The best MTB trails around Lac de Roselend
4.5
(186)
1,673
riders
90
rides
Mountain bike trails around Lac de Roselend navigate a landscape shaped by high alpine peaks, deep valleys, and the prominent Barrage de Roselend. The region features a mix of challenging mountain ascents, technical descents, and paths through alpine meadows and forests. Terrain varies from gravel tracks to singletrack, offering diverse conditions for mountain biking.
Best mountain bike trails around Lac de Roselend
- The most popular mountain bike trail is Tour of Roselend, a 17.7 miles (28.4 km) trail that…
Last updated: June 24, 2026
4.8
(12)
57
riders
28.4km
03:06
980m
980m
Tackle the difficult Tour of Roselend mountain biking route, a 17.7-mile loop with 3200 feet of gain around Lac de Roselend.
5.0
(1)
10
riders
21.4km
02:26
870m
870m
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
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4.8
(5)
12
riders
12.1km
01:15
390m
390m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
riders
22.8km
02:36
890m
890m
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
3.0
(1)
3
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
My video about the tour of Lake Roselend https://youtu.be/G0Ss9v6wxQQ
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My tour of Lake Roselend https://youtu.be/G0Ss9v6wxQQ
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This lake is located at an altitude of 2,248 meters, at the foot of Pierra Menta, a remarkable peak in the Beaufortain massif. https://youtu.be/G0Ss9v6wxQQ
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The Roselend Dam is located in the commune of Beaufort-sur-Doron, in the Beaufortain region of Savoie, between the Col du Pré and the Cormet de Roselend, near the Arêches-Beaufort ski resort. The surrounding mountains reach an altitude of around 2,800 meters. It is part of the Roselend La Bâthie hydroelectric complex, which includes the Roselend Dam and two satellite dams: La Gittaz and Saint-Guérin. This complex is managed by EDF's Alpes Production Unit. The Roselend La Bâthie hydroelectric complex produces the equivalent of the domestic energy consumption of 450,000 residents, thus avoiding the emission of 890,000 tons of CO2 per year. The Roselend Dam is a double-curved arch dam with buttresses. Height = 150 meters Crest length = 804 meters Water reservoir [of the hydroelectric complex] = 187 million m3 The Roselend - La Bâthie development is supplied by the Roselend dam itself, as well as by two satellite dams, La Gittaz and Saint-Guérin. The total storage capacity of these three reservoirs, connected by a system of galleries, is 213 million m3. The water collected at Roselend crosses the massif through a 12.5 km long gallery to flow at an altitude of 1,400 m into the Isère Valley, in the Tarentaise region. It is then transported to the underground plant at La Bâthie via a 2,500 m long penstock, with a drop of 1,200 m. The power plant is equipped with six Pelton-type generating units with a total capacity of 550 MW. Since 2013, EDF has been replacing the main components of each generating unit (turbine, generator, transformer, and energy evacuation cables) to achieve a total capacity of 600 MW by the end of 2018. https://youtu.be/G0Ss9v6wxQQ
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Originally, there was a Romanesque chapel in the hamlet of Roselend. It was dedicated to Saint Mary Magdalene. A 13th-century document mentions a chapel that could be this one. More precise sources indicate that the bell was cast in 1608 or that donations were made in 1710, 1757, and 1760. In 1794, it hosted four émigré priests from the valley for their first mass after their return from exile, including the future Archbishop of Chambéry, Antoine Martinet. Submerged when the dam was filled on May 6, 1960, a chapel was rebuilt two years later near the road overlooking the lake, in a more modern style.
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Intersection point Roselend Chapel Altitude 1609m
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Intersection point Col de sur Frêtes Altitude 1793m
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Intersection point Col de sur Frêtes Altitude 1792m
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of mountain bike trails can I find around Lac de Roselend?
The Lac de Roselend area offers a diverse range of mountain bike trails, from challenging mountain ascents and technical descents to paths through alpine meadows and forests. You'll encounter varied terrain, including gravel tracks and singletrack, suitable for different skill levels.
Are there easy or family-friendly mountain bike trails in Lac de Roselend?
Yes, while many routes are challenging, there are options for easier rides. The guide features 3 easy trails and 19 moderate trails, which can be suitable for families or beginners looking for a less strenuous experience. These often traverse alpine meadows with gentler gradients.
What is the best time of year for mountain biking around Lac de Roselend?
The best time for mountain biking around Lac de Roselend is typically from late spring to early autumn (June to September). During these months, the snow has usually melted from higher elevations, and the weather is generally more stable and pleasant for outdoor activities. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.
Are there circular mountain bike routes available?
Yes, many of the mountain bike routes around Lac de Roselend are designed as loops. For example, the Roselend Chapel – Sur Frêtes Pass loop from Barrage de Roselend is a moderate 7.5-mile (12.1 km) circular trail offering views of the dam and alpine meadows.
What kind of views can I expect on the mountain bike trails?
The trails offer extensive and breathtaking views of Lac de Roselend, the prominent Barrage de Roselend, and the surrounding high alpine peaks and deep valleys. Routes like the Tour of Roselend are particularly known for their panoramic vistas.
What are some notable landmarks or attractions I can see while mountain biking?
Several routes pass by significant landmarks. You can see the impressive Roselend Dam and the charming Roselend Chapel. Some trails also offer views of mountain passes like the Ascent of the Cormet de Roselend from Beaufort.
How many mountain bike trails are there in total around Lac de Roselend?
There are over 80 mountain bike trails documented around Lac de Roselend, offering a wide variety of experiences for different skill levels and preferences.
Are there any advanced or challenging mountain bike trails?
Absolutely. The region is known for its challenging terrain, with 65 of the trails rated as difficult. Routes like the Col de la Sauce – The Curé Trail loop from Roc du Biolley feature varied terrain with significant elevation changes, ideal for experienced riders.
What do other mountain bikers say about the trails in Lac de Roselend?
The mountain bike trails around Lac de Roselend are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 190 reviews. Riders often praise the stunning alpine scenery, the challenging nature of the routes, and the extensive views of the lake and mountains.
Are there mountain bike trails that offer a good mix of scenery and challenge?
Many trails combine scenic beauty with a good workout. The Roselend Dam – Roselend Dam loop from Hauteluce is a difficult 14-mile (22.5 km) route that provides both demanding riding and spectacular views of the dam and surrounding landscapes.
Can I find trails that are less crowded or considered 'hidden gems'?
While popular routes like the Tour of Roselend attract many, exploring some of the less-trafficked moderate or difficult trails can offer a more secluded experience. The Chapel of Lake Roselend – Les Côtêtes Intersection loop from Barrage de Roselend, for instance, offers a substantial ride through varied terrain away from the most frequented paths.
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