Ferme de Pralong to Col de la Loze
This high altitude cycle route is reserved exclusively for cyclists
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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Cycle hire
Bike Hire in Courchevel
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Mountain bike hire
With a fleet of Scott bikes, this company offers bikes for both adults and children.
What to see
Sights in Courchevel
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Daniel Besseiche Art Gallery
This gallery has an exhibition space in Courchevel but you'll often find pieces on or next to the pistes in winter.
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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 Courchevel 1850
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Le Chalet de Pierres Restaurant
This authentic Savoyard restaurant welcomes you with a variety of fine-dining possibilities for your lunch break in the Courchevel Valley.
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Le Base Kamp Restaurant
Situated on the Pralong piste, with a large decked terrace overlooking Courchevel's mountains, at this restaurant you can stop for lunch or a bite.
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Le Pilatus Restaurant
On the left side of 1850, next to the Altiport, this restaurant has grown from a small self service establishment to a large and fantastically re-furbished restaurant and hotel.
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La Saulire Restaurant, Courchevel
Expensive but worth it is the general consensus of this restaurant. Great service and exceptional food make this a good choice for a special occasion.
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La Fèrma Restaurant
Celebration of cheese and all things Savoyard, taking the rustic and creating inspired dishes using local ingredients.
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Le Sidonie Restaurant
At this bistro they have added an innovative twist to Savoyard cuisine. It is located at the Chabichou Hotel in the centre of resort.
What to do
Things To Do in Courchevel 1850
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Courchevel golf course
Located on the Les Verdons Plateau there is the wonderful Courchevel golf course.
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Bowling 3000 Bar & Restaurant
This is not just any old bowling alley, with eight bowling lanes, table football, pool table, pinball, various video games, a licensed bar, restaurant and a dance floor....this is the Bermuda Triangle of bowling alleys. You could get lost in here forever!
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Azimut Rando
Explore the snowy peaks and take part in a snow shoe hike. A guide will take you on a mountain walk through the Courchevel mountains.
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Snow shoe walks
Laurence is a certified mountain leader, who enjoys taking clients away from the busy pistes and spicing up your ski holiday with a guided snowshoeing trip.
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Tandem parachute jumping
Leap out of a plane or helicopter and experience a thrill like no other. Air Mauss Parachutisme will take you out on a skydive above the beautiful mountains of Courchevel.
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Ice Skating rink
Located in the centre of Courchevel 1850 is the indoor ice skating rink.
Cycling routes
Cycling Routes in Courchevel
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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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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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