5 TOP EUROPEAN MTB DESTINATIONS TO ENJOY WITH YOUR INTENSE
Are you ready to elevate your local trail experience? Or perhaps you’re a natural explorer, always on the lookout for new mountain biking destinations?
Here at INTENSE, our team includes avid riders who’ve explored some truly breathtaking locations. We spoke with them to bring you five incredible mountain biking destinations you’ll want to add to your next travel plans!
AOSTA VALLEY – ITALY
Starting on the Italian side of the Mont Blanc mountain range, this breathtaking 3,260-square-kilometer region offers not only expansive bike parks and picturesque towns with natural trails, but also a rich blend of cuisine, culture, and stunning landscapes that will captivate you from the moment you arrive.
Among the bike parks, Pila stands out as a top destination for mountain bikers. Known for its thrilling downhill trails, Pila offers a unique mix of freeride and enduro-style paths, providing endless adventure for riders of all levels. The park's extensive network of trails ensures that there’s always something new to explore. La Thuile, another must-visit park in the area, is renowned for hosting the Enduro World Series and offers some of the most technical enduro terrain in the world.
And if that’s not enough, make sure to ride the iconic Banzai Trail—11 kilometers of pure adrenaline with a 1,237-meter descent and only 150 meters of climbing. It’s a challenging, breathtaking ride, but be warned: getting to the start of the trail is no easy feat!
Recommended bikes:
INTENSE M1 if you want to focus on DH trails.
INTENSE Tracer 279 if you want to explore the entire area.
FRENCH PYRENEES SIDE - FRANCE
Stretching from the Cantabrian Sea near the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, the Pyrenees form a stunning natural border between Spain and France, making this mountain range a true paradise for mountain biking.
While France is home to some renowned bike parks, we want to spotlight a few lesser-known villages with expertly maintained trail networks that are sure to impress any rider.
Towns like Fabian, Saint-Lary-Soulan, Ens, Campan, and Bagnères de Bigorre offer the perfect stops for a van trip to explore their incredible local trails. These regions are known for their diverse terrain, from technical climbs to exhilarating descents, making them a dream for mountain biking enthusiasts. Saint-Lary-Soulan, for example, is famous for its challenging enduro and downhill routes, while Bagnères de Bigorre offers some of the most scenic and technical cross-country trails in the area. Ens and Campan also provide riders with quiet, scenic trails that wind through the breathtaking landscapes of the Pyrenees.
Don’t miss the opportunity to spend a few days in Loudenvielle, a former UCI MTB World Cup and EWS venue, where the history and challenge of world-class racing come to life on the same trails.
Recommended bikes:
INTENSE Tazer Alloy Pro if you are able to charge batteries.
INTENSE Tracer 29 for the pedal experience.
MTB KINGDOMS PYRENESS – SPAIN
Now, let’s turn our attention to the Spanish side of the Pyrenees, specifically Huesca, home to MTB Kingdoms Pyrenees. This vast area boasts over 280 MTB routes, 3,350 kilometers of trails, elevations ranging from 400 to 2,700 meters, and year-round riding opportunities. It’s another true MTB paradise!
What makes this network so exceptional is the collaboration between five dedicated trail centers, each offering its own website, information points, and route maps to ensure riders have everything they need for a seamless experience.
Whether you're drawn to the rugged landscapes or the warm Spanish sunshine, now is the perfect time to plan your visit. Explore any of the five regions—Zona Zero Pirineos, BTT Puro Pirineo, Espacio BTT Alto Gállego, B-Guara, or Reino de los Mallos Bike—and we’re confident you’ll want to return again and again.
Recommended bikes:
INTENSE Tazer Alloy Expert to maximize your days.
INTENSE Tracer 279 if you want to go for the more alpine trails.
BIKE KINGDOM PARK – SWITZERLAND
Next on the docket is Switzerland, where we explore Bike Kingdom Park—a unique destination that brings together the iconic Lenzerheide Bike Park, along with the parks in Arosa and Chur. This massive network of trails has earned its place as a must-visit for any mountain biking enthusiast.
With over 50 diverse trails catering to all skill levels, the Bike Kingdom Park offers something for everyone, whether you’re a beginner or an expert looking for a challenge. The area is seamlessly connected by 12 mountain railways that link the three regions, along with bus and train services to make exploring the vast terrain easy and convenient. This makes Bike Kingdom Park the ultimate playground for mountain bikers and a top-tier destination for those seeking an unforgettable riding experience.
As you ride through the park, keep these trails in mind: The Dark Side of the Moon, Hörnli, Furcletta, Älpliseetrail, and The Great White. These are just a few examples of the unforgettable routes that will leave you breathless and craving more.
Recommended bikes:
INTENSE M1 if you want to focus on DH trails.
INTENSE Tracer 279 if you want to explore the entire area.
Territori Lo Podall by INTENSE – SPAIN
To wrap up this list, let’s head back to Spain to explore Territori Lo Podall, an incredible trail center located in Tremp, Catalonia, and proudly sponsored by INTENSE. This destination has quickly become one of the most popular areas for mountain bikers from across Spain and southern Europe.
What sets Territori Lo Podall apart? It offers a diverse range of terrain, exceptional trail maintenance, and continuous expansion, ensuring the area remains fresh and exciting for riders of all levels year after year. The combination of these elements makes it a must-visit for anyone looking to experience top-tier mountain biking.
Visitors can choose between using the lift service or pedaling to the trails themselves. Some of the park’s most legendary routes include Roques Pelades, Slick Rock, Serengueti, Dragon Khan, Valkyries, and Escorpins—each providing an exhilarating and unforgettable ride.
Recommended bikes:
INTENSE Tazer Alloy Pro to maximize your days.
INTENSE Tracer 29 if you want to go for the pedal exprience and conquer every uphill.
We know these recommendations have you eager to grab your bike and hit the trails—and we’re just as excited!
Don’t miss out on all the INTENSE models in stock and ready to ship. Click here to explore our selection of instock bikes.
