Les Arcs Bike Park is one of the most demanding mountain biking destinations in the French Alps. From technical descents and flow trails to enduro stages across the Tarentaise Valley, riding here pushes your body to its limits.
Whether you’re training daily in Bourg-Saint-Maurice, racing in La Plagne, or exploring alpine terrain around Tignes and Val d’Isère, MTB places intense strain on your muscles, joints and nervous system.
Shoulder fatigue. Forearm pump. Lower back tension. Knee impact. After multiple lift-assisted laps or long enduro days, recovery becomes essential.
Why Mountain Biking Is So Physically Demanding
Downhill and enduro riding combine eccentric muscle loading, explosive movements, vibration exposure and repetitive joint impact.
Key stress areas for MTB riders in the Alps include:
- Forearms and grip (braking & technical terrain)
- Shoulders (impact absorption)
- Lower back (stability & compression)
- Knees and hips (repetitive flexion)
At altitude in Les Arcs and Tignes, oxygen demand increases fatigue further.
How CBD May Support MTB Recovery
1. Forearm Pump & Upper Body Fatigue
After repeated braking sections and rock gardens, forearms often feel tight and swollen. Topical CBD products like Gorilla Organic Super Strength Balm or Cooling Gel allow targeted application to high-demand muscle groups.
2. Joint Comfort After Repetitive Impact
MTB involves vibration and impact through wrists, elbows, knees and ankles. CBD topicals may support localised comfort when applied after riding.
3. Lower Back Recovery
Technical descents demand core stability and lower back endurance. Supporting muscle relaxation post-ride may help riders stay consistent across multiple days.
4. Sleep After Intense Riding Days
Adrenaline, altitude and muscular fatigue can disrupt sleep during MTB trips in the Alps. CBD oil may support relaxation and deeper sleep cycles — essential for muscle repair.
CBD as Part of a Complete MTB Recovery Strategy
Professional and amateur riders in Les Arcs Bike Park often integrate:
- Mobility sessions
- Stretching and foam rolling
- Hydration & electrolytes
- Cold exposure (rivers & recovery baths)
- Quality sleep
- Targeted recovery tools such as CBD
Is CBD Allowed in Competitive MTB?
CBD is not prohibited by WADA. However, THC remains banned. Competitive riders should always use third-party tested, compliant products.
Who Can Benefit from CBD in the MTB Community?
- Downhill riders in Les Arcs Bike Park
- Enduro racers in the Tarentaise Valley
- Cross-country riders training at altitude in Tignes
- Seasonal bike guides in Bourg-Saint-Maurice
- Riders managing long summer seasons in Savoie
Final Thoughts: Ride Hard. Recover Smart.
Mountain biking in the Alps demands resilience. CBD is not a miracle solution, but it may be a valuable addition to a structured recovery routine.
For riders pushing limits in Les Arcs, La Plagne and across the Tarentaise Valley, consistency is everything. Ride hard. Recover smart. Go Gorilla.