Skip to main content
SeeChamonix

“Accompanied” mountain bike rides re-instated…....for now

featured in News & reviews Author Helen McGrory, Chamonix Reporter Updated

Following our report earlier in the week about the arrest of a British mountain bike guide in Morzine and the subsequent ban placed on non-French qualified MTB guides; we have just received the following update from Gareth Jeffries of Endless Ride, the company at the centre of the debate.

“Following discussions between ourselves and the head of tourism, the mayor, the gendarmerie and other influential local people in Morzine an interim solution has been reached which allows non French qualified mountain bikers to continue working with their guests on the mountain this summer. This is good news for all concerned, for all of us and our guests but also for the local guides and the people of Morzine.

The town has recognised the contribution that mountain biking makes to their local economy in the summer (thank you to everyone who submitted figures). They have also recognised that there are insufficient French qualified guides to deal with the numbers of mountain bikers (British, French and others) who visit the area each week.

It remains the case that according to the French authority governing sporting qualifications (DDJS), ‘guides' who do not hold the French qualification are acting illegally by working in France. Controls will still take place on the mountain, staff accompanying guests could be asked to produce copies of their UK qualifications, their first aid certificate and their employment contract, but on a local level the Morzine gendarmerie have agreed that they will advise rather than arrest for the remainder of this summer.

It should be noted that the action taken by the DDJS is not confined to Morzine and has not been confined to the sport of mountain biking, due to a serious incident that took place on Mt Blanc recently the DDJS has decided to run a "control" of various activities in the region.

Eric Monné head of the tourist office has suggested that the term ‘guiding' should not be used on publicity, web sites, vehicles etc or when talking with guests. Staff are simply riding with guests. Also we have been re-advised that no specific charge should be made for accompanied riding services – it should be integral to the cost of the holiday.

Points were also raised regarding the ‘education' of our staff and guests to local issues such as respect for walkers and other trail users and complying with no cycling signs where they exist on the trails. Unauthorised trail building on private land has apparently caused a number of complaints to the commune from the affected local land owners. The minor points such as riding over the suspension bridge, riding against the flow of traffic and leaning of bikes against shop windows seem less important but they all add to ill feeling in the local population which helps no one.

Contrary to popular belief the Morzine tourist office has stressed its positive commitment to the continued development of mountain biking in the area. They recently secured a deal with Lapierre Cycles (a major manufacturer in the French market for both mountain and road bikes) to develop the XC trails and repair and maintain the existing ones in Morzine area. They are also working with the lift company to persuade them to extend the limited summer season.

Many positives have resulted from the discussions held over the past week. The most important is that communication has now been established and a consultation process will begin in the autumn with the DDJS (Direction Departmental de Jeunesse et des Sports), the mayor, the tourist office, local guides and local companies to resolve the issues surrounding non French qualified guides working in France.

The legal case against Gareth remains and Scottish Cycling, the CTC and the European community amongst others are now involved to reach a definitive result.

Thanks to everyone who has offered words of support and practical help over the last few days. It is great to be part of a thriving and concerned biking community.”

So whilst the subject is still far from settled in the eyes of the law, it seems that, for this summer at least, non-French qualified mountain bikers can “accompany” their guests in relative peace.

Photo credit: Endless Ride