Archives des isère - Destinations Gravel

The 3,200 m Gravel Challenge in Les 2 Alpes

Kim Gintrand — Sat, 29 Nov 2025 09:55:07 +0000

Earlier this summer, I took on one of the toughest gravel challenges in France: a climb up to 3,200 m in Les 2 Alpes. Starting from Bourg d’Oisans, the route stacks up more than 3,100 m of elevation gain, mixing gravel roads, technical singletrack, and a full-on mental battle to reach the top. It’s a unique adventure that blends high altitude, glacial scenery, and true self-transcendence.

Starting points: Bourg d’Oisans or Les 2 Alpes

You can tackle this 3,200 m ascent from two main starting points:

1. From Bourg d’Oisans (50 km, +3,100 m)

This is the option we chose, and without a doubt the most demanding one. Starting from the bottom of the valley, the route begins with a section on the road toward Alpe d’Huez, then continues on rolling but undulating gravel tracks. Although it’s not a continuous climb, the terrain rises steadily, stacking up around 1,800 m of elevation gain by the time you reach the resort of Les 2 Alpes. From there, the journey continues with the iconic gravel ascent that leads all the way to the 3,200 m summit

Download Gravel GPX

2. From Les 2 Alpes (15 km, +1,500 m)

If your goal is to fully enjoy the high-altitude gravel experience without taking on a massive elevation gain, I recommend starting directly from Les 2 Alpes. You’ll still get to experience a stunning ascent all the way up to the glacial zone, but with a more manageable effort.

In both cases, it’s a unique adventure, your choice between the full epic route or a more accessible version that’s just as impressive.

Download Gravel GPX

Best Time to Ride Up to 3,200 m

This high-altitude ascent depends heavily on weather conditions, and the access window can vary from year to year.

Best month: August usually offers the most reliable conditions.
Good period: From mid-July onward, depending on snowmelt.
Early access: Reaching 2,600 m is generally possible from mid-June.
Recommended days: Weekends are often more convenient thanks to the station’s activities, but always check local conditions.

At high altitude, the weather can change quickly—what’s possible one week may not be the next. Always check with the resort or local riders before planning your ride

Discover the Full Ascent

While you wait to come and ride it yourself this spring, check out the video, your perfect teaser to explore the climb, the technical sections, and the stunning high-mountain scenery.

👉 Watch the 3,200 m ascent on my channel YouTube Gravel_Kim

L’article The 3,200 m Gravel Challenge in Les 2 Alpes est apparu en premier sur Destinations Gravel.

La Plage des Neiges – Alpe d’Huez

Kim Gintrand — Fri, 28 Jul 2023 08:09:38 +0000

Addresse

Alpe d'huez

2322 Rte des Lacs, 38750 Huez

Opening

From 24/06 to 31/08/2023

Hours

9:00 - 17:30 everyday

Spécialties

Traditional French cuisine

Fresh produce - homemade dishes

Highlights

Phone

04 76 80 39 56

Nearby

Best Addresses

(*tested)

RESTAURANTS

Alpe d'Huez

La Plage des Neiges

local and fresh products. amazing desserts.

Alpe d'Huez

Bistro Les 2 Mules

Bistro

Alpe d'Huez

Pinnochio*

Pizza

Alpe d'Huez

Au Grenier*

french homemade cuisine

Alpe d'Huez

L’Empreinte Restaurant Alpe d'Huez

Seasonal Cuisine, Modern Cuisine, Fine Cuisine.

Alpe d'Huez

Le Génépi

Restaurant bistronomique

ACCOMMODATIONS

Alpe d'Huez

Le Cristal de L'Alpe - CGH Résidences & Spas -

fully furnished apartments

ACTIVITIES

Alpe d'Huez

Hiking

Discover multiple hikes from l'Alpe d'Huez station

Alpe d'Huez

21 switchbacks of Alpe d'Huez

road cycling

Alpe d'huez

MTB

Take advantage of the numerous mountain bike trails accessible through the summer ski lifts

L’article La Plage des Neiges – Alpe d’Huez est apparu en premier sur Destinations Gravel.

Plateau d’Emparis : 73km +2880m

Kim Gintrand — Fri, 28 Jul 2023 07:41:38 +0000

Start/Finish

Alpes d'Huez

Distance

73km

Elevation gain

+2880m

Time

5h30

Best seasons

spring & summer

Difficulty

3/5*

Physical & technical

Starting from Alpe d’Huez, embark on a unique adventure following this gravel route that will unveil the mountain from a new perspective. It’s almost like hiking, but with your gravel bike, you can explore much more in one day!

To reach the first gravel section, you will have to take the descent from Alpe d’Huez. A few turns below, you’ll turn onto the first trails. With not much elevation gain and already immersed in the heart of the mountains, you’ll follow a road parallel to the famous Col de Sarenne. However, be prepared to climb the last 200 meters of positive elevation on the road. Then, you’ll begin the second part of the route on the road to reach the start of the ascent to Plateau d’Emparis from Mizoën. These roads are relatively quiet, but stay vigilant nonetheless.

Regarding water points, you will find them in every small village you pass through. However, right at the beginning of the gravel climb, there’s a fountain available. I recommend filling your water bottles at this location as there won’t be any other water points until the end of the ascent. Be prepared for this breathtaking adventure in the heart of the mountains.

The gravel ascent covers approximately 15 kilometers, with some sections reaching gradients of up to 19%. However, I didn’t have to dismount at any point and managed to conquer the entire climb on my bike. If you are sensitive to vertigo, I recommend staying attentive and favoring the left side of the trail, as some passages can be impressive.

The ascent is made on beautiful switchbacks that reveal their full splendor once climbed. Take the time to take a few breaks and appreciate the magnificent views that surround you.

Once you have reached the famous Plateau d’Emparis, you will start the descent towards Besse. Be cautious during the descent as there are many small rocks and the slope is quite steep. Also, watch out for the ditches along the path, as they are present throughout the descent.

After reaching Besse, you will start the last part of the route, and it is no easy task. The climb of Col de Sarenne awaits you! It is definitely not a piece of cake at the end of the ride! However, it is one of the most beautiful mountain climb I have had the opportunity to ride, despite its difficulty. The slopes are steep at times, and it is also exposed to the sun. Choose riding time wisely to avoid the hottest hours of the day!

This route is one of my favorites of the year. The views are breathtaking, the elevation gain is significant but easily manageable, and you are completely disconnected from the world, experiencing a one-day adventure. I highly recommend it +++

Download GPX

Nearby the itinerary

Best Addresses

(*tested)

RESTAURANTS

Alpe d'Huez

La Plage des Neiges

local and fresh products. amazing desserts.

Alpe d'Huez

Bistro Les 2 Mules

Bistro

Alpe d'Huez

Pinnochio*

Pizza

Alpe d'Huez

Au Grenier*

french homemade cuisine

Alpe d'Huez

L’Empreinte Restaurant Alpe d'Huez

Seasonal Cuisine, Modern Cuisine, Fine Cuisine.

Alpe d'Huez

Le Génépi

Restaurant bistronomique

ACCOMMODATIONS

Alpe d'Huez

Le Cristal de L'Alpe - CGH Résidences & Spas -

fully furnished apartments

ACTIVITIES

Alpe d'Huez

Hiking

Discover multiple hikes from l'Alpe d'Huez station

Alpe d'Huez

21 switchbacks of Alpe d'Huez

road cycling

Alpe d'huez

MTB

Take advantage of the numerous mountain bike trails accessible through the summer ski lifts

L’article Plateau d’Emparis : 73km +2880m est apparu en premier sur Destinations Gravel.