4.5
(219)
1,968
riders
88
rides
Mountain biking around Lac de la Gittaz offers diverse terrain within the Beaufortain region of Savoie, France. This area features high mountains, expansive alpine meadows, and dense forests, providing varied riding experiences. Lac de la Gittaz itself is a high-altitude lake at 1562m, surrounded by rugged peaks, with many routes offering views of both Lac de la Gittaz and the larger Lac de Roselend. The trails include challenging climbs and descents, with sections that can be steep and loose.
Last updated: July 11, 2026
5.0
(1)
10
riders
21.4km
02:26
870m
870m
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
4.6
(20)
100
riders
22.1km
02:04
620m
620m
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.

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5.0
(2)
28
riders
33.7km
03:00
1,170m
1,170m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
4.8
(5)
12
riders
12.1km
01:15
390m
390m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
6
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
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Dreamlike beautiful and the ascent is almost done.
2
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The ascent from the reservoir to the pass.
2
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Unfortunately closed, but water source and dry toilet available.
2
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My tour of Lake Roselend https://youtu.be/G0Ss9v6wxQQ
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The Roselend Dam is located in the commune of Beaufort-sur-Doron, in the Beaufortain region of Savoie, between the Col du Pré and the Cormet de Roselend, near the Arêches-Beaufort ski resort. The surrounding mountains reach an altitude of around 2,800 meters. It is part of the Roselend La Bâthie hydroelectric complex, which includes the Roselend Dam and two satellite dams: La Gittaz and Saint-Guérin. This complex is managed by EDF's Alpes Production Unit. The Roselend La Bâthie hydroelectric complex produces the equivalent of the domestic energy consumption of 450,000 residents, thus avoiding the emission of 890,000 tons of CO2 per year. The Roselend Dam is a double-curved arch dam with buttresses. Height = 150 meters Crest length = 804 meters Water reservoir [of the hydroelectric complex] = 187 million m3 The Roselend - La Bâthie development is supplied by the Roselend dam itself, as well as by two satellite dams, La Gittaz and Saint-Guérin. The total storage capacity of these three reservoirs, connected by a system of galleries, is 213 million m3. The water collected at Roselend crosses the massif through a 12.5 km long gallery to flow at an altitude of 1,400 m into the Isère Valley, in the Tarentaise region. It is then transported to the underground plant at La Bâthie via a 2,500 m long penstock, with a drop of 1,200 m. The power plant is equipped with six Pelton-type generating units with a total capacity of 550 MW. Since 2013, EDF has been replacing the main components of each generating unit (turbine, generator, transformer, and energy evacuation cables) to achieve a total capacity of 600 MW by the end of 2018. https://youtu.be/G0Ss9v6wxQQ
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Intersection point Refuge du Plan de la Lai Altitude 1815m
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Intersection point Under the Biolley Altitude 1650m
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Originally, there was a Romanesque chapel in the hamlet of Roselend. It was dedicated to Saint Mary Magdalene. A 13th-century document mentions a chapel that could be this one. More precise sources indicate that the bell was cast in 1608 or that donations were made in 1710, 1757, and 1760. In 1794, it hosted four émigré priests from the valley for their first mass after their return from exile, including the future Archbishop of Chambéry, Antoine Martinet. Submerged when the dam was filled on May 6, 1960, a chapel was rebuilt two years later near the road overlooking the lake, in a more modern style.
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There are over 85 mountain bike trails around Lac de la Gittaz, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels. The komoot community has explored these routes over 1700 times.
The trails around Lac de la Gittaz primarily cater to experienced riders, with 62 routes rated as difficult. There are also 19 moderate trails and 4 easy routes available, ensuring options for various skill levels within the challenging Beaufortain terrain.
You can expect diverse terrain, including wooded ascents, expansive alpine meadows, and sections that can be steep and loose. The region is characterized by high mountains, picturesque alpine pastures, and dense forests, providing a dynamic and engaging riding experience.
Yes, there are 19 moderate trails available. One such route is the Roselend Chapel – Sur Frêtes Pass loop from Barrage de Roselend, which covers 12.1 km and offers a balanced challenge for intermediate riders. Another moderate option is the Col de la Sauce – Col de la Sauce (2,307 m) loop from Cormet de Roselend, a 12.2 km route.
The trails offer stunning views of Lac de la Gittaz itself, as well as the larger Lac de Roselend and its impressive dam. You'll also traverse the high mountains and alpine pastures of the Beaufortain Massif. Iconic peaks like Pierra Menta are often visible, and you might encounter beautiful waterfalls along some roads leading to the lake.
Many trails provide breathtaking panoramic views. For instance, the Plan de la Lai Refuge – Roselend Dam loop from Cormet de Roselend offers magnificent views of Lac de Roselend and its dam. The Plan de la Lai Refuge – Chapel of Lake Roselend loop from Cormet de Roselend also leads through alpine pastures with views of surrounding peaks, including distant glimpses of Mont Blanc.
While specific routes aren't highlighted for waterfalls, the region research indicates that visitors can encounter beautiful waterfalls along some of the narrow roads leading to Lac de la Gittaz, enhancing the natural beauty of the journey. Keep an eye out, especially during spring or after rainfall.
Yes, many of the trails are designed as loops. Popular options include the Col de la Sauce – The Curé Trail loop from Roc du Biolley, the Plan de la Lai Refuge – Roselend Dam loop from Cormet de Roselend, and the Plan de la Lai Refuge – Chapel of Lake Roselend loop from Cormet de Roselend.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 190 reviews. Riders frequently praise the diverse terrain, the challenging climbs and exhilarating descents, and the breathtaking panoramic views of the lakes and mountains.
While the region offers stunning scenery, most trails around Lac de la Gittaz are rated moderate to difficult, involving significant elevation gains and technical sections. There are only 4 easy routes, so families with younger children or beginners should carefully review route details and difficulty before setting out.
The summer months are generally the best time for mountain biking around Lac de la Gittaz. During this period, the alpine meadows are vibrant, and the higher mountain passes are typically clear of snow, offering optimal trail conditions and pleasant weather for riding.
Yes, several prominent mountain passes are key points along the biking routes. These include Col du Bonhomme, Col de la Gitte, Col de Sur Frêtes, and Col du Méraillet. These passes offer both challenging ascents and rewarding vistas.


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