Le chemin des Combes
Varied route through mountain pastures and undergrowth that gradually descends into the Eau d'Olle valley. The route alternates between small descents and climbs without major technical difficulties but requires good physical condition.
Itinerary of the “MTB in Oisans” guide (Oisans Tourisme)
Departure: Alpe d'Huez (slope roundabout), 1 m
Arrival: Le Bourg-d'Oisans, 720 m
Duration: 3 hour 30 minutes
Distance: 33 km
Highest point: 1 m
Lowest point: 712 m
Positive elevation: 583 m
Negative elevation: – 1 m
Technique: 2/4
Endurance: 3/4
Map: Top 25 Bourg d'Oisans and Alpe d'Huez 3335 ET
ROUTE
> This route follows the FFC markings [XC 6] to Oz station.
> Go all the way to the top of the resort at the “rond point des pistes” then join the “path panoramic” (to the left of the Signal chairlift) which goes around the Grande Sûre.
> Follow the panoramic path then switch to the Combe du Bras. The upper part is negotiated on hairpins in the earth. Further down, the terrain becomes mineral and technical.
> We join the Huez road – Villard-Reculas. Take a right for 3 km until Villard-Reculas.
> Before arriving at Villard-Reculas, follow the [XC 6] markings on the right to Pré Reynaud.
> From Pré Reynaud, turn left towards Bessay. Cross the Gay bridge, then the Faubourg with its old barns.
> From Bessay, go back up 500 m on the road to the hairpin bend and take the path to Rompure, towards Enversin-d'Oz.
> At Enversin, go down to the left to pass under the village. At the last houses, watch out for the small path that goes down on the left towards Pourchery (sign).
> In Pourchery, on the left after the chalet "La Maitreya", follow the FFC markings [XC 7] to take the path towards Lake Verney. The path crosses the road several times. Cross the hamlet of Verney then the Eau d'Olle river via the Himalayan footbridge. Follow Lake Verney to return to Allemond.
> There are then 10 km of flat road left to reach your vehicle in Bourg-d'Oisans. You can follow the dike passing through Raffour.
Or, to go back up to Alpe d'Huez in July and August, cross the dam to get to Allemond and take the cable car “Eau d’Olle Express” to Oz station then Alpe d'Huez (note: a ski pass is required).
Departure: Alpe d'Huez (slope roundabout), 1 m
Arrival: Le Bourg-d'Oisans, 720 m
Duration: 3 hour 30 minutes
Distance: 33 km
Highest point: 1 m
Lowest point: 712 m
Positive elevation: 583 m
Negative elevation: – 1 m
Technique: 2/4
Endurance: 3/4
Map: Top 25 Bourg d'Oisans and Alpe d'Huez 3335 ET
ROUTE
> This route follows the FFC markings [XC 6] to Oz station.
> Go all the way to the top of the resort at the “rond point des pistes” then join the “path panoramic” (to the left of the Signal chairlift) which goes around the Grande Sûre.
> Follow the panoramic path then switch to the Combe du Bras. The upper part is negotiated on hairpins in the earth. Further down, the terrain becomes mineral and technical.
> We join the Huez road – Villard-Reculas. Take a right for 3 km until Villard-Reculas.
> Before arriving at Villard-Reculas, follow the [XC 6] markings on the right to Pré Reynaud.
> From Pré Reynaud, turn left towards Bessay. Cross the Gay bridge, then the Faubourg with its old barns.
> From Bessay, go back up 500 m on the road to the hairpin bend and take the path to Rompure, towards Enversin-d'Oz.
> At Enversin, go down to the left to pass under the village. At the last houses, watch out for the small path that goes down on the left towards Pourchery (sign).
> In Pourchery, on the left after the chalet "La Maitreya", follow the FFC markings [XC 7] to take the path towards Lake Verney. The path crosses the road several times. Cross the hamlet of Verney then the Eau d'Olle river via the Himalayan footbridge. Follow Lake Verney to return to Allemond.
> There are then 10 km of flat road left to reach your vehicle in Bourg-d'Oisans. You can follow the dike passing through Raffour.
Or, to go back up to Alpe d'Huez in July and August, cross the dam to get to Allemond and take the cable car “Eau d’Olle Express” to Oz station then Alpe d'Huez (note: a ski pass is required).
