The Combes track

This a varied route through pasture and woodland, descending gradually into the Eau d’Olle Valley. It switches between short descents and uphill sections, without any major technical difficulties, although a good level of fitness is required.

Route in the “MTB in Oisans” guide (Oisans Tourisme)

Departure: Alpe d'Huez ("Rond point des pistes" roundabout), 1 850 m
Arrival: Le Bourg-d'Oisans, 720 m
Time: 3 1/2 hours
Distance: 33 km
Highest point: 1 850 m
Lowest point: 712 m
Total ascent: 583 m
Total descent: -1 718 m
Technique: 2/4
Endurance: 3/4

Map: Top 25 Bourg d'Oisans et l'Alpe d'Huez 3335 ET

ROUTE
> The route follows the FFC signposting [XC 6] as far as Oz.
> Ride up to the very top of the resort, to the «Rond point des pistes» roundabout and on to the «Chemin panoramique » (on the left of the «Le Signal» chairlift), which goes round the Grande Sûre.
> Follow this panoramic and the Combe du Bras path. The first part is on earth switchbacks, whereas, lower down, the path becomes stonier and more technical.
> When you arrive at the Huez - Villard-Reculas road, turn right for 3km to Villard-Reculas.
> Just before entering Villard-Reculas, follow the [XC 6] until Pré Reynaud.
> At Pré Reynaud, turn left to Le Bessay. After crossing the ‘Pont du Gay’ bridge, go through Le Faubourg, with its old mountain barns.
> From Le Bessay, ride up the road for about 500m to the hairpin bend and take the ‘Chemin de la Rompure’ towards Enversin-d’Oz.
> In L’Enversin, turn down to the left, riding below the village. Around the last houses, don’t miss the small path down to the left, signposted Pourchery.
> In Pourchery, after the chalet called «Maitreya», turn left towards the Lac du Verney, following the FFC signs (XC 7). The path cuts across the road on several occasions. Cross the hamlet of Le Verney, then the Eau d’Olle river via the Himalayan footbridge and ride along the side of the lake back to Allemond.
> It’s now a 10 km flat ride back to Bourg-d’Oisans. One option is to follow the dyke, via Le Raffour.

Or to go back to Alpe d'Huez in the summer, cross over the dam to Allemond to take the cable car up to Oz and then to Alpe d'Huez. Remember that you need a ticket to take the cable car.