Col de la Ramaz

Another Tour classic this time with beautiful views of Mont Blanc from the mountain pastures of the Praz de Lys.

The Col de la Ramaz is a fantastic climb offering stunning Alpine scenery and a challenging but steady ascent. The preferred route begins in the small town of Mieussy, situated on the D907 in the Vallée Verte, and follows the road for 14km at an average gradient of 7%.

Climb overview:

The lower slopes feature classic alpine switchbacks, winding through picturesque chalet-style houses before opening up into lush meadows, where the sound of cowbells accompanies the ride. As you ascend, the impressive rock faces of the Pointe de Marcelly dominate the right-hand side, while the Col de Foron and Haute Pointe rise to the left. The road itself is often marked with the names of Tour de France favourites, adding to the sense of riding through cycling history.

Approaching the upper slopes, the route passes through avalanche tunnels and the steepest sections of the climb. While not as severe as the Col de Joux Plane, the combination of gradient and a rough road surface worn by winter freeze-thaw cycles makes this part particularly demanding. The view from the tunnels offers a dramatic perspective of the altitude gained since leaving Mieussy, with a breathtaking drop below.

Reaching the ski station of Sommand, identified by its open alpine bowl and ski lifts, the gradient eases significantly, allowing for a moment of recovery before the final push to the summit at 1,619m.

Climbing times:

• A fit rider pushing hard can expect to reach the summit in around 50 minutes.
• A steady pace sees most riders complete the climb in 65–70 minutes.
• The climb is considered more forgiving than the Joux Plane, as it allows strong riders to maintain a steady rhythm without requiring all-out efforts just to keep moving.

The descent:

The descent into the ski resort of Praz-de-Lys is relatively straight and steady but remains fast, narrow, and slightly bumpy. The empty ski lifts of summer create an eerie atmosphere as you pass beneath them at speed. Once beyond the resort, the road steepens dramatically, transitioning into a series of classic hairpin bends that require sharp braking before launching into gravity-assisted accelerations towards the next corner.

After reaching the D902 at the Pont des Gets, the ride isn’t over, there’s still a 20-minute climb into Les Gets before enjoying the final 5km descent into Morzine.

Tour de France history:

The Col de la Ramaz last featured in the Tour de France in 2003 during a gruelling 226km stage from Lyon to Morzine. French favourite Richard Virenque claimed victory after an exhausting six hour ride.

Key stats:

Distance: 60km

Time: 3–4 hours

Highest point: 1,619m (Col de la Ramaz)

Vertical gain: 1,350m

With its mix of scenic beauty, historic significance, and a rewarding challenge, the Col de la Ramaz is a must-ride for cyclists exploring the region.