Cycling - Col de Sollieres
Trail photos
Author
Trail stats
- Distance
- 21.97 mi
- Elevation gain
- 3,294 ft
- Technical difficulty
- Difficult
- Elevation loss
- 3,294 ft
- Max elevation
- 8,661 ft
- TrailRank
- 36
- Min elevation
- 8,661 ft
- Trail type
- Loop
- Time
- 7 hours 52 minutes
- Coordinates
- 1411
- Uploaded
- July 14, 2019
- Recorded
- July 2019
near Rivers-Derrière, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes (France)
Viewed 585 times, downloaded 13 times
Trail photos
Itinerary description
Cycling - Loop around Lac du Mont Cenis and Pointe de Cugne through the Col de Sollieres, highest point of this ride.
Perfect day and magnificent views, including the stunning Vanoise Glacier.
Flowers in full bloom, alpine pastures, lots of marmots, and solitude. We haven't seen a soul other than our team of three.
Aside a portion on asphalt near the lake, this ride is partly on service/forest roads and partly on single-track. Terrain is from medium to quite rough for about half of the ride and requires pushing at times, never for the gradients though which are always feasible.
From Km 17.5 to Km 20, that is the Col de Sollieres, the single track is exposed and not cyclable is several points due to minor rock landslides. Not risky here, but pay due attention.
The descent from Col de Sollieres is, for most part, not cyclable due to erosion of the trail/single-track so be prepared to walk the bike for almost one hour.
Strong gusty winds in some points.
All of the above makes this route more of an adventure rather than a "classic" ride, but if you're up and prepared for a pleasant day out at high altitude, it will be much rewarding.
The area is known for fast-changing weather, so make sure to choose a day with expected weather stability for time to come.
The area is dotted with military fortifications - some built by the French, most built by the Italians. All forts and bunkers are now in French territory as the area was ceded to France under the Paris Treaty following WWII.
Perfect day and magnificent views, including the stunning Vanoise Glacier.
Flowers in full bloom, alpine pastures, lots of marmots, and solitude. We haven't seen a soul other than our team of three.
Aside a portion on asphalt near the lake, this ride is partly on service/forest roads and partly on single-track. Terrain is from medium to quite rough for about half of the ride and requires pushing at times, never for the gradients though which are always feasible.
From Km 17.5 to Km 20, that is the Col de Sollieres, the single track is exposed and not cyclable is several points due to minor rock landslides. Not risky here, but pay due attention.
The descent from Col de Sollieres is, for most part, not cyclable due to erosion of the trail/single-track so be prepared to walk the bike for almost one hour.
Strong gusty winds in some points.
All of the above makes this route more of an adventure rather than a "classic" ride, but if you're up and prepared for a pleasant day out at high altitude, it will be much rewarding.
The area is known for fast-changing weather, so make sure to choose a day with expected weather stability for time to come.
The area is dotted with military fortifications - some built by the French, most built by the Italians. All forts and bunkers are now in French territory as the area was ceded to France under the Paris Treaty following WWII.
Waypoints
Waypoint
0 ft
Col de Sollières 2638m
Col de Sollières 2638m
Waypoint
0 ft
Fort de la Turra
Waypoint
0 ft
Fort de Ronce 2294m
Fort de Ronce 2294m Val-Cenis, Savoie, FRA it:Forte Roncia
Waypoint
0 ft
Fort de Variselle 2150m
Fort de Variselle 2150m Val-Cenis, Savoie, FRA it:Forte Varisello
Waypoint
0 ft
Fort Pattacreuse
Waypoint
0 ft
Parking
fell
Waypoint
0 ft
Refuge du Petite Mont Cenis
Refuge du Petit Mont Cenis 2110m alpine_hut
You can add a comment or review this trail
Comments