The Col de la Loze. At 2,304m, it’s one of the most demanding climbs in the Alps — and since its appearance in the 2020 Tour de France, one of the most coveted. For Loïc, a cycling enthusiast staying at the Chalet École des Cimes in Tincave, the challenge was to complete the full loop in a single day, starting and finishing at the chalet.
Here’s his story.
The route: Tincave loop via Col de la Loze
| Detail | Stats |
|---|---|
| Start/Finish | Tincave (1,300m) |
| Distance | 63 km |
| Total elevation gain | 2,125m |
| Summit | Col de la Loze (2,304m) |
| Duration | Full day (5–7 hours riding) |
| Difficulty | Very hard |
| Recommended for | Experienced, fit cyclists |
Loïc’s account
“I’d been looking at this route for months. The Col de la Loze has a reputation — the last 5km are genuinely brutal, with gradients regularly hitting 20%. But starting from Tincave means you already begin at 1,300m, which takes some of the sting out of the approach.”
“The first section down to Bozel is deceptively easy — a warm-up, almost. Then the road starts climbing towards Courchevel. The gradient builds steadily through the forest, the air gets cooler, the views start opening up. By the time I reached Courchevel 1850, my legs were already feeling it.”
“Above 1850, the road narrows and the real climb begins. Each hairpin reveals a new panorama: the Vanoise glaciers, the Tarentaise valley below, the peaks of the Maurienne in the distance. At 2,000m, I stopped to eat and take it all in.”
“The final push to the col is where the Col de la Loze earns its reputation. The tarmac gives way to a rougher surface. The gradient is relentless. My speed dropped to 6km/h. But the summit — when it finally arrives — is extraordinary. 360° views over the entire region, total silence, the sense of having genuinely earned something.”
“The descent back to Tincave via Méribel and the forest tracks was the reward: fast, technical, joyful. I arrived back at the chalet just as the sun was setting over the Vanoise.”
The Col de la Loze in numbers
Since its inclusion in Stage 17 of the 2020 Tour de France, the Col de la Loze has become a pilgrimage for serious cyclists. Here’s what makes it special:
- Altitude: 2,304m
- Max gradient: 24% (on certain sections)
- Average gradient (final 5km): ~11%
- Tour de France: used in 2020, conquered by Miguel Ángel López
- Season: typically accessible July to early October
Practical tips for the Tincave loop
- Start early — aim for 7am to avoid afternoon heat and thunderstorms.
- Food and water — refill in Courchevel. Carry at least 2 energy gels and 2 bars for the climb.
- Gear — compact chainset (34×32 minimum) recommended. This is not a route for a standard road setup.
- Descending — check your brakes before the descent. Some sections are technical.
- Weather — check the forecast. The col can be in cloud or experiencing thunderstorms from early afternoon.
Is the Col de la Loze for everyone?
Honestly, no. This route is for experienced, fit cyclists who are comfortable on long mountain climbs. If you’re looking for something more accessible, the forest track to the Mont Jovet refuge from Tincave offers a beautiful e-bike or beginner mountain bike option.
Cycling from the Chalet École des Cimes
Tincave is one of the best bases for cycling in the Savoie Alps. At 1,300m, you start every ride already in the mountains — and the range of routes from here suits everyone from beginners (forest tracks, valley rides) to serious climbers (Col de la Loze, Col du Pré, Col de la Madeleine).