Riding Like a God in France – eMTB adventure to the Col du Vallon

We follow a stretch of the legendary GR5 long-distance trail, then veer off toward the Col du Vallon. Our goal: a 2,650-meter saddle on the French-Italian border. The ride ahead will take everything we’ve got – and give back even more.

Out of the saddle, up to the saddle

Two hundred vertical meters left. No big deal – on paper. But where the map shows a trail, we face nothing but chaos: a sea of loose rock. A landslide has erased the path. The only way forward? Shouldering our bikes. Up to this point, the ride had been pure uphill bliss. Smooth singletrack winding skyward with just the right gradient – eMTB flow at its finest. But now the trail gods demand a little sacrifice. We climb in silence. Behind us, thunder rumbles. Ahead, sunlight breaks through beneath dark clouds, igniting the ridge we’re headed for.

Below lies the Vallée Étroite, the upper part of Italy’s Valle Stretta. Beyond the ridge – France, and the Vallée de la Clarée. The Col du Vallon sits right on the border, surrounded by a vast field of stone. Behind us: soft meadows and alpine serenity. Ahead: rugged rock and the pull of the unknown. Somewhere below, hikers on the GR5 wake up at the Refugio I Re Magi – where our own morning began.

Morning calm at the Refugio

Three hours earlier, we were sipping coffee on the wooden deck of the Rifugio. The air was cool, the first sun spilling gold across the peaks. Around us, hikers prepared for another long day. There’s a stillness in those moments – a mix of anticipation and reverence – that fills you with strength. Even on an eMTB, you feel it. That quiet energy seeps into your muscles, your rhythm, your breath. You’re part of the mountains now, not just passing through.

Time to grit your teeth

Back to the present. The landslide looms, and we’re digging deep. Filmer Tim records every grimace as we heave the bikes upward. Tina leads the way – her lightweight eMTB giving her the edge.

When we finally crest the saddle, the world explodes in motion. Gale-force winds hit us like a wall, almost knocking us off our feet. It’s as if the mountain itself says: This is far enough. But that same wind holds back the thunderstorm chasing us from behind. And as the clouds part, the Vallée de la Clarée glows below – bright green and sun-drenched, a scene so vivid it feels unreal.

The Supertrail

The struggle was worth every drop of sweat. From the Col du Vallon, the view stretches for miles – and so does the trail. A ribbon of singletrack leads down the ridge, diving into alpine meadows before rolling out across a high plateau. For a while, it’s all flow: gentle waves, smooth turns, pure joy.

I briefly wish for my Kyano HC enduro bike with its plush suspension. But for this trip I chose the Tanay HC – the perfect all-mountain machine. Efficient, comfortable, and a beast on the climbs thanks to its steep seat angle. And now, as I let it run, it proves itself on the downs too. Despite its “modest” 140 mm of travel, it floats over the trail like a magic carpet. My grin grows wider with every turn.

Then the mountain reminds us where we are. The trail steepens, the rocks get bigger, the line tighter. Focus. Flow. Commitment.

Seven kilometers later, nearly a thousand meters lower, the trail spits us out above the village of Névache. Legs shaking, hearts pounding, faces aching from smiling.

The reward after the reward

The descent alone was worth the trip – but the day’s not done. The evening sun paints the Vallée de la Clarée gold. We roll into Névache, find a small pizzeria, and sink into our chairs. Pizza, beer, laughter. The perfect ending to a perfect ride.

Final thoughts

This is exactly what e-mountainbiking means to me: flowing climbs, a mental battle for the last few meters, the feeling of having earned the descent, and a trail that sends you straight into the zone.

For ambitious eMTB riders, this route – from Bardonecchia across to the Vallée de la Clarée – is a true highlight. The supply situation, the views, the trails: everything fits. Just remember: respect the terrain, prepare well, and choose the right bike.

So – when you head to the Western Alps, don’t just stay in the bike park. Ride into the mountains. And take your time. For the summit, for the moment, for the smile over pizza down in the valley.

eMTB Tour Info: Col du Vallon

Region: Western Alps, border area IT/FRA – Piedmont & Hautes-Alpes

Starting Point: Bardonecchia (approx. 1,300 m a.s.l.)

Pass Target: Col du Vallon (2,650 m a.s.l.)

Return: Through the Vallée de la Clarée back to Bardonecchia

‍Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,674 m

Distance: 27.3 km

Difficulty: Average S3

Bikes Used: CILO Tanay HC with 700 Wh battery

Tip: Start early! High thunderstorm risk in summer; strong winds at the saddle can chill you quickly – bring a windproof jacket.