This experience consists of two gravel adventures. First climbing from Valloire to the highest of its Ski Station (2534 metres) through no less than 35 hairpins. Then some excellent gravel up a very lovely hidden valley parallel to the paved Galibier highway however surrounded by excessive mountains, after which a barely loopy ascent to Col de la Plagnette – bike pushing concerned. Woohoooo !
My spouse and I have been staying in Valloire for 3 nights. Our plan was to do a number of huge hikes and I used to be allowed one (one!) bike experience. So I selected it rigorously. In truth, I used our first hike to do some critical route planning:
However my first purpose was to get to the very prime of Valloire-Galibier ski station. Ranging from city, for those who look intently on the map you’ll see it’s nothing however hairpins early on. It’s paved for a few kilometres and I handed numerous ski chalets, however it quickly turns into a pleasant gravel ski-lift service highway.
I reached the highest of one of many foremost chair lifts and there was a pleasant lake.
However it was nonetheless a protracted approach to the excessive level on the prime of one other raise. The ultimate couple of kms have been steep and I handed some mountain climbing faculty youngsters so slowly that we might have a pleasant chat they usually kindly cheered me on. However I made it! Good views and a elaborate top-of-the-resort signal.
Subsequent I descended down one other gravel service highway to attempt to be part of up with the route I had hiked with Doreen the day past. I’m going to put up the picture once more, however whereas mountain climbing I had been so transfixed with L’Aiguille Noir. I’ve visited Col de la Plagnette from a special path earlier than on a mountain bike, however questioned if it was doable from this aspect.
And now I used to be on my bike heading instantly at this lovely peak.
I knew the gravel highway would quickly finish and issues would get trickier. However two pleasant and really match guys in French Nationwide jerseys (ski or VTT or XC ski champions?) coming from different approach stated it was tough however not harmful. So I received on the path.
Some elements have been comparatively simple and a few elements brutal, however I made progress. Be aware, the ultimate 3 kms to the col have been primarily bike pushing/carrying.
However I used to be thrilled and relieved to achieve Col de la Plagnette (2525m):
Excessive I quickly arrived at 2 alpine lakes which are sadly pretty dry/empty. It was a brief experience to Col des Rochilles (2496m) – which I do know – and a protracted, bumpy descent to Plan Lachat on the Galibier north aspect.
See this previous experience for particulars of climbing Col des Rochilles from Plan Lachat and persevering with east previous these lakes all the best way to Briançon: Col Looking Behind Le Grand Galibier
This previous picture beneath reveals the gorgeous Col des Rochilles descent. It was taken on paved highway at 6km marker beneath Galibier summit, however the gravel highway is obvious on the left. Many hairpins! Anyway it’s enjoyable when a foolish thought is profitable.
Right here’s a 3D video of this nice route:
