Col de Tougnète
A challenging high-altitude cycling route starting from Les Ménuires
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)
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What to see
Sights in Val Thorens
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Vanoise National Park
The Vanoise National Park is one of the highlights of the Tarentaise region.
Where to lunch
Restaurants in Les Menuires
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L'Alpin Restaurant
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.
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La Ferme de Reberty Restaurant
A slopeside brasserie restaurant with an excellent sun terrace and warming interior where you can enjoy gourmet and traditional cuisine for lunch or dinner.
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Jacks Restaurant
Restaurant and bar in Les Menuires. A place for locals, tourists and seasonaires alike.
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La Ruade Restaurant
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.
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La-Haut Restaurant
Warm welcome, cosy interior and tasty French cuisine - who could want for more?
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Le Chalet de la Masse Restaurant
This chalet style restaurant is popular for its good food and friendly staff, not to mention the fabulous views from the terrace.
What to do
Things To Do in Les Menuires
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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.
Cycling routes
Cycling Routes in Val Thorens
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Ferme de Pralong to Col de la Loze
Courchevel, Méribel and Val Thorens offer a variety of challenging and scenic rides. Whether you’re after high-altitude thrills or leisurely panoramic routes, there’s something here for every level of cyclist.
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Col de Tougnète
The Col de Tougnète, often considered the little brother of the Col de la Loze (2304m), has a slightly higher summit at 2405m.
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