Bikepacking de Val-d'Isère à Modane

From the high-alpine buzz of Val d’Isère, you’ll roll straight into big-mountain territory—think long climbs, thin air, and glacier views. The route likely heads over the legendary Col de l’Iseran (Europe’s highest paved pass at 2,770 m) before dropping into the wild, beautiful Haute-Maurienne past Bonneval‑sur‑Arc and along the Arc River toward Modane.

It’s a hefty adventure: roughly 154 km with over 7,500 m of climbing and a high point near 3,000 m. Expect a mix of quiet roads, tracks, and some gravel/loose sections—great for a sturdy gravel or MTB setup. Weather can swing fast at altitude, so pack layers and plan for snow patches early or late season. You’ll find regular resupplies in valley villages like Bessans, Val Cenis, and Termignon.

Start fact: Val d’Isère is a famed ski town and gateway to the Iseran, a Tour de France icon. Finish fact: Modane sits at the entrance to the Fréjus tunnels and the Vanoise National Park, with old forts watching over town—a classic end to a big alpine ride.