Alpine Bike
Overview
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Distance 39 km
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Ascent 1700 m
Intro
Steep ascent to the summit of the Col des Mosses, on picture-book meadow trails and mountain paths high above the valley to Leysin, always face to face with the Valais Alps. The lovely long descent to Aigle is a highlight for bikers certain of their ability.
Description
The start of this physically demanding stage is Château d’Oex, the main settlement in the Vaud holiday region of Pays d’Enhaut and Swiss capital of hot air ballooning. After leaving the village, you cross the Sarine river at the Pont de Pierre bridge and, shortly after this, the La Torneresse river at Les Moulins. The first ascent begins here: around 700 metres in elevation over the next seven kilometres, first on a pleasant gravel road in the forest, and then on a surfaced road past farms and expansive meadows. The view of the surrounding mountains is magnificent.
From the highest point so far, at 1,615 metres, you descend to the Col de Sonlomont and continue down to the beautiful Lac de l’Hongrin. A bench beside the reservoir invites you to take a break at this idyllic spot. The reflections of the surrounding mountains in the water are beautiful. The reservoir comprises two arch dams and has a capacity of 52 million cubic metres of water. Now comes another ascent: 100 metres in elevation on a surfaced road and a further 100 metres on an unsurfaced path. When you reach Les Mosses, you’ve covered around two-thirds of the route. The name is derived from “la mosse”, which roughly translates as “marshy area”. The location of the village at the Col des Mosses, amidst the Vaud Alps and not far from the larger tourist regions, made it a key transit point early on.
From the path, you climb further, then descend slightly to above La Comballaz. You then continue with a pleasant section on a gravel path to Le Cerf before preparing for the fast-paced descent on surfaced road. Once you reach your destination in Leysin, you can cool off at one of the many restaurants and bars.
An enjoyable tour includes the careful planning of the same. Please inform yourself in advance at the local information center about the route and weather conditions. Depending on the season and weather conditions, this route may be blocked or interrupted
| Start location |
Château-d'Oex
|
|---|---|
| Destination |
Leysin
|
| Direction |
One way
|
| Ascent |
1700 m
|
| Descent |
1400 m
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| Distance |
39 km
|
| Distance on tarred ways |
25 km
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| Distance on natural surface |
10 km
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| Singletrail (part of natural surface) |
4 km
|
| Technical requirements |
Difficult
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| Physical requirements |
Difficult
|
| Theme |
With panoramic view, Over a pass, Through a nature conservation area
|
Quick Facts
Route number
