We tried it for you: Moonbikes in La Plagne

Discover MoonBiking after dark

As night begins to fall over La Plagne, we make our way to the starting point for our evening adventure...

Never heard of a MoonBike? Here’s a quick introduction.

Do you feel the need, the need for speed?

Imagine something between a snowmobile and a motorbike, designed for the snow and powered entirely by electricity: MoonBikes are 100% electric.

Kamel, our instructor, welcomes us and introduces us to these slightly futuristic-looking machines. Between a few jokes and a wave to the piste bashers working nearby, he explains how the MoonBikes work and runs through the basics before we set off.

We climb aboard and get ready for our first ride. The machine feels fairly big at first, but we start slowly. One gentle press of the accelerator and we’re off!

The first challenge is learning how to steer. At low speed, Kamel shows us how to use our body weight to guide the MoonBike in the direction we want to go. At first, I can’t stop looking down at my feet, but Kamel gives me one simple piece of advice: lift your head and look where you want to go.

It doesn’t take long to get a feel for the ride, and the steady pace gives us time to build our confidence.

After some slightly clumsy braking on the way uphill, I have my first little fall. Kamel is quickly there to help me get going again. No harm done – apart from giving my friends something to laugh about!

We continue up the slopes and, at this point, I’m still pretty tense on the MoonBike. I’m struggling to control it and, more than anything, worrying that I’m going to veer off the track.

But after a few minutes, I finally start to relax and really enjoy the experience… although there may still have been the occasional squeal on some of the turns!

Fresh snow from earlier in the week gives us the chance to try the MoonBikes in deeper snow. Following Kamel in single file, we make our way through a series of small bumps. The soft snow makes the terrain great fun and, if you do fall off, it’s relatively easy to get back on and keep going.

With the valley stretching out below us, we stop for a moment to take in the view while Kamel tells us a little more about La Plagne and the mountains around us.

Then we’re off again for a few final turns before heading back down. I can’t believe how quickly the hour has gone – and I’m definitely not ready to stop!

By now, I’m feeling much more comfortable on the MoonBike, which means I can pick up a little more speed and follow Kamel through some of the bumpier sections on the way back.

Our outing comes to an end after an hour beneath a sky full of stars. Although I was pretty nervous at the beginning, Kamel’s advice helped me relax, build my confidence and really enjoy the experience.

My friends and I leave with big smiles on our faces and, personally, just one thought: I want another go!

I’m already thinking about coming back in March to experience it again at sunset.

Fancy giving it a go?

MoonBike sessions take place in Plagne Centre, with several departures in the late afternoon and evening. The activity is available from the age of 16 and doesn’t require any particular level of fitness.

Sessions can take place in a range of weather conditions, with the route adapted according to the snow, weather conditions and avalanche risk.

Fancy trying MoonBiking in La Plagne? Get in touch with the Oxyski La Plagne team to find out more and book your session.