© Val Thorens TO | Arthur Bertrand
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)
