The Trail

A fantastic, varied descent from the top of Pila bike park to Cogne, set before the epic Grivola and the Gran Paradiso national park. A spectacular undulating ridge, fast singletrack, tasty switchbacks, and a splash of tech. Delicious. The only caveat is a 20km road liaison back to the Aosta telecabine, but it’s almost all downhill, and it’s still absolutely worth it. There may be options to reduce it, see ‘variations’ below.

It can be combined with Pointe de la Pierre to provide a lift served back country double header. Allow a full day if doing both routes.

The Ascent

Aosta-Pila telecabine, Chamolé chairlift, Couis 1 chairlift, and you’re at the top of the trail. As easy as that. There are, however, around 300m of climbing coming in three short sections spread through the descent. The first is along the undulating ridge, a little exposed in places, but you’ll be too busy checking out the views to notice it. There is then a very short traversing pedal around half way down, and then a 10-15 minute pedal before the final descent into Epinel.

NB: The Couis 1 chairlift traditionally has a shorter season that the rest of the lifts so check dates. If it is closed, you can still get to the same start point via a 550m 4×4 track climb directly under the lift.

The Descent

The first 2km from the lift follows the ridge line with a few short sharp push/carry sections, and few short descents. The views are mega, there’s a decent amount of exposure in places, and overall it’s just an insane place to be on a bike. The proper descending starts from the Col Tsa Setze, and after a fast section, you’re straight into the only real technical section. Steep switchbacks with awkward rocks in exactly the wrong places. It’s rideable, but it’s tricky. If you choose to walk it, it’s probably the only section you’ll walk, and it’s not long. After that, it’s mainly classic flowing high alpine singletrack down to Arpisson. There can be dogs around Arpisson, take it easy and you’ll be fine. It would be unfortunate to meet a bloody demise here, with the best riding still to come. A short pedally climb, and into the trees with top notch riding, dusty switchbacks, and flat out traversing down to Pian di Teppe. There’s a short section of 4×4 track, and then into a 10-15 minute climb, an easy pedal, which can be avoided by picking up any of the other singletracks that carry on down. But stick with the pedal, it’s worth it. The remainder of the descending it fast and fun, with some brilliant open switchbacks before popping out into Epinel.

The 20km liaison back to the Aosta telecabine is all on road, almost all downhill, and it’s actually quite scenic through the massive gorge, and then through vineyards. You should allow at least 45mins for it, and there are some possible variations below to check out.

Variations

Pondel singletrack finish – This could be an option to avoid some of the road liaison, but it has not been tested. Once you hit Epinel, follow the road down through the gorge as shown in the map. After around 10km, pick up a singletrack on the left which drops down to the village of Pondel. From Pondel, cross the river and then pick up the singletrack descending down to Seissogne. Then follow the road down to Champagnole, and then back to the lift.