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 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.