© Les Arcs Tourist Office
Col du Petit Saint Bernard
The area around Bourg St Maurice has the largest number of cols in the Tarentaise Valley
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Cycling Routes
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The cols here are all world famous, thanks to the rather well known road race, the Tour de France.
Col du Petit Saint Bernard
Also known as Little St Bernard Pass, this col is one of the more accessible routes with an average gradient of less than 5%. One of the most popular routes, it's ideal for riders looking for a steady, long climb without a brutal gradient.
A beautiful alpine climb, it links Bourg-Saint-Maurice to La Thuile in Italy via gentle gradients, sweeping bends and panoramic views.
From Val d'Isère via Bourg-Saint-Maurice
Distance: ~60 to 70km one way (120 to 140km return)
Elevation gain: ~1,350m
Average gradient: ~5% (but steeper in sections)
Key features:
- from Bourg-St-Maurice, the climb follows the D1090, beginning gently and winding through alpine pastures and forests
- the route goes through numerous small hamlets and ski resorts, including La Rosière, a great stop off spot
- after La Rosière the route has long, sweeping switchbacks and views of Mont Blanc and the Tarentaise Valley
- at the summit you'll find a large stone column, a food truck or café in summer months
