Drop off point at the Col de Croix Fry (1460m) in the Manigod ski area at edge of La Clusaz.

Set off from Le Grand Cret ski lift station and take a left into the pine forests climbing gradually to 1500m. This beginning of the ride is a small uphill then takes you onto the fairly level winter cross-country route until you reach the Col de Medassier. Just before you reach this ski area it is a bit boggy, so try and stay upright. The Col de Medassier is a good point for a stop at one of the restaurants or bars for a bit of refreshment or lunch as it is about 1/3way round the course and an excellent place to enjoy the views of Charvin (2409m) and Val Sullen.The Vielle Ferme at the far end of the resort is recommended and is open more often than many of the others.

At La Vielle Ferme, the route takes a right above the Escalade, into what used to be a forest until strong winds devastated this side of the mountain in 1988. Following the rough road you descend slightly to a crossing point in front of an water butt and old chalet. Don’t head downwards at this point, or you may find yourself on a longer route back with a tougher uphill climb than the one you are about to do. Follow the tour de L'Andran signs upwards along the edge of the Manigod Valley past the chalet. The top is a good place to stop and admire the stunning view.

Just a bit further you start the fun apart of the ride when descend into forests and a windy laid path with handrails. Don't look down and lose your nerve! The track changes again when you reach the Auberge de Montagne 'Vé La Maire à Noré (1408m), which is open in the peak season, and offers all sorts of regional dishes. Carry on upwards over the pasture into the Bois de Rossettes then across a couple of streams and some very slippery shail. You might have to pick your way down this bit! Then it's down again through the trees passing a lovely but remote chalet on your right, followed by another uphill climb of about 25m. You then reach a lovely boggy stretch of the ride with wooden walkways, a chance to get muddy, and a good place to get some classic video clips as everyone falls off into the mud! At the end of this you reach the Manigod road which you need to cross the corner of, then continue uphill over some pasture back to the main Manigod Ski area. Only a bit more uphill to go and you are back at the Croix Fry car parks, and back to the start point.

To make this a longer more challenging ride you can cycle up from the chalet and combine it with the Beauregard track, making a figure of eight, then descending back down to the chalet at the end. This would make the ride 3/4hrs, ascending 400/500m.