Tour des Combins

Tour des Combins is one of the most scenic trans-Alps routes and also the least known according to bikepacking.com. Day 1: The route starts at the Grand San Bernard Pass (2473m) to cross the Grand San Bernard Valley on the Italian side. There's is a short climb in which you have to walk at beginning but then the route continues on singletracks and double track roads that go through enchanted forests and beautiful valleys with impressive views of the 4000m alpine peaks of the Alps.Before the big hike-a-bike of the day to the Fenêtre de Durand (2797m) there is a narrow passage between the rocks and an easy stretch of via ferrata. The climb to the highest point of the route is incredible and we found quite a lot of snow to make it even more beautiful. When you get to the top you are rewarded by the views of the glacier d'Otemma and a technical and amazing descent to the turquoise lake of Mauvoisin. At the lake, you follow a gravel road and cross some tunnels until you arrive to Mauvoisin. Day 2:The day started with gravel roads and steep muddy singletracks that made us push our bikes a bit more than expected. The climb to the higest point of the day, Col de Mille (2472m) is another hike-a-bike stretch that is also rewarded by an amazing descent with the eastern side of the Montblanc Massive on sight. The TdC continues to reach the dam at Lac des Toules and from here a singletrack would lead us to the road to climb again back to the Grand San Bernard Pass. This last climb is on tarmac but it is definitely amazing. NOTE: it is an alpine route, the weather can easily change, so bring winter clothes. There might be snow even if you do it between June and September, which are the best months to do so.