Le chemin de Malaine
84 hairpin bends, 700 m of elevation gain over 2,5 km! These three figures sum up the atmosphere of one of the most beautiful descents in Oisans. One hairpin bend immediately leads to another. From the start ofOulles, this path runs through the heart of a thick beech forest.
Itinerary of the “MTB in Oisans” guide (Oisans Tourisme)
Start Point: Oulles 1400 m
Arrival: La Paute 720 m
Duration: 25 min.
Distance: 6 km
Highest point: 1417 m
Lowest point: 710 m
Elevation gain: 30 m
Negative elevation: – 700 m
Technique: 3/4
Endurance: 2/4
Map: Top 25 Grenoble 3335 OT
ROUTE
> Since Oulles, follow the sign “la Malaine, plaine du Bourg” to reach Le Piret (1401 m) at the EDF pylon.
> Welcome to the descent of the Malaine!
> We immediately enter a thick beech forest (remember to take clear glasses) on a narrow, very fast path, which runs along the mountainside. Stay vigilant on crossings because you easily gain speed
and this path, carpeted with leaves, conceals a few traps (stones, sloping roots, branches, etc.).
> After the big crossing, the path goes downhill and you take hairpin bends at a steady pace... with a tried and tested technique, everything goes!
> The course ends on a fairly fast and rather rough straight line.
> We end up on a track. Turn right and reach the hamlet of La Paute via a rolling track.
Start Point: Oulles 1400 m
Arrival: La Paute 720 m
Duration: 25 min.
Distance: 6 km
Highest point: 1417 m
Lowest point: 710 m
Elevation gain: 30 m
Negative elevation: – 700 m
Technique: 3/4
Endurance: 2/4
Map: Top 25 Grenoble 3335 OT
ROUTE
> Since Oulles, follow the sign “la Malaine, plaine du Bourg” to reach Le Piret (1401 m) at the EDF pylon.
> Welcome to the descent of the Malaine!
> We immediately enter a thick beech forest (remember to take clear glasses) on a narrow, very fast path, which runs along the mountainside. Stay vigilant on crossings because you easily gain speed
and this path, carpeted with leaves, conceals a few traps (stones, sloping roots, branches, etc.).
> After the big crossing, the path goes downhill and you take hairpin bends at a steady pace... with a tried and tested technique, everything goes!
> The course ends on a fairly fast and rather rough straight line.
> We end up on a track. Turn right and reach the hamlet of La Paute via a rolling track.
