Mountain bike tours

Tour du Mont-Blanc Bike: Champex - Grand Col Ferret

Val Ferret

Champex-Lac

2/6°

From Champex-Lac, it goes down to the start of Val Ferret and then up the valley to Grand Col Ferret.

Difficulty

Difficult

Length

27.32 km

Duration

5:35 h
Val Ferret
Val Ferret
Val Ferret
3 Radfahrer auf dem Weg zur Tour du Mont Blanc
Lac de Champex
La Fouly

Description

The start of this route is in the idyllic village of Champex-Lac at 1467 meters elevation. On this bike route, you pass through the villages Issert, Praz-de-Fort, and La Fouly and reach up to the Italian border at 2537 meters. If you want to take a well-deserved break, you should do so at Alp Peule. Then continue your ascent to Grand Col Ferret at the Italian-Swiss border. Once at the top, you can either continue to Courmayeur in Italy or return the same way to Champex-Lac. 

Turn-by-turn directions

The route begins with a crossing of the resort Champex-Lac on the main road. Enjoy the view of the lake and the Combins massif. On the descent towards Orsières, turn right onto the gravel road after the second curve. This leads down to the cantonal road in Val Ferret. Before the entrance to Issert, turn left and continue beneath the village until Praz-de-Fort. You cross the Saleinaz plateau and then take the main road for about 200 meters. Then turn left. At the height of Branche d’en Bas, you reach the cantonal road again. The route first leads along the left riverbank to Branche d’en Haut, then again along the right bank over the cantonal road and through the hamlet of Prayon. It then continues through the forest to La Fouly. Then continue towards Ferret and then to Ars Dessous.  Turn right onto the gravel road and cross the river. Finally, you ride up to Alp Peule and follow the path to Grand Col Ferret.

Start

Champex-Lac (1467m)

Destination

Grand Col Ferret (2535m)

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Author's recommendation

The lake of Champex-Lac is a true natural jewel. It is suitable for many activities such as stand-up paddling, pedal boating, or fishing.

Technical information

Altitude

2536m

1039m

Ascent

+1693m

Descent

-625m

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Best time of the year

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

Tags

  • Linear route
  • Multi-stage route
  • Cultural/historical interest
  • Flora
Getting there
Information

Public transport

Take the train to Orsières. From there, the TMR bus takes you to Champex-Lac or La Fouly. Remember to reserve a place for your mountain bike either via the SBB Mobile app or on sbb.ch.

Approach

Take the motorway exit «Martigny» and drive towards Great Saint Bernard. At Orsières, turn right to Champex-Lac.  

Parking

Free parking is available at the Champex-Lac cable car station.

Equipment

Our recommendation: technically flawless bike, helmet, gloves and bell, clothing suitable for the weather (always bring rain protection), drink and food.

Preparation of the mountain bike route

Safety information

The mountains, a place of joy to share and respect. The mountain world is a place to meet and experience unforgettable moments together – whether by bike or on foot. For everyone to benefit from it, it is essential to share this space with respect for nature and agriculture. Respectful behavior enables everyone to practice their leisure activities under the best conditions. Inform yourself about recommendations and rules. Assess your own skills and fitness well. Traveling the various routes is always at your own risk.

Right on the way

Additional information

More information:

Pays-du-St-Bernard

Literature

The tourist office in Orsières provides information material and brochures about mountain biking in the destination.

Maps

SwissTopo official maps: 1:25,000: 1325 Sembrancher / 1345 Orsières / 1365 Gd-St-Bernard

Source

This activity is brought to you by Valais/Wallis Promotion

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