Cycling Routes in Val Thorens — 2 of Our Favourites

In 2019, the resort introduced a dedicated high-altitude cycle path linking the Ferme de Pralong to the Col de la Loze. A route that has also seen Tour de France action in 2005 and 2020. 
Reserved exclusively for cyclists, this safe 5.8km route features a 377m altitude gain and offers panoramic views of the valley, the Vanoise glaciers, and Mont Blanc. The climb is easier when accessing from the top of the pass rather than from the Méribel side.
For those seeking an extra challenge, consider riding from Brides-les-Bains up to Courchevel 1850. This route covers 21km with an altitude difference of 1,420m at an average gradient of 6.5%.

Méribel routes

On the Méribel side of the Col de la Loze is the third highest mountain pass in the Savoie region after the Iseran and Galibier. The cycling routes are reserved exclusively for cyclists. These tracks are hillier, with some sections featuring bursts of gradients over 20%, reminiscent of the legendary Tour de France arrival in 2020.

Here are some popular itineraries from Méribel to the Col de la Loze:

• discovery loop from Courchevel-Le Praz to Méribel via the Col de la Loze – 35km with a 1,050m positive elevation
• big loop starting from Le Carrey, then Courchevel-Le Praz, climbing to the Col de la Loze, passing through Méribel, Brides-les-Bains and La Thuile, before returning to the start – 62km with a 1,970m positive elevation

Direct climbs:

• from Les Allues to the top of the Col de la Loze – 14km with a 1,204m ascent

from Brides-les-Bains to the top – 22km with a 1,717m gain

Belleville Valley – Les Menuires and Val Thorens

Cyclists with Europe’s highest resort in sight will find plenty of routes to explore in this area. Both Les Menuires and Val Thorens have hosted Tour de France finish stages.

Col de Tougnète

Ride up the high-altitude cycle path (reserved exclusively for bicycles) to reach the summit at 2,430m, starting from either Les Menuires or Saint-Martin-de-Belleville. The climb from Les Menuires is about 7km with an average gradient of 8%, gaining 617m in elevation.

Moûtiers to Les Menuires

This 26km route features a 1,331m ascent at a 5.1% average gradient, arriving in Les Menuires at 1,800m.

Moûtiers to Val Thorens

For a longer challenge, try a 36km ride covering a 1,861m altitude gain at an average gradient of 5%, finishing in Val Thorens at 2,340m.

This route was created during the summer of 2022 in the Vanoise Massif at the heart of the Trois Vallées, this new climb was constructed using a similar method to the Col de la Loze, by putting tarmac on a ski slope within the Ménuires ski area.

Unlike the Col de la Loze, the Col de Tougnète has just one gradient. The cycle path is strictly for cyclists and is closed to motorised vehicles.

Starting from the entrance of Les Ménuires station at an altitude of 1,732m, the ascent covers 8.35km with a total elevation gain of 699m, averaging an 8.5% gradient. Expect some challenging sections with gradients exceeding 10%, and a final steep stretch reaching up to 17.5% over 260m.

It’s important to note that this ascent forms part of a longer challenge when combined with the climb from Moûtiers to Val Thorens. That section spans 26.2km with an elevation gain of 1315m at a 6% average gradient. In total, you’re looking at 34.5km of climbing with 2,014m of elevation gain at an average gradient of 6.5%, a formidable challenge for any cyclist.

South face summary:

• distance: 8.35km
• start: Les Ménuires
• elevation gain: 699m
• average gradient: 8.5%
• maximum gradient: 17.5% (over 260m)