Col de Tougnète

A challenging high-altitude cycling route starting from Les Ménuires

Location: Les Menuires
Imprint: Updated 3 April 2025

The Col de Tougnète, often considered the little brother of the Col de la Loze (2304m), has a slightly higher summit at 2405m.

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)

Watch this

What to see

Vanoise National Park

Distance from location
26.4 km

The Vanoise National Park is one of the highlights of the Tarentaise region.

Where to lunch

La Fromagerie des Belleville Restaurant

Location
Les Menuires

It's all about the cheese at this restaurant!
L'Alpin Restaurant

Location
Les Menuires

This restaurant serves pizza, grills, Savoyard dishes and more. The service is efficient and friendly with a quick lunchtime service for those itching to get back out onto the slopes, and a more leisurely dinner time service for a special meal with family and friends.
L'Etoile Restaurant

Location
Les Menuires

Located just above the Croisette in Les Menuires, this mountain restaurant is an convenient lunch stop for skiers and pedestrians alike.
Le Chalet de la Masse Restaurant

Location
Les Menuires

This chalet style restaurant is popular for its good food and friendly staff, not to mention the fabulous views from the terrace.
La Ruade Restaurant

Location
Les Menuires

Set on the slopes in Les Menuires, in the Preyerand area. You can detour off and have dishes served to you straight from the grill and open fire in the restaurant.
La Ferme de Reberty Restaurant

Location
Les Menuires

A slopeside brasserie restaurant with an excellent sun terrace and warming interior where you can enjoy gourmet and traditional cuisine for lunch or dinner.

What to do

Swimming Pool

The sports centres in Val Thorens and Les Menuires contain aqua-clubs, both of which have small indoor swimming pools plus hydro fun areas, children's paddling pool and Jacuzzi. Swimming lessons are also available.