Tour of Sous Dîne

The Tour de Sous Dîne is a challenging mountain bike trail. You'll encounter varied terrain, including climbs on tracks through alpine pastures, technical singletrack sections in forests and along balconies, and wide hairpin turns. Expect steep and stony ascents, with some sections requiring you to push or carry your bike (portage), particularly under the Col du Freu and in areas prone to winter scree. The singletrack descent from Sur-Cou is particularly technical, rated T4 in places, and some parts of the trail are quite rough.

The trail offers stunning and constantly changing panoramic views. You can expect expansive vistas of the northern Alps, including Mont Blanc, Lake Geneva, the Aravis mountains, the Glières plateau, and the Arve valley. The route also traverses a unique karren plateau, providing a magnificent mineral landscape. Don't miss the views from Col du Freu and Enclave Pass.

While specific parking areas aren't detailed, common access points for the Sous Dîne area often have designated parking. It's advisable to check local maps or resources for parking near villages like Thorens-Glières or Les Cheneviers, which are frequently mentioned in connection with this trail.

The Tour de Sous Dîne is located within the Réserve Biologique Dirigée de la Montagne des Frêtes. While dogs are generally permitted in many parts of the Haute-Savoie, specific regulations for this reserve may apply, especially regarding leashes to protect local wildlife like chamois and ibex. Always keep your dog under strict control and check local signage for any specific restrictions.

The best time to mountain bike this trail is typically from late spring (late May/early June) through early autumn (September/early October). During these months, the snow has usually melted, and the weather is more stable. Always check current weather conditions and trail status before you go, as high-altitude sections can retain snow longer or be affected by early frosts.

Generally, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required for mountain biking within the Réserve Biologique Dirigée de la Montagne des Frêtes. However, as a protected area, it's crucial to respect all environmental regulations, stay on marked trails, and practice Leave No Trace principles to preserve the natural habitat.

The dramatic alpine landscape of Sous Dîne is home to various wildlife. You may be fortunate enough to spot chamois and ibex, especially in the higher, rockier sections. Keep an eye out for birds of prey soaring above the cliffs as well.

Yes, the route partially follows or intersects with several other paths. You'll find sections that align with the

Sentier du Dernier Assault

Tinnaz - Chalets de Tinnaz

Tinnaz - Col de Spée

Chemin rural des Mouilles à la Combe

Impasse de Cou

Chemin des Terreaux

While the trail itself is remote, nearby villages such as Thorens-Glières offer various facilities including cafes, restaurants, and accommodation options. It's recommended to plan your stops before or after your ride, as on-trail facilities are limited.

No, the Tour de Sous Dîne is rated as 'difficult' and is not suitable for families or beginners. It features significant technical sections, steep ascents, and descents that require advanced mountain biking skills and good physical fitness. Some parts even necessitate carrying your bike.

Given its distance of approximately 25 km and significant elevation gain, the Tour de Sous Dîne typically takes around 3 to 4 hours to complete for experienced mountain bikers. This duration can vary based on your fitness level, the number of stops for photos, and how much portage is required.