Col de la Colombière (both sides) and Col de Romme
By Will • May 24th, 2010 • Category: Climbs, Cycling, VideosA beautiful French holiday Monday seemed a perfect time to climb probably the nearest “famous” climb to me.
Col de la Colombière has become a Tour regular, including last year and again this summer.
We watched near the top last summer (photo by my friend Katy):
The classic north side starts in Scionzier by climbing through the woods, it flattens out at Reposoir and then gets steadily more difficult with a long stretch at 12% near the top. Usually there is a nasty head wind – but today was pleasantly calm.
I descended over the top and climbed the easier south side starting from Le Grand Bornand. It’s a fun, not too technical descent.
After a quick bite to eat, I climbed back up to the Col. Great hairpins for the last couple of kms.
Then for the first time, after descending to Reposoir, I returned to the car via the easy side of Col de Romme. Then descending the super steep side.
A pretty big ride that was always either climbing or descending – no flat stretches.
The other side of Col de Romme is brutally steep – and appeared in the Tour for the first time in 2009 – details here.
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Will is Happiest while cycling uphill. More enthusiastic than talented, his 2013 Challenge is to cycle a 150 Cols (mountain passes), slowly -- and to just enjoy.
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Hi Will
Are these routes feasible in early October? I was hoping to do D’huez but my flights from Liverpool to Grenoble only run in winter whereas Geneva is year round flights. I want to do a “famous” climb or two ideally.
cheers
John
Hi John,
Usually Colombiere would be open in early October – but one never knows with the snow.
I did Alpe d’Huez and even Galibier once on beautiful October days – but another year there was snow.
But usually should be ok for Colombiere – but no guarantees. And bring warm clothes for descent.
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