The best cycling routes around Lac de la Gittaz

There are over 40 touring cycling routes available around Lac de la Gittaz. These routes offer a variety of experiences, from moderate loops to challenging alpine climbs through the Beaufortain massif.

The terrain around Lac de la Gittaz is characterized by stunning alpine landscapes, including picturesque alpine meadows, dense forests, and rugged mountain passes. You'll encounter challenging climbs with consistent gradients, narrow, winding roads, and breathtaking views of surrounding peaks like Mont Blanc and Pierra Menta. The area is also known for numerous waterfalls that feed the lake.

Yes, Lac de la Gittaz is renowned for its challenging climbs. Approximately 29 of the routes are classified as difficult. For example, the Bourg-Saint-Maurice – Châtelard Road loop from Le Chantel is a difficult 44.9 km path with significant elevation gain. Another challenging option is the Lake of La Gittaz – Climb to Col de la Gittaz loop from Barrage de Roselend, which features a substantial ascent.

Yes, there are 12 moderate touring cycling routes around Lac de la Gittaz. These routes offer a balanced challenge without the extreme demands of the most difficult climbs. A popular moderate option is the View of Lake Roselend – Roselend Dam loop from Étoille des Neiges, which is 9.0 km long and offers scenic views of Lac de Roselend. Another great choice is the Cormet de Roselend – Roselend Chapel loop from Barrage de Roselend, a 16.2 km trail through the Cormet de Roselend area.

Cyclists can enjoy stunning views of the artificial Lac de la Gittaz itself, as well as the impressive Barrage de la Gittaz, an arch-gravity dam. The routes often provide panoramic vistas of the majestic Mont Blanc and the distinctive Pierra Menta peak. You'll also pass by numerous waterfalls, picturesque alpine meadows, and the larger, equally stunning Lac de Roselend and its dam, which is often integrated into touring routes.

The best time to visit Lac de la Gittaz for touring cycling is typically during the warmer months, from late spring to early autumn. This period ensures that mountain passes are clear of snow and weather conditions are most favorable for cycling in the alpine environment. The region's high altitude means that winter cycling is generally not feasible due to snow and ice.

Yes, many touring cycling routes in the Lac de la Gittaz area are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the View of Lake Roselend – Roselend Dam loop from Étoille des Neiges and the View of Lake Roselend – Roselend Chapel loop from Barrage de Roselend. These loops often incorporate scenic detours and offer varied terrain.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 60 reviews. Reviewers often praise the stunning alpine scenery, the challenging yet rewarding climbs, and the peaceful experience due to low traffic on many roads. The integration with iconic routes like the Cormet de Roselend and the impressive dams are also frequently highlighted.

While specific parking areas are not detailed for every route, the region around Lac de la Gittaz, particularly near major attractions like Barrage de Roselend or starting points of popular routes, typically offers parking facilities. It's advisable to check the starting point of your chosen route for specific parking information.

Yes, the road leading to Lac de la Gittaz, and many of the surrounding routes, are described as having very little traffic. This contributes to a peaceful and enjoyable cycling experience, allowing riders to fully immerse themselves in the stunning alpine environment without significant vehicle disturbance.

Absolutely. Lac de la Gittaz is often incorporated as a scenic detour from the famous Cormet de Roselend climb, which is part of the iconic Route des Grandes Alpes. Cyclists can easily combine a loop around Lac de la Gittaz with the 'Tour du lac de Roselend' for a more extensive and varied ride. The area also forms part of more extensive routes for mountain bikers and hikers, such as sections of the Tour du Mont Blanc.

While the region is known for its challenging climbs, there are a few easier options available, with 3 routes classified as easy. These routes are generally shorter and have less elevation gain, making them suitable for less experienced cyclists or those looking for a more relaxed ride. It's always recommended to check the route details on komoot for specific difficulty and terrain information.