Videos from the Pass' Portes du Soleil

For petrol heads in the Alps the Mont Blanc Rally is one of the big events of the summer. First held in 1947 it was originally organised as part of the Fete d’Evian and was known as the “Rally Paris-Evian”. Over the years the rally’s course and focus shifted and it became the “Rally Evian – Mont-Blanc” and then in its tenth year, the “Rally Mont-Blanc Iseran”. It was not until 1961 that it finally became the “Rally Mont-Blanc”.

Today the race exists as the fifth stage of the French National Rally Championships and draws many of France’s top drivers to the mountain town of Morzine to compete. The race takes place over two days, during which the drivers will cover over 600km around the Portes du Soliel and the Massif du Chablais.

Music - Dieselkopf- All bad baby

by James Fisher | Ski Video Reporter

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Although not much of a cyclist I decided that living in the Portes du Soleil it was my civic duty to investigate why so many people come to Morzine and Avoriaz each summer with their bikes.

When the season started on June 27 2009 I decided that I would take part in the Pass Portes du Soleil.

I didn’t have the best equipment or much experience but I had a map, two twix’s and a plan....sort of.

Music - Mullit: Pull you down to Earth

Helmet cam footage shot using POV1 courtesy of Snowcam

by James Fisher | Ski Video Reporter

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The Pass'Portes du Soleil is an annual event that marks the beginning of the summer cycling season in the Portes du Soleil. Over the last weekend of June, 25 lifts throughout this huge area open their doors to cyclists looking to enjoy the beautiful scenery, trails and high speed thrills of the downhill courses on offer in the Portes du Soleil. There are bike testing and activities in all the villages involved in the weekend and 3 courses are set out to allow enthusiasts to take in as much of the area as possible. If you missed the action this year then enjoy our video of the event and make sure you're there next year.

by James Fisher | Ski Video Reporter

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