Mountain bike tours

Tour du Mont-Blanc Bike: Vallorcine - Champex-Lac

VTT Vallorcine - Champex-Lac

Trient

-2/4°

This scenic itinerary from Vallorcine to Champex-Lac explores the dramatic Mont-Blanc region straddling the French-Swiss border.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Length

38.29 km

Duration

5:29 h
VTT Vallorcine - Champex-Lac
VTT Salvan
Mountainbiken in den Bergen

Description

Discover a mountain biking region of unique charm. Located at the heart of the Espace Mont-Blanc, the Trient valley links the Rhône valley and Chamonix valley, and promises a magical adventure. You’ll enjoy superb views of Mont Blanc, as well as a chance to visit fascinating attractions along the way – from natural gorges and the Trient glaciers to Emosson, with its dams, geological site and fossilised dinosaur footprints. The magnificent route beginning in Vallorcine (France) and ending in Champex-Lac (Switzerland) offers pure biking pleasure.

Our favorites

Our favorite itineraries are part of a selection of the best routes in the region and are proposed by Valais/Wallis Promotion to best meet the expectations of our guests.

Turn-by-turn directions

You can reach the start of the ride in Vallorcine by train, on the Mont-Blanc Express from Martigny (or from Chamonix). The route initially climbs to the base station of the Tête de Balme chairlift before crossing the border into Switzerland and then descending to the pretty hamlet of Les Jeurs. Continue to the village of Trient, where you can visit the famous pink church. Then take the old La Forclaz road up to the Col de la Forclaz and begin the long descent to Martigny-Croix. This is where the ascent to Champex-Lac begins. Climb as far as Les Valettes. From here, take the road to the right that leads to the Durnand gorges, which you can visit along the way. Then continue the climb as far as Champex-Lac.

Start

Vallorcine (1262m)

Destination

Champex-Lac (1467m)

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Author's recommendation

Visit the pink church of Trient, take a break at the sunny summit of the Col de la Forclaz and explore the Durnand gorges.

Technical information

Altitude

1656m

553m

Ascent

+1667m

Descent

-1462m

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Best time of the year

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

Tags

  • Linear route
  • Singletrail/Free ride
  • Scenic
  • Geological highlights
  • Fauna
  • Insider tip
  • Accessibility
  • Summit route
  • Round trip
  • Refreshment stops available
  • Cultural/historical interest
  • Flora
  • Cableway ascent/descent
Getting there
Information

Public transport

Take the SBB train to Martigny. Then take the Mont-Blanc Express in Martigny (or Chamonix). 

Remember to reserve a place for your mountain bike on the SBB mobile application or on sbb.ch.

Approach

A9 motorway to Martigny (exit 21). Park in Martigny. 

Parking

As this route has different starting and finishing points, make use of public transport to reach the start of the ride in Vallorcine. Take the Mont-Blanc Express train from Martigny.

Equipment

We recommend: a bike in excellent working order, a helmet, gloves and a bell, clothing suitable for the weather (always carry a waterproof), food and drink.

Safety information

This route has not been approved by the canton of Valais in accordance with the law on leisure mobility routes. The use of the routes and of the information on this website is the responsibility of each user. Local conditions may lead to changes in the route. We accept no responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information on the website.
The mountains are a place of pleasure to be shared and respected, offering space in which to meet up and share unforgettable moments, whether by bike or on foot. For all outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy them properly, it is essential that mountains are shared in a way that respects both Nature and agriculture. Respectful behaviour enables everyone to enjoy their hobby in the best possible conditions. Find out about the recommendations and rules in place.

When planning, take into account participants’ fitness level and ability. All riding is at one’s own risk.

 

Best practice guidelines

Additional information

More Information:

Literature

The tourist office in Trient has a range of brochures and other informative material about mountain biking in the region.

Maps

SwissTopo Maps 1:25'000: 1324 Barberine, 1325 Sembrancher et 1345 Orsières

Source

This activity is brought to you by Valais/Wallis Promotion

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