Region: French Alps
Climbing effort: 673 cep
Elevation meters: 976
Steepest kilometer: 8.2%
Steepest 250 m: 9%
Foot: 700 m Top: 1650 m
Mean slope: 6.3%
Length: 15.1 km
From: Beaufort
Road conditions (2016): good
Other race bikers: 10-25 per hour
Motor vehicles: >180 per hour
Scenerie and road:
(2/5)
Restaurant or bar near top: yes
PHOTOS    
N SIDE    
Download gpx
Two climbs that form a part of the Route des Grandes Alpes begin in Beaufort, namely the climb to the Cormet de Roselend from the west and the ascent to the Col des Saisies from the south. Unfortunately, there is much more traffic on the Saisies. This is partially caused by the ski resort of Les Saisies, which was built on the pass and attracts a lot of tourists, also in summer. Besides the busy traffic, this climb offers fantastic views of the Mont Blanc massif, which rises far above the surrounding mountains. The ride begins where the road to Les Saisies (D218b) branches off from the road connecting Beaufort to Albertville (D925). The first eight kilometers are moderately steep (mostly 7%) and run through the forest. Just before the junction to Hauteluce lies a short descent, in which 26 elevation meters are lost. The first four kilometers after this junction are somewhat steeper (mostly 8%). Do not forget to enjoy the view of Mont Blanc before the road makes a turn to the right. On the last three kilometers the road becomes less and less steep. The ride ends at the sign with the name of the pass.