La Tournette Trail from Montmin

No, the La Tournette Trail from Montmin is

highly challenging and technical, bordering on a mountaineering route in its upper sections. It requires significant skill, specialized equipment, and extensive experience. Many parts of the upper trail are unrideable, necessitating considerable bike carrying (portage) due to steep, rocky terrain, and sections equipped with chains.

The terrain is predominantly unpaved, with only about 2% being paved. You'll encounter a significant elevation gain and loss. Beyond the Chalet de l'Aulp, the trail becomes increasingly steep and rocky. The final 40 vertical meters before the summit involve climbing and are secured with chains, making it extremely technical and often unrideable for mountain bikes.

Given its difficult nature and the need for portage in many sections, this route is a full-day endeavor. While the komoot data suggests a duration of 5550 seconds (approximately 1 hour 32 minutes) for the 8.5km route, this is likely a riding time estimate and does not account for the extensive hike-a-bike sections. Expect a much longer overall duration, potentially several hours, depending on your skill and fitness.

The trail starts from the settlement of Montmin. Parking is generally available within or near the village, which serves as a common starting point for routes up La Tournette. Specific parking areas may vary, so it's advisable to check local signage upon arrival.

Despite the extreme difficulty, the trail offers breathtaking scenery. From the summit of La Tournette, you'll get wonderful, panoramic views of Lake Annecy and, on clear days, distant views of Mont Blanc. The route passes through forested areas in its lower sections before opening up to stunning alpine landscapes.

The primary landmark is the summit of Pointe des Frêtes (La Tournette), often called the "roof of Lake Annecy," known for its spectacular 360-degree views. The mountain's characteristic "armchair shape" is also a distinctive feature in the Annecy landscape. The route also passes through the village of Montmin.

The best time to attempt this trail is typically during the late spring, summer, and early autumn months (June to September) when the snow has melted and weather conditions are more stable. However, even in summer, the trail can become extremely slippery when wet due to polished rocks, so always check local weather and trail conditions before heading out.

While dogs are generally allowed on trails in the Bornes Massif, given the extreme technical difficulty of this particular route, especially the upper sections with chains and climbing, it is not recommended for dogs. If you do bring a dog, it must be well-behaved, on a leash, and capable of handling very challenging, rocky terrain.

Generally, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required for mountain biking on public trails in the Bornes Massif. However, always respect local regulations, private property, and any seasonal restrictions that might be in place for environmental protection or safety.

Yes, the route primarily follows sections of the La Tournette trail. In its lower parts, it also briefly intersects with sections of Les Hameaux de Montmin and Chemin des 7 Fontaines.

Given the extreme technical nature, you'll need more than standard mountain biking gear. Essential items include a specialized trail, enduro, or freeride mountain bike, a full-face helmet, knee and elbow pads, sturdy hiking boots (for extensive portage), gloves, plenty of water and snacks, a first-aid kit, navigation tools, and appropriate layers for alpine conditions. Consider bringing climbing gloves for the chained sections.