Ride between Italy and France: from La Thuile to La Rosière
Resorts: La Thuile
A border that becomes an adventure, a mountain pass rich in history, and an alpine landscape that changes at every turn: the cross-border route between La Thuile and La Rosière is a ride to remember, winding through high-altitude meadows, forests, and outstanding panoramic views.
Where skiers glide in winter, summer reveals a route made for cycling along dirt roads and trails, immersed in nature, with plenty of spots to pause and soak in the surroundings.
The itinerary requires a moderate level of fitness when tackled on a standard mountain bike, while an e-bike makes it accessible to a wider audience.
Route
Technical difficulty: moderate
Physical difficulty: moderate
Rideability: 100%
Surface: dirt road, trail, asphalt
The ride starts from the cable car parking area in La Thuile. During summer, you can take the Bosco Express and Chalet Express chairlifts (equipped for bike transport) to quickly reach high altitude, around 2,350 m, ready to pedal into a true Alpine setting.
From here, follow the descending track to meet the dirt road climbing up from Les Suches. Ride uphill for about 3 km (+260 m) to reach the Monte Belvedere pass (approx. 2,580 m), then turn left towards the top station of the Bellecombe 2 lift.
Keeping alongside the lifts and following the dirt roads, descend to around 2,200 m. Just before the Bellecombe 1 skilift, turn right and leave the main track for a section across alpine meadows leading towards the Little Saint Bernard pass.
At the Hospice, cross the paved road, keeping the wetland area on your right, and take the trail behind the building. At the fork, bear left and follow the stream downhill.
Once back on the paved road, ride downhill for about 1 km, then turn right onto a dirt track towards Lake Les Gouillons. From here, continue descending on a trail for about 1.5 km (-150 m), alongside the Torrent du Reclus.
At the dirt road, turn left and climb back up to rejoin the paved road, which you follow for about 1.25 km. Then take the dirt path on the left running parallel to the road until the Clarines lift base.
The final stretch follows the paved road to La Rosière, then climbs towards Les Chavonnes Hautes and the Golf de La Rosière area.
Length
16,7 Km
Recommended times
June - September
Difficulties
Averagely Difficult
Difference in level
+ 679 m - 921 m
See also
Note - this information is not directly connected to the Cammino Balteo path but it is part of the Aosta Valley tourist offer.