The extremely popular Lac Blanc Bike Park in the Vosges faces an uncertain future after 20 years of operation. The responsible municipal association (Smalb) acted swiftly and decided on July 1, 2026, to completely cease operation of the lifts at the station starting with the 2026/27 season. The reasoning behind this decision reflects current trends: the consequences of climate change, a lack of snow, and the poor profitability of alpine skiing are spelling the end for the mountain railways. The problem for mountain bikers is that the bike park is historically and technically tied to the chairlift. If the lift does not ride anymore, this popular trail area will lose its very foundation. As for local policymakers, there are currently no plans whatsoever for alternative, lift-supported summer operations after 2026.

Petition Against This Nonsense

Massive, international resistance to this bureaucratic nonsense is now emerging directly from the community. Sparked by a 16-year-old mountain biker, the online petition “Non à la fermeture du Lac Blanc Bike Park!” has rapidly grown into a powerful, Europe-wide wave of solidarity. Within just a few days, thousands of signatures poured in from France, Germany, Switzerland, and the Benelux countries. Well-known brands from the bike industry and the park operators themselves are also promoting the campaign online.

Local businesses’ livelihoods at risk

The community’s arguments hold weight: The superbly maintained bike park perfectly channels the gravity community and protects the sensitive Vosges forests from uncontrolled, haphazard trail building. Furthermore, the survival of local hotels, restaurants, and bike shops hangs by a thread, as they rely on mountain bikers for their summer tourism revenue. Within the community, it is the political paradox in particular that is causing head-shaking. Sacrificing the thriving summer tourism sector alongside the loss-making ski industry in the wake of climate change is strategic nonsense. The petition’s enormous reach is now intended to serve as leverage to force the special-purpose association to the negotiating table. The goal is clear: a new, purely summer-focused operating model for the chairlift starting in the 2027 season.

change.org/lac-blanc-bike-park

lacblanc-bikepark.com