The 2019 Mountain of Hell: A Comprehensive Analysis of the Glacier Start and Race Logistics

The 2019 Mountain of Hell (MOH) remains one of the most iconic editions in the history of downhill mountain bike racing. Known for its 20th-anniversary milestone, the event saw Kilian Bron take the victory amidst a legendary and chaotic mass-start collision on the Les Deux Alpes glacier, involving hundreds of riders at speeds exceeding 100 km/h.

The Historical Context of the 20th Anniversary Edition

Mountain of Hell is an annual enduro-downhill marathon held in the French Alps, specifically in the resort of Les Deux Alpes. By 2019, the race had established itself as the steeper, more aggressive sibling to the Megavalanche. While both races feature a mass start on snow, the Mountain of Hell is characterized by its narrower tracks, higher technical difficulty, and a vertical drop that tests the limits of modern enduro mountain bikes.

The 2019 edition was particularly significant as it marked two decades of the event's existence. Organized by the Les Deux Alpes mountain bike club (Les Choucas), the race attracted approximately 1,000 riders from around the globe. Participants ranged from professional World Cup downhillers and EWS (Enduro World Series) athletes to courageous amateurs looking to survive the 2,500-meter descent from the glacier at 3,200 meters down to the village of Venosc at 900 meters.

As we look back from 2026, the 2019 race stands out not just for the competitive results, but as a case study in the physics of mass-start racing on snow and the evolution of bike geometry required to handle such extreme transitions in terrain.

The Infamous Glacier Collision: What Really Happened?

The defining moment of the 2019 Mountain of Hell occurred within the first sixty seconds of the final race. The start line is situated on the Glacier du Mont-de-Lans, where riders must navigate a wide, steep snow slope. Unlike groomed ski runs, the "piste" for the MOH is often unpredictable, with the surface consistency changing based on the morning temperature and the number of riders who have passed over it during qualifying.

A few hundred meters into the descent, a rider near the front of the pack lost traction while traveling at an estimated 100-110 km/h. On a 30-degree incline covered in frozen granular snow, there is no "braking" in the traditional sense; there is only management of momentum. When the lead rider fell, it triggered a massive chain reaction. Because the pack was so tightly condensed, following riders had no space to maneuver.

The Physics of the Pile-up

The crash involved nearly 200 riders. The incident became a viral sensation due to the sheer scale of the carnage, but from a technical perspective, it highlighted the dangers of high-speed snow racing. In 2019, many riders were using standard "mud" tires to bite into the snow, but once a bike is sideways at those speeds, no amount of tread can regain the line.

Surprisingly, despite the visual intensity of the crash—with bikes and bodies cartwheeling down the glacier—there were no life-threatening injuries reported. The soft (though frozen) snow acted as a decelerator, and the protective gear required by the organizers played a crucial role in mitigating the impact.

Course Technicalities: From Glacial Ice to Venosc Dirt

The 2019 course was a masterpiece of Alpine variety, requiring riders to adapt their style three or four times during a single 30-to-40-minute run. To understand the 2019 results, one must understand the three distinct phases of the "Hell."

Phase 1: The High-Speed Glacier (3,200m - 2,800m)

This is the most famous segment. It is characterized by extreme speeds and the need for a "light" touch on the handlebars. In 2019, the snow was particularly firm in the early morning, which contributed to the high speeds of the lead group. The goal here is survival and positioning. If a rider exits the glacier in the top 20, they have a legitimate shot at the podium.

Phase 2: The Scree and Rock Gardens (2,800m - 1,800m)

As the snow gives way to the "Moonscape" of the upper mountain, the challenge shifts from balance to mechanical endurance. The 2019 course featured several sections of sharp volcanic rock and loose scree. This is where most mechanical failures—specifically pinch flats and smashed rear derailleurs—occurred. The transition from the sub-zero temperatures of the glacier to the heat of the mid-mountain also begins to affect brake performance (brake fade).

Phase 3: The Steep Woods and the Venosc Finish (1,800m - 900m)

The final segment is the most physically demanding. By this point, riders have been descending for 20-25 minutes. The track enters the trees above the village of Venosc, featuring tight switchbacks, vertical "chutes," and a notorious series of stone stairs. The 2019 finish was particularly brutal due to the dry, dusty conditions in the lower valley, which made the final rock slabs incredibly slippery.

Technical Requirements: Bike Setup for a 2,500m Vertical Drop

In 2019, the debate between using a full Downhill (DH) bike versus an Enduro bike was at its peak. While DH bikes offer more stability on the glacier and through the rock gardens, Enduro bikes (160mm-170mm travel) were the preferred choice for top-tier riders like Kilian Bron because of the pedaling sections in the middle of the course.

Suspension and Geometry Considerations

For the 2019 race, pro setups generally leaned toward a stiffer suspension tune. High-speed compression was dialed in to prevent the bike from "diving" during the heavy G-outs on the glacier and the square-edge hits in the rock sections. A slacker head angle (63-64 degrees) was essential for stability during the 100 km/h glacier segments.

Tire Choice and Pressure

Tire selection for the Mountain of Hell is a compromise.

1. Casing: Heavy-duty "Downhill" or "Super Gravity" casings were mandatory to survive the rocks of Les Deux Alpes.
2. Tread: Many riders chose a spiked mud tire (like the Maxxis Shorty or Schwalbe Dirty Dan) for the glacier, but these tires often squirm and roll on the hardpack dirt lower down.
3. Inserts: 2019 saw a massive uptick in the use of foam tire inserts (such as CushCore), which allowed riders to run lower pressures for snow grip while protecting the rims from the rocks.

Brake Management

Dropping 2,500 meters without stopping generates immense heat. In 2019, the gold standard was 200mm or 220mm rotors paired with metallic pads. Riders using organic pads often found themselves with zero braking power by the time they reached the Venosc woods, a dangerous situation given the 40% gradients in that section.

Logistics, Registration, and Safety Protocols

Participating in the Mountain of Hell is not as simple as showing up with a bike. The 2019 event, like those that followed, required strict adherence to safety and logistical protocols.

Registration and Licensing

To compete in 2019, riders needed either a mountain bike racing license (UCI) or a medical certificate stating they were fit for "competitive cycling in a mountainous environment." This is a standard legal requirement for French sporting events to ensure participants are aware of the physical toll of descending at high altitudes.

Mandatory Equipment

The 2019 rules enforced by the Les Choucas club were non-negotiable. Riders caught without the following were disqualified:

• Full-face helmet: Must be one-piece (no detachable chin bars).
• Back protector: Integrated into a jersey or a standalone unit.
• Knee pads and long gloves.
• Functional brakes: Inspected at the lift entrance.

The Lift System

Les Deux Alpes utilizes a high-speed funicular and the Jandri Express gondola to move 1,000 riders and bikes to the 3,200m summit. Logistics in 2019 were a feat of engineering, as the mountain had to balance the race traffic with summer skiers who also use the glacier.

Analysis of the 2019 Victory: Kilian Bron’s Strategy

Kilian Bron’s win in 2019 is often studied by aspiring marathon downhillers. While the crash behind him took out much of the field, Bron’s success was not merely luck. He had spent days practicing the "holeshot"—the initial sprint to get ahead of the pack before the first narrowing of the track.

Bron chose a line on the far left of the glacier, away from the traditional "main" line where most riders clumped together. By finding "clean" snow, he maintained a more consistent coefficient of friction, allowing him to stay upright while others slid. Once off the snow, his fitness on the pedaling sections—honed through his experience in the Enduro World Series—allowed him to pull away from the remaining chasers.

His 2019 run was recorded via onboard camera and remains one of the most-watched mountain bike videos in history, providing a first-person view of what it's like to ride through "Hell."

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum speed reached during the Mountain of Hell?

In the 2019 edition, top professionals recorded speeds of up to 125 km/h (approx. 77 mph) on the initial glacier descent. Amateur speeds usually range between 60 km/h and 90 km/h, depending on snow conditions and confidence.

Can a beginner participate in the Mountain of Hell?

The Mountain of Hell is not recommended for beginners. While there is no formal "skill test," the technicality of the Venosc descent and the high-speed nature of the glacier require advanced bike handling skills. Most participants are intermediate to expert riders with experience in bike parks or enduro racing.

How does the 2019 crash compare to other years?

While crashes on the glacier are common every year, the 2019 incident was unique due to its scale. It involved the largest number of riders in a single "entanglement" in the race's history. This was partly due to the 2019 snow being particularly fast and hard-packed, which increased both speed and the sliding distance of fallen riders.

Is the course the same every year?

The start and finish points (Glacier 3200 to Venosc) remain constant, but the mid-mountain sections are often modified. The 2019 course included specific "black" graded singletrack sections that were different from the 2018 or 2021 editions. The organizers often change the route to account for glacier recession or trail maintenance.

What happens if you have a mechanical failure during the race?

There is no outside assistance allowed during the race. In 2019, many riders were seen running down the hiking trails or attempting to fix punctures with CO2 cartridges. If a bike is unrideable, the rider must walk to the nearest lift station or down to the village, resulting in a DNF (Did Not Finish).

Practical Recommendations for Future Participants

If you are researching the 2019 event to prepare for a future edition of the Mountain of Hell, keep these evidence-based strategies in mind:

1. Prioritize Braking Reliability: Do not use lightweight "XC" brakes. Install 4-piston calipers with the largest rotors your frame and fork can support.
2. Master the "Snow Scandi": Practice drifting your bike on loose surfaces. The glacier requires you to steer with your rear wheel as much as your front.
3. Interval Training: The race lasts roughly 30 to 45 minutes of high-intensity descending. Your "arm pump" will be the limiting factor. Focus on grip strength and long, continuous descents in the bike park during your training blocks.
4. Course Reconnaissance: Spend at least two days before the race riding the lower Venosc sections. The glacier is simple (go fast, don't fall), but the race is often won or lost in the technical woods where fatigue leads to mistakes.

The 2019 Mountain of Hell stands as a testament to the extremity of Alpine mountain biking. It remains a benchmark for both the chaos and the incredible skill required to navigate one of the world's most demanding downhill races.