6 - Piégut Forest and its 21 switchbacks; return via the Mine

A moderate route offering varied views and technical challenges: a panoramic view from the summit of Les Sûres at 1,860 meters of the Oisans mountain range and the region’s remarkable peaks, as well as a fun, challenging descent to work on your footwork!

Terrain difficulty: Easy, except for the descent, which is very technical on the narrow, steep, and undulating switchback trail
Rideability: Fairly smooth, except for the switchback descent; the final section of the trail is very hilly, which disrupts the rhythm.

Beautiful views of the resort and the Écrins massif await you in a varied setting! You’ll pass through the hamlet of Les Cours, which is home to a museum and a few shops.

This route passes near alpine pastures on the Sûres at the end of the season (starting in late August), so you may encounter livestock guard dogs. Find out how to interact safely with them at the tourist office or on Pasto-kézako.fr. Hiking with your dog? Your dog must be kept on a leash throughout the hike but should be let off the leash if you encounter a guard dog so that the interaction can take place as naturally as possible. Dogs that are poorly socialized or hunting dogs are strongly discouraged.

From Place des Orgières, head toward Place des Écrins and walk up Rue de Piégut to the upper parking lot. Take the wide, gravel path on the right just before the parking lot.

At the entrance to the forest, stay on the wide path.
When you reach the end, at the yellow sign, follow “Combe du Goutail”; this will take you deeper into the forest along a narrow trail. These are the 21 turns or switchbacks of Piégut.

At the bottom of the switchbacks, turn right and follow “Plancet.”
When you reach Plancet, you’ll find a picnic table; take the wide, rocky path on the left (no directional sign).

You’ll come to a wide dirt path marked “Auris – Station.” Follow “Combe Fréry” by turning left again and continue until you return to the resort below the swimming pool.