covering both lower and mid-mountain sectors. ‘La Côte Belle’ is the standout blue — 8 km through alpine meadows with views across to the Col d’Allos.
Red: 4 trails including the famous Barcelonnette Descent. The ‘Grand Serpent’ red trail at mid-mountain is the park’s most technically varied, featuring a mix of natural features and built trail elements.
Black: 2 trails. ‘L’Avalanche’ is the steepest line in the park — experts only, with multiple mandatory drops and a scree section requiring precise line choice.
Pra-Loup Bike Park Lift Passes 2025
Day pass (Pra-Loup only): approximately €30–36 per adult. Grand Domaine Cyclable combined pass (Pra-Loup + Val d’Allos La Foux): approximately €42–50 per day. Weekly and multi-day passes offer 20–25% savings versus daily rates.
Children’s pricing: children under 12 typically receive a 40–50% reduction. Family pass options are available for 2 adults + 2 children at a discounted combined rate. Confirm current pricing on the official Pra-Loup website — prices are published for the new season in May.
Pra-Loup Bike Park: Bike Hire & Services
Three rental shops in Pra-Loup 1500 village offer full-suspension trail bikes, enduro bikes, and e-MTBs. Average rental prices: €40–55/day for trail bikes, €60–80/day for enduro bikes, €65–85/day for e-MTBs. Helmets and body armour available for separate rental.
Mechanical services: two of the three rental shops offer same-day repair services for common issues (brake bleeding, derailleur adjustment, puncture repair). Parts are stocked for Shimano and SRAM groupsets and common tyre brands. Specialist parts may require ordering — carry your own spare brake pads and cables for longer trips.
Pra-Loup Bike Park in the Context of the Southern Alps MTB Scene
The Alpes-de-Haute-Provence region — encompassing Pra-Loup, Val d’Allos, and Auron — forms a coherent southern Alps MTB touring area. Riders based in Barcelonnette can access all three bike parks within 30–45 minute drives, making it an ideal base for a week-long multi-resort mountain biking tour.
This region is distinct from the better-known northern Alps MTB areas (Les Gets, Morzine, Les Arcs) in character: drier, warmer, less crowded, and with a more Mediterranean flavour in the valleys. It attracts a dedicated following of riders who prioritise trail quality and atmosphere over brand recognition.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many trails does Pra-Loup Bike Park have?
Pra-Loup Bike Park has 14 marked trails across green, blue, red, and black difficulty grades. The park covers 100+ km of trail network and uses 5 ski lifts for uplift. It is part of the Grand Domaine Cyclable, which adds further trails via the link to Val d’Allos La Foux.
What is the Grand Domaine Cyclable?
The Grand Domaine Cyclable is a linked mountain bike destination combining Pra-Loup and Val d’Allos La Foux in the southern French Alps. A combined day pass gives access to both resort lift systems and the connecting trail between them. It is one of the largest linked MTB areas in the southern Alps.
Is Pra-Loup Bike Park suitable for children?
Yes. Pra-Loup Bike Park has beginner green trails and a skills area suitable for children with basic cycling ability. The resort’s mountain bike school offers children’s sessions from age 10. Younger children can use the village pump track and skills area, which has no age restriction.
What is the longest descent at Pra-Loup Bike Park?
The longest descent at Pra-Loup Bike Park is the Barcelonnette Descent — approximately 12 km from the summit at 2,600m to the valley floor at 1,135m, losing over 1,000m of elevation. It is rated red with one black section and is considered one of the finest alpine descents in the southern Alps.
When does Pra-Loup Bike Park close for the season?
Pra-Loup Bike Park typically closes in mid-September. The exact closing date depends on weather conditions and lift maintenance schedules. The park website and social channels announce the closing date approximately 2 weeks in advance. September riding offers excellent conditions with lower crowds.
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