Cormet de Roselend - Bourg Saint Maurice

The Cormet de Roselend is a oasis of quietness compared to other cols I did before this one. The overload cars, buses and fellow-cyclists you met on the roads to Alpe dHuez, La Plagne, Val-Thorens and Val dIsere are absent on the Cormet de Roselends road to virtually nothing. The climb isnt easy, though not to hard. It gives you an excellent opporturnity to enjoy the beautiful views on the highest Alp peaks, for example, the Mont Blanc. So, if you like to enjoy the nature of the mountains, choose left in Bourg-st-maurice instead of continuing on the busy roads to les Arcs and Pt. st. Bernard.

My personal climb rating:

I have climbed this col twice both times from Bourg St Maurice. It seems to be climbed by fewer cyclists than the other monuments in the area. It is indeed a spectacular climb, the early part is wooded and the gradient is quite difficult with some steep ramps that sap your rhythm. Once you pass ""Johans corner"" the road opens up and the views are spectacular. The gradient is also easier here in the middle section section and allows you time to recover before tackling the more difficult top section. Here the road surface is good and there are some switchbacks to take your mind off the discomfort. The summit is marked by a sign and just beyond is a beautiful alpine lake before a tricky descent down the other side into Beaufort. This is a great mountain pass usually pretty quiet and should definitely be added to a tour itinerary. Stay in Bourge St Maurice, a great town where you are also in easy reach of the Petit St Bernard, Iseran, Les Arc, La Plagne, Saises just to name a few.

My personal climb rating: