La Mégavalanche
The most legendary mass-start downhill mountain bike race in the world
About Mégavalanche
La Mégavalanche is the most legendary and spectacular mass-start downhill mountain bike race in the world. Organized every summer in Alpe d'Huez since 1995, this legendary event sees up to 1,500 riders launch simultaneously from the summit of Pic Blanc at 3,330 meters altitude, on the glacier, to descend 2,600 meters of negative elevation to the Allemond valley. On a course of over 20 km mixing snow, scree, technical trails, and forest paths, La Mégavalanche offers a unique spectacle and an extreme experience that attracts mountain bikers from all over the world.
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La Mégavalanche: The World's Most Extreme Downhill MTB Race
La Mégavalanche is a mass-start downhill mountain bike race organized every year in Alpe d'Huez in Isère. Created in 1995, this event has become over the years the most famous and spectacular downhill MTB race on the planet, attracting riders from over 40 different nationalities.
A Legendary Start at 3,330 Meters Altitude
The principle of La Mégavalanche is as simple as it is spectacular: up to 1,500 mountain bikers launch in a mass-start from the summit of Pic Blanc, at 3,330 meters altitude, directly onto the glacier. The first few hundred meters take place on snow, offering striking images of this human avalanche descending the mountain.
2,600 Meters of Elevation Change Over 20 km
The Mégavalanche course covers over 20 kilometers with a negative elevation change of 2,600 meters, from the eternal snows of the glacier down to the valley of Allemond below. Riders cross an incredible diversity of terrain: glacier, snow patches, scree, alpine pastures, technical trails, forest single tracks, and dirt paths. Race times vary from 45 minutes for the fastest to over 2 hours for amateur participants.
A Festive Multi-Day Event
La Mégavalanche is not just a single race. The event takes place over three days with qualifications, pre-races, and the grand finale. The program also includes Mega Kids, a race for children aged 7 to 16, and the e-Megavalanche, a category for electric-assist mountain bikes. Live concerts, festive aperitifs, and an exhibitor village complete the experience.
A Reference International Competition
Since its creation in 1995 by UCC Sport Event, La Mégavalanche has acquired legendary status in the world of mountain biking. The event has seen the world's best riders compete and has revealed many talents. Its unique high-mountain mass-start format, mixing professional competitors and passionate amateurs, makes it an unparalleled event on the global MTB circuit.
Alpe d'Huez, Land of Cycling
La Mégavalanche contributes to the renown of Alpe d'Huez as a leading cycling destination. The resort in Isère, already world-famous for its 21 hairpin bends on the Tour de France, offers one of Europe's most renowned bike parks in the summer, with over 250 km of marked MTB trails.
Mégavalanche — edition 2026
La Mégavalanche 2026 will take place from July 10 to 12, 2026, in Alpe d'Huez. Registrations open on January 16, 2026, at 6 PM for this new edition of the world's most legendary mass-start MTB race, with a group start from the summit of Pic Blanc at 3,330 m altitude.
Mégavalanche 2026
La Mégavalanche 2026 will be held from July 10 to 12, 2026, in Alpe d'Huez. Registrations opened on January 16, 2026, at 6:00 PM and will close on July 7, 2026.
This new edition will feature the classic Mégavalanche format: mass-start from Pic Blanc at 3,330 m, a descent of over 20 km with 2,600 m of negative elevation change to Allemond. The capacity is limited to 1,500 participants for the main race.
The full program will also include Mega Kids (7-16 years old, on July 12), Mega Draisienne (2-5 years old, on July 13), the VIP category (200 places, on July 10), and the e-Megavalanche for electric-assist mountain bikes.
Programme Mégavalanche 2026
2026 Program
Friday, July 10
- Qualifications and pre-races
- VIP Category (200 places)
Saturday, July 11
- Qualifications and pre-races
- Village entertainment and concerts
Sunday, July 12
- La Mégavalanche Grand Finale - Mass-start from Pic Blanc (3,330 m)
- Mega Kids (7-16 years old)
- e-Megavalanche
Monday, July 13
- Mega Draisienne (2-5 years old)
Highlights Mégavalanche 2026
- Mass-start of 1,500 riders from the Pic Blanc glacier at 3,330 m
- Over 20 km of descent and 2,600 m of negative elevation change
- Mega Kids, Mega Draisienne, and e-Megavalanche
- Registrations open since January 16, 2026
- VIP category limited to 200 places
Prices Mégavalanche 2026
Practical information — Mégavalanche
Event Location
La Mégavalanche takes place in Alpe d'Huez (municipality of Huez), a winter and summer sports resort located in the Grandes Rousses massif in Isère. The start is given at the summit of Pic Blanc (3,330 m), accessible by cable car from Alpe d'Huez. The finish is in Allemond in the valley.
Access
By Car
Alpe d'Huez is accessible from Grenoble (63 km, approx. 1h15) via the RN91 towards Briançon, then the D211 from Le Bourg-d'Oisans. Free and paid parking is available at the resort.
By Public Transport
Regular shuttles connect Grenoble to Alpe d'Huez via Le Bourg-d'Oisans (TransIsère network). During the event, additional shuttles may be provided.
Registration
Registration for La Mégavalanche is limited to 1,500 participants for the main race. Places are highly sought after and fill up quickly. Registration is done online on the official website. A medical certificate or a valid competitive MTB license is mandatory.
Prices
- Mégavalanche MTB / e-MTB: €105 to €125
- Mega Kids (7-16 years): €25 to €29
- Mega Draisienne (2-5 years): €5
Accommodation
Alpe d'Huez offers a wide range of accommodation: hotels, tourist residences, apartments, chalets, and campsites. It is strongly recommended to book well in advance, as the event attracts many participants and spectators.
Mandatory Equipment
Participants must be equipped with a mountain bike in good condition, a certified full-face helmet, back and body protection, gloves, and goggles. The detailed regulations are available on the official website.
Contact
Organizer: UCC Sport Event
Official website: ucc-sportevent.com
Registration: engage-sports.com
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Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Mégavalanche at the best price.
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Where does it take place — Mégavalanche
Alpe d'Huez - Pic Blanc