Cross-country : Lac du Mont Cenis

Mont Cenis Pass can be reached by car or by the ski lifts via an easy 3 km ascent from Val Cenis. Find out beforehand about lift opening dates and times.
This high-mountain itinerary explores wide open spaces and keeps you at an elevation of around 2000 metres throughout. You'll start with a warm-up on the Petit Mont Cenis road which then dwindles to a track to take you around the lakeside wilderness. You'll pass below the forts of Pattacreuse and Malamot (look up, the latter stands at an elevation of 2917 metres). After passing Variselle fort, you'll return to "civilisation" via the damn, crossing the road before climbing the "Sentier des 2000" path up to the fort of Ronce. A short descent across Alpine pastures then leads you to a narrow, singletrack balcony of exquisite beauty! But remember to watch your balance as there are a few giddying sections. Once you reach the hamlet of La Buffaz it's a gentle ride down to Mont Cenis Pass. In the Haute Maurienne Vanoise MTB area, this trail is a must-do!