The Vaujany surge shafts

This is a short route that takes you up above Vaujany. It’s a steep climb up on the road, but you will be rewarded by a lovely descent featuring a fine series of slide switchbacks. A really fun, forest route!

Route in the “MTB in Oisans” guide (Oisans Tourisme)

Departure / Arrival (loop): Vaujany 1250 m
Length: 1 1/2 hours
Distance : 8 km
Highest point: 1700 m
Lowest point: 1220 m
Total height gain: +496 m
Total height loss: -496 m
Technique: 3/4
Endurance : 3/4

Map: Top 25 Bourg d'Oisans et l'Alpe d'Huez 3335 ET

ROUTE
> From Vaujany, go down the main road, past the church on your left and take the small road (signposted «table d’orientation») that leads steeply off to your right.
> That’s right – you’ve a 5-kilometre, one-hour climb ahead, sometimes reaching a 14% gradient!
> Take a breather at the viewpoint table, from which you can admire the Belledonne, the Eau d’Olle Valley and Les Grandes Rousses.
> When you get to the surge shafts, take the small path down to their right. This brings you back on to the tarmac road and then onto another path a little further down. There are some steep, quite technical sections ahead – a mountain-biker’s delight!
> Near la Combe Méare, you reach a junction, where you take the left-hand path which will bring you gently down to the centre of Vaujany, next to the bar/restaurant des Cimes.