La Toussuire

La Toussuire is a high-altitude ski resort situated within the Les Sybelles ski area in the Maurienne valley of the French Alps. Part of the commune of Saint-Sorlin-d'Arves, it lies in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of southeastern France. The resort is a significant hub for winter sports and has gained international recognition as a demanding stage finish in professional road cycling events like the Tour de France.

Geography and location

La Toussuire is located in the Arvan-Villards valley, a tributary of the larger Maurienne valley, within the Belledonne mountain range. The resort faces south, offering extensive sun exposure, and is integrated into the vast Les Sybelles ski domain, one of the largest interconnected ski areas in France. It sits at an altitude of approximately 1,710 meters, with its highest skiable point reaching 2,620 meters at the summit of Le Corbier. The terrain is characterized by alpine pastures and forests of spruce and larch, with dramatic views of nearby peaks such as the Aiguilles d'Arves and the Grande Casse.

History

The development of La Toussuire is intrinsically linked to the growth of winter tourism in the French Alps during the mid-20th century. Originally a small pastoral hamlet, its transformation began in the 1960s with the construction of its first ski lifts, facilitated by the French government's Plan Neige aimed at developing mountain resorts. It was later connected to neighboring villages like Le Corbier and Saint-Jean-d'Arves to form the Les Sybelles area in the 1990s. Historically, the Maurienne valley has been a strategic transport corridor, witnessed by the presence of fortifications like the Fort du Télégraphe and its role in events such as the Italian Campaign (World War II).

Ski resort and facilities

As a core component of Les Sybelles, La Toussuire provides access to over 310 kilometers of groomed pistes served by a modern network of ski lifts, including gondolas and chairlifts. The resort features a variety of terrain suitable for all levels, from gentle beginner slopes to challenging black runs and extensive off-piste opportunities. Facilities include ski schools affiliated with the École du Ski Français, equipment rental shops, and a large snowpark. Summer activities transition to mountain biking, with trails part of the Enduro World Series, and hiking along paths like the GR 5.

In professional cycling

La Toussuire has become a notorious climb in professional road cycling, frequently used as a summit finish in the Tour de France. The ascent from Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne is approximately 18.4 kilometers long with an average gradient of 6.1%, presenting a significant challenge in the high mountains. Its inclusion has often been decisive for the general classification, testing contenders in the third week of the race. The climb has been featured in other major events like the Critérium du Dauphiné and the Tour de l'Avenir, cementing its reputation among the sport's most demanding ascents.

Notable events

The resort's most prominent events are its appearances in the Tour de France. It first hosted a stage finish in the 2006 Tour de France, where Floyd Landis famously attacked on the climb to Morzine after losing time earlier in the stage. In the 2012 Tour de France, Bradley Wiggins defended the maillot jaune here, while Chris Froome won the stage. Other significant moments include stage finishes in the 2015 Tour de France and the 2022 Tour de France. Beyond cycling, La Toussuire has hosted rounds of the French Alpine Ski Cup and various FIS competitions.

Category:Ski areas and resorts in Savoie Category:Tour de France stage towns Category:Communes of Savoie