The climb to Giétroz is the toughest mile I can ever recall doing. I did it last year on my way to Emosson, until I realized it was not the regular route., and now I fully understand why. MapMyRide says 12% grade, but locals claim 14%. I tend to believe the locals. MapMyRide has ben wrong compared to The Tour on some climbs and this felt much harder than other 12% climbs. Fortunately it was just over a mile, but that sure does wipe you out.
| Distance | Elevation | Grade | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cat | Start | End | Length | Min | Max | Avg. | Max |
 | 0.00 mi | 1.10 mi | 1.10 mi | 3,212 ft | 3,922 ft | 12.2% | -- |
In retrospect it seems that 8 miles @ 8% is more manageable than 1.2 miles at 12%.
These 3 switchbacks were fun. They always look worse then they are. Switchbacks actually give a chance to change things up. If you need a breather then take the outside where it evens out the grade, or take the inside for a quicker initial pace before the pace pitches up again. I still get a kick out of remembering watching a compact car need to do a 3-point turn to make it through.
Finhaut is quaint little town on the hillside where getting from one side to the other also requires a little climbing.
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