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Ferme de Pralong to Col de la Loze

This high altitude cycle route is reserved exclusively for cyclists

featured in Cycling Routes Updated

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.

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.

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