The Cormet de Roselend
The cols here are all world famous, thanks to the rather well known road race, the Tour de France
The area around Bourg St Maurice has the largest number of cols in the Tarentaise Valley.
Cormet de Roselend
Located on the Grandes Alpes route, the Cormet de Roselend road will take you close to the Chapieux Valley. If you head down the other side of the Cormet, you will get a great view of the turquoise waters of the Roselend Lake.
This route is for a favourite for road cyclists looking for both a challenge and unparalleled beauty. You can begin this route from Beaufort for a more scenic, classic route, or from Bourg-Saint-Maurice for a quieter, tougher approach.
From Beaufort (west)
Distance: ~20.36km
Elevation gain: ~1,227m
Average gradient: 6%
Key features:
- climb begins gently through wooded slopes and meadows
- first half leads you through small hamlets and farms with a gentle climb up to Lac de Roselend
- after the lake the steeper switchbacks begin to the summit
- views over the Mont Blanc massif on a clear day
From Bourg-Saint-Maurice (east)
Distance: ~19.3km
Elevation gain: ~1,150m
Average gradient: ~6%
Key features:
- less commonly climbed route with dense forests in the lower section
- approach to the summit feels more remote and wild
The summit:
You can expect panoramic views and a small monument, but no facilities so be sure to bring food and water. On busy summer day you may be lucky and find a food van, but don't bank on it. Come prepared.
