Col de Chaude and Col de Jaman (steep!)
By Will • Oct 20th, 2009 • Category: Climbs, CyclingIf you don’t like super steep, scenic climbs …. look away. I rode this very slowly but very happily.
First, a big thanks to Nicholas for kindly suggesting this route to me the other day in a comment. Much appreciated.
The climb starts in Villeneuve at the tip of Lac Léman (Lake Geneva) but quickly leaves civilization as the road enters a narrowish mountain valley and goes up.
The route to Col de Chaude is steep — and completely deserted. There are no towns, villages, etc. on this 13 km climb (@10% average!) – barely a chalet or two. And so beautiful.
Nearing the top, we ran into ice and snow. Woohoo, winter is coming.
Sadly no Col sign at top …. and my 5 layers seems to add a few pounds. 
The road linking Col de Chaude and Col de Jaman has 2 kms averaging 11% (!) and unbelievable views of the Lake:
We joined the Col de Jaman route much of the way up, but still plenty of work to do. No pics, but some beautiful ridge stretches through mountain woods.
The top:
By the time we reached Col de Jaman I was exhausted, but there was still a tiny bit of climbing as we detoured to visit Col de Sonloup part way down – I was cooked and glad that the uphill was over.
The mapped descent is fabulous. Winding, deserted, scenic, etc.
All in all one of the best rides of the year.
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Will is Happiest while cycling uphill. More enthusiastic than talented, his 2010 Challenge is to cycle a 100 Cols (mountain passes), survive La Mamrotte again, and complete at least one century a month.
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Thanks for sharing Photo’s look awesome. Wish I had all the climbs were I live.
Magnifique ! Je ne pensais pas que le Col de Chaude était si raide. La vue sur le Léman est incroyable, je dois les faire absolument bientôt.
Bravo !
Fantastic work, all the way!
Some magic rides you’re doing.
Thanks for sharing!!
A.
Glad you liked it, Will! I did this tour at the very end of July and instead of having to fear the cold weather, it was the extreme heat that plagued me. All in all, I did feel the same: this is a fantastic tour with wonderful climbing and breathtaking views! Cheers,
Nicholas