Tour of Aiguille Grive

The Tour of Aiguille Grive is a loop route that typically starts and ends in the Nancroix area. While specific trailhead parking isn't detailed, Nancroix serves as a common access point for this challenging ride. You'll want to plan your start from a location with suitable parking in or around Peisey-Nancroix.

This route is generally rated as difficult for mountain biking. It involves significant elevation changes, with approximately 1490 meters of ascent and 1498 meters of descent over nearly 27 kilometers. The ride starts with a challenging climb, and the final downhill section into Nancroix can be quite steep and technical, requiring good bike handling skills.

You'll encounter a diverse mix of terrain. The trail features lovely tracks through woodlands and highland pastures, especially on the ascent towards the Col de la Chal. From the pass, it leads into the Les Arcs Bike Park with enjoyable single-track descents. Other sections include gentle woodland paths, carriage roads, and the wonderful "Route des Espanols" on the way to Peisey. The final descent into Nancroix is steeper and more technical.

The route boasts exceptional scenery. You'll get sweeping viewpoints over the Beaufortain and Mont-Blanc mountain ranges. The trail passes through alpine landscapes with beautiful views over the Arc Valley. Keep an eye out for thematic panels providing information on local fauna and flora. Notable sections include riding through the Les Arcs resorts and passing by chapels and ruins, offering insight into the region's religious past. You'll also ride through sections of the Les Arcs // Woodstock DH Blue and Dré dans l'Pentu.

Yes, a significant part of the experience involves riding through sections of the Les Arcs Bike Park, particularly on descents from the Col de la Chal towards Arc 2000. While the trail itself is a loop, accessing and riding within the bike park might have specific regulations or require a lift pass depending on the exact sections you traverse and if you utilize lifts. It's advisable to check the official Les Arcs Bike Park website for current rules, operating hours, and any required passes before your ride.

While dogs are generally allowed on many trails in the region, you should be aware that this route traverses highland pastures where livestock herds and guard dogs (patous) may be present. If you encounter guard dogs, it's crucial to slow down, go around the herd, and if necessary, dismount and walk your bike, avoiding sudden gestures. Always keep your dog on a leash and under control, especially in pastoral areas, to ensure the safety of both your pet and the livestock.

The best time to ride this trail is typically during the summer months, from late June to early September, when the snow has melted from the higher elevations and the bike park is fully operational. Always check local weather conditions and trail status before heading out, as alpine weather can change rapidly.

For the Tour of Aiguille Grive itself, there are generally no specific permits required for riding the natural sections of the trail. However, as the route integrates with sections of the Les Arcs Bike Park, if you plan to use any of the bike park's lifts or designated downhill tracks, you may need to purchase a lift pass or bike park access ticket. It's best to verify this with the Les Arcs resort directly.

The trail passes through alpine landscapes and pastures, so you might encounter local wildlife and livestock. Be particularly mindful of livestock herds and their guard dogs (patous) in pastoral areas. If you see them, slow down, give them a wide berth, and if a guard dog approaches, dismount and walk your bike calmly past the herd. Avoid sudden movements or loud noises. Thematic panels along some sections also provide information about local fauna and flora.

Yes, the Tour of Aiguille Grive is highly recommended for e-bikers. Given its significant climbs and overall difficulty, an e-mountain bike can greatly enhance the experience by assisting with the challenging ascents, making the demanding ride more accessible and enjoyable for a wider range of riders.

The Tour of Aiguille Grive is a loop route, offering a continuous journey through varied landscapes without retracing your steps. This allows for a comprehensive experience of the Tarentaise Vanoise valleys and the Les Arcs Bike Park sections.