Alpine Climbs in Haute Savoie for beginners

alpineaddict

Heading to Les Contamines in a few weeks and want to tackle a couple of decent climbs and test myself a bit...

Don't be fooled by my username, that more relates to my general love for the mountains and winter sports... Apart from cycling up from the valley floor to Les Contamines, through St Gervais, Ive never really had the chance to cycle properly, in the Alps.

So, Im looking for some help and advice on a couple of decent, but not impossible, climbs for someone that cycles around 50 mile rides here in the UK and is looking to test themselves in the Alps... I was thinking the Col de Aravis and poss the Columbiere as well, from Grand Bornand...???

Anything anyone else has done in this area, Id love to hear about it... Thx in advance as always...

thegreatdivide

cc78 on here runs a chalet in La Giettaz which is half way up the Aravis (Flumet side) so can give you advice if he sees this post, but I'm just back from staying at his place and can highly recommend a ride up both sides of the Aravis and the Grand Bo side of the Colombier which is 'easier' than the other side - it's just the last km that gets tough but it's still more than doable for pretty much everyone I reckon.

If you end up feeling a bit more adventurous you also have the Col des Saisies and it's numerous ascents plus bigger boys like the Croix Fry and Cormet de Roselend nearby (I've still to do the latter). It's a stunning bit of France!

dodgy

I'm familiar with the area, though there are people on here with way more experience.

Des Aravis isn't too hard imo, Colombiere from Grand Bornand is hard, but not a monster, it's harder from Cluses side.
Also try Col de la croix fry, lovely climb through madigot (I think is the name of the village). There's plenty of climbs in that area.
Don't be intimidated too much, you'll find the majority of alpine climbs well graded, I still reckon wrynose and hardknott is harder than anything I've climbed in the alps!

Edit: it's Manigod not Madigot

djone101

I rode the Colombiere and Aravis 3 weeks ago as a warm up before the Etape du Tour. I stayed in Bornand - have skied there lots and love the area. Did Colimbiere first and Aravis next day, Aravis is definitely easier and the cafe at the top (past the summit on the left) is nicer too. I wasn't trying to break any records just to acclimatise a bit.

I drove over the Telegraphe and Galibier on Thursday and they both looked pretty intense. I did the Izoard from Briancon next day and it's way longer and tougher than the other two I'd done - enjoyable challenge though.

I enjoyed the whole week but Aravis was the nicest ride - it did help that I had perfect weather.

alpineaddict

Hi folks...

Thx for the early advice here... seems Aravis and Colombiere are the climbs of choice but I will check out there Croix Fry also... Im only going to be there for 4 days so am anticipating 2 days on the bike...

djone101, did you do both climbs heading out from Grand Bo, and just head back down from the tops...? I was considering driving to Megeve, parking up and heading to the Aravis from there, to warm the legs up beforehand... but wasn't sure if heading up to Grand Bo and then onto the Colombiere would be too much for the day, considering Id then need to do the Aravis back out again...????

It's just finding a couple of routes that are reasonable and don't involve doubling back on myself, t has having to head 'up' again... I am no Pro

thegreatdivide

Just from La Giettaz to the top of the Colombier and back is 38 miles and approx 1800m so from Megeve you can add on another 15 miles and 1000m (ish).

thegreatdivide

I think the Croix Fry is hard for someone who's never ridden properly in the Alps, especially the 3km bit out of Manigod. That's a tough, tough section!

alpineaddict

OK cool... So maybe taking in the Aravis and Colombier in the same day is too much. I guess what I am after are a couple of loops that take in the climb(s) and then head us back to our beginning. I think, however, looking at the maps, unless we're prepared to take in some pretty decent miles as well, we're going to need to perhaps just do the Aravis on one day and then head back over and maybe do the Saises or Colombier on another day, from perhaps a different start point...

We'll only have 2 riding days whilst there... Thx again for the replies folks... very helpful...

cgfw201

Not ridden in that specific area, but I'd say the nice thing about most of the climbs in the Alps is that they aren't too steep, and most people, regardless of ability, should be able to get up them if they take it easy. Might take a while. But I'd say it's easier riding up something like Le Telegraphe for 15k or whatever it is at 6-7% than it would be taking them up Hardknott pass or something like that.

Just enjoy it and remember to stop for a coffee and/or beer at the top.

alpineaddict

cgfw201 wrote:

but I'd say the nice thing about most of the climbs in the Alps is that they aren't too steep, and most people, regardless of ability, should be able to get up them if they take it easy.

I'm loving your optimising and confidence in me

cgfw201 wrote:

Just enjoy it and remember to stop for a coffee and/or beer at the top.

Absolutely... Thx for the words buddy

svetty

Aravis not much more than a steady drag - not really much of a climb TBH. Col de Tamie from Albertville is a nice, quiet climb as is the Col de la Forclaz up at Lac Annecy and the Col de Marais

alpineaddict

Thx buddy... Col de la Forclaz is one Ive looked at, seeing as we have the van to drive us over there... and I guess the whole 'steady drag' is really dependant on how much you ride and climb

Are you talking about in both directions...? Or just up for Flumet?

Thx again

thegreatdivide

alpineaddict wrote:

and I guess the whole 'steady drag' is really dependant on how much you ride and climb

It's very much this. The Forclaz is not to be taken lightly. I never made it over this year due to a mechanical on the way to Annecy (ended up having to do both sides of the Croix Fry to catch the group I was with) but it's a nippy climb.

https://alpinecols.com/legendary-climbs ... az-annecy/

The first half of the Aravis from Flumet is a steady drag through the lower slopes/woods with a few false flats - hence it gets a 5.0% average overall - but once you hit La Giettaz that's where it really kicks in. It's a bit like that from the other side too

https://alpinecols.com/legendary-climbs ... -aravis-2/

If you want a good vomit you could always try the Cote de Domancy from last years Tour TT. Have a look at the 100m section from 1.7km in:

https://www.strava.com/segments/1376287

bobmcstuff

alpineaddict wrote:

OK cool... So maybe taking in the Aravis and Colombier in the same day is too much. I guess what I am after are a couple of loops that take in the climb(s) and then head us back to our beginning. I think, however, looking at the maps, unless we're prepared to take in some pretty decent miles as well, we're going to need to perhaps just do the Aravis on one day and then head back over and maybe do the Saises or Colombier on another day, from perhaps a different start point...

We'll only have 2 riding days whilst there... Thx again for the replies folks... very helpful...

I rode Colombiere from Cluses and Aravis in the same day when I was out a couple of years ago, it is certainly possible to do both in the same day although I suffered quite a lot due to it being 32 degrees and doing Colobiere all-out https://www.strava.com/activities/374937565 - quite a nice route that. If you did it from Sallanches you would cut at least 40km off my route as you wouldn't have to do the climb back over the hill to Samoens (which is a really rubbish climb, quite a big road).

As with all these things it's about pacing and gearing, if you're comfortable on the bike and take the climbs really steadily you'll make it. The views in the valley coming up Colombiere from that side are sensational too - as is summitting Aravis; Mont Blanc rears up in front of you as you come over the crest and it is incredible.

I also did the Joux Plane from Samoens the day before that, in a 50km ride. That was nice.

I meant to do Forclaz as well but I didn't manage to get another long ride in in the end (was out visiting my parents).

g00se

I've done a few rides out that way - I would say Aravis from Flumet would be a good start - but it's not as dramatic at the top as some others.

The Cormet de Roselend from Beaufort would be a good first challenge too - once you get to the lake half way up it becomes a lot easier (and I can recommend the cafe at the top of the lake (on the water side of the road) for a break. You can decent down to Bourg St Maurice on the other side but the climb coming back is much more of a challenge and always seems to be into a headwind.

More stuff here:

http://www.cycling-challenge.com/cormet ... ring-tips/

davidof

To avoid the crowds the Col de Solaison is a thought, you can make a loop through Thuet and Scionzier.

Another good one is the climb just south of the Petit Bornand to the Col de Glieres, the last section is Strada Bianche

djone101

alpineaddict wrote:

Hi folks...

Thx for the early advice here... seems Aravis and Colombiere are the climbs of choice but I will check out there Croix Fry also... Im only going to be there for 4 days so am anticipating 2 days on the bike...

djone101, did you do both climbs heading out from Grand Bo, and just head back down from the tops...? I was considering driving to Megeve, parking up and heading to the Aravis from there, to warm the legs up beforehand... but wasn't sure if heading up to Grand Bo and then onto the Colombiere would be too much for the day, considering Id then need to do the Aravis back out again...????

It's just finding a couple of routes that are reasonable and don't involve doubling back on myself, t has having to head 'up' again... I am no Pro

Yes I was in a hotel in Bornand so just went up to the top, stopped (took photos had a coffee, had a cake, took more photos) and headed back the way I'd come. You also have a good idea what the descent is like that way.

I read the comment that Aravis is "not really much of a climb" but looking at my Strava the main climb (from La Clusaz) took me 49 minutes (admittedly taking it easy) and you're only going up the whole time - I count that as a climb - especially since this was posted as "for beginners" - Strava calls it a Cat 2 climb.

I spent an hour and ten minutes going up Colombiere which Strava counts as Cat 1.

svetty

What I would recommend as you have a van is the Madelaine from the north. Apart from a few ramps it is steady away for the main part and is a lovely climb with superb views - the cafe at the top does excellent Tarte aux Myrtilles

Dorset_Boy

Last year's Etape started in Megeve and did the Aravis followed by the Colombiere - both relatively easy climbs (certainly significantly easier than the Ramaz or Joux Plane). You could then drop down to Cluses and along the valley to Sallanches before the final climb back to Megeve. Not sure how far that would be but this was the Etape route:
https://www.strava.com/activities/636423752

Remember that driving in the Alps takes time because of the need to either go 'up and over' or down and around!

wavefront

The Aravis is a nice climb, but I was in Annecy last year, and went south over the Semnoz, round the lake and back up the Forclaz. Lovely few hours riding, and just loved the views. Didnt feel as remote as others but a great loop and not busy at all and you can climb Semnoz first and see how your legs are before the second. Cafes at top of both. Then once done reward yourself with a lovely dinner with the family in the centre of Annecy.

cgfw201

alpineaddict wrote:

Thx buddy... Col de la Forclaz is one Ive looked at, seeing as we have the van to drive us over there... and I guess the whole 'steady drag' is really dependant on how much you ride and climb

Are you talking about in both directions...? Or just up for Flumet?

Thx again

The view from the restaurant at the top of forclaz is sensational

alpineaddict

Hi folks.... Thx loads for the tips and advice on routes... Certainly got plenty to think about and look into...

Ive been up the Forclaz once (drove) to sit and watch the parapenters take off... It us truly an awesome view from up there... I don't think I'll head over as far as Annecy tbh, as I only have 4 days out there and possibly only 2 on the bike... So much to play with more local...

Thx again folks and keep them coming if there is anymore...

amrushton

Looks like a one way road you are based on ie it ends further up the valley so you are climbing/descending to St. gervais. Can you get a car or a lift to Megeve? Use that as a start point? Anyway, the Aravis/Croix-Fry are do-able as is the Gran Colombier (down the Aravis turn right to Gran Bornand). Opposite side to Aravis (Flumet) is the climb to Les Saisies and descent to Beaufort (you still have to climb back remember). You could head out of St. Gervais on the back road to Chamonix via Les Houches then climb the Montet via Argentiere or even head right over to Martigny (passport required - it's Switzerland) then get the train back to St. Gervais (lovely train ride with space for bikes). Get a map (buy/borrow) of the area (Michelin 523 I think). Shows more climbs than you ever heard of

alpineaddict

amrushton wrote:

Looks like a one way road you are based on ie it ends further up the valley so you are climbing/descending to St. gervais. Can you get a car or a lift to Megeve? Use that as a start point? Anyway, the Aravis/Croix-Fry are do-able as is the Gran Colombier (down the Aravis turn right to Gran Bornand). Opposite side to Aravis (Flumet) is the climb to Les Saisies and descent to Beaufort (you still have to climb back remember). You could head out of St. Gervais on the back road to Chamonix via Les Houches then climb the Montet via Argentiere or even head right over to Martigny (passport required - it's Switzerland) then get the train back to St. Gervais (lovely train ride with space for bikes). Get a map (buy/borrow) of the area (Michelin 523 I think). Shows more climbs than you ever heard of

Yes we have transport and was planning on living the van in Megeve and heading down form there... Thx for the response bud... Very comprehensive