In Courchevel, the end of the season is never discreet. No more traditional gentle resort closures: here, they prefer speed, fun and a good dose of collective challenge. On Monday 21 April 2025, the famous Savoyard resort will host a new edition of the Derbike, an extraordinary mountain bike race that has become a spring ritual. A hellish, joyful and spectacular descent that attracts mountain enthusiasts as well as thrill-seekers.
A race between snow, earth and adrenaline
The principle of the Derbike is simple, but formidably effective: a descent from the summit of the Saulire, at 2700 metres above sea level, to the Lac du Praz, 1400 metres lower down. That’s 1300 metres of negative altitude difference, covered at full speed, in a ‘derby’ format (mass start) where strategy, control and daring are combined with the pleasure of skiing.
The route, which changes according to the spring conditions, alternates groomed slopes, spring snow, dirt sections and exposed rocks. That’s the charm of Derbike: each event is unique, and the terrain always has surprises in store.
A festive atmosphere from the crack of dawn
From dawn, the Croisette will be awoken by the sound of preparations. Participants will come to collect their race plates in an already electric atmosphere, before heading up to the summit via the Verdons gondola lift. The start is scheduled for 8.30am: a swarm of mountain bikes hurtling through the crystalline silence of the altitude is a sight to behold.
The first riders will arrive in Le Praz at around 8.45am, in an atmosphere that is both relaxed and cheerfully competitive. A mountain breakfast will be waiting for the riders, followed by a friendly barbecue, open to all participants. Because at Derbike, the party is as important as the race.
Guaranteed entertainment and a community gathering
At 10.30 am, the show continues with a trial mountain bike demo, where the art of balance and precision takes centre stage. The day is punctuated by friendly challenges, surprise entertainment, goodies, music and moments shared between enthusiasts. The Derbike is also an opportunity to bring together the local community, seasonal workers, residents, tourists and sports enthusiasts in a decidedly friendly and festive spirit.
This now iconic event in the resort officially marks the last day that the ski lifts are open. It is a symbol: that of the transition between the winter season and the summer season, when mountain bike crampons replace ski edges.
A summer season that already promises to be grandiose
But there’s no time to rest! No sooner has the race finished than the resort is already looking ahead to summer. And what a summer it will be! As the snow slowly retreats, another colossus takes its place: the Col de la Loze, perched at 2304 metres, reopens its switchbacks to cyclists. Having become a legendary ascent in just a few years, it attracts mountain lovers, inveterate climbers and cycle tourists in search of exceptional panoramas.
The highlight of this summer season will undoubtedly be the arrival of the 18th stage of the 112th Tour de France, scheduled for Thursday 24 July 2025 in Courchevel. A spectacular stage that will also mark the 50th anniversary of the famous polka-dot jersey, symbol of the kings of the mountains. On that day, the spotlight will be on the resort, ready to experience a new page in its legend.
Courchevel: from skiing to cycling, always at full throttle
With the Derbike in April and the Tour de France in July, Courchevel confirms its place among the major four-season resorts, which do not just live for winter, but vibrate all year round. Whether on two skis or two wheels, the mountains are experienced intensely, with style, passion and panache.
