Col des Montets and Col de la Forclaz (France and Switzerland)

In Chamonix France (altitude: 1,034m/3,392') for my first ride.  Chamonix is the village at the base on the famous Mont-Blanc.  There are many other villages up and down the Chamonix valley, but really limited ways in and out.  This means if you want the varied routes you better be prepared to get in a few base miles.  (Fewer perhaps than back home, but there is nothing flat in sight.)   This makes Chamonix better positioned for mountain biking, but I'm happy to ride every mile of pavement I can find while I'm here.

Leaving town the first thing I pass is a golf course.  Had to take a quick photo for some family member that golf.

On my way through the next village we got stopped at a railroad crossing.  Certainly not an everyday occurrence where I'm used to riding.  No problem waiting.  I'll enjoy the scenery.

A couple quick snapshots crossing through another village with a nice little slope up on the way.

Without reading the signposts you can take a guess which direction I get to head - yep, UP.  To the left it is (direction Martigny).

Top of the first "hill".  Direct translation for "col" is hill.  Col des Montets is a nice little climb up to 1,461m (4,793').

At the bottom of Col des Montets you cross the border to do the other half of the ride in Switzerland.  Luckily they didn't stop me because I never would've thought to bring my passport in addition to my tool kit.









At the border town of Chatelard are plenty of places for gas, tobacco, and souvenirs.  No time to stop, just passing through.

In the distance across the canyon was a village perched on the side of the road.  Who decided to found a village there is beyond me, but the views are incredible.

One of the switchbacks headed up to Col de la Forclaz. 

Near the top of Col de la Forclaz looking down the route below.

Col de la Forclaz at 1,527m (5,010 ft).  Done with the second hill of the ride and looking over the other side.  Another climb to save for another day.  Quick breath and on the bike to head back:

Taking a break to capture some of what I missed on the way up:

 Made it back to the top of Col des Montets.

At the top of the Col des Montets you're situated in a natural reserve.  Also the starting point for those that want to hike "Les Aigulles Rouges".  As I was catching my breath some of the local wildlife came in close.

On the way descending back into Chamonix.  One of the glaciers is very visible, and above it (just peeking out to the left of the clouds) is Mont-Blanc.  A nice scene for the final leg home.

Route and elevation:


A good 3,700+ feet of climbing, a handful of Cat 2 climbs, packaged in a short little distance.

-ML