Col de l’Aulp and Col de la Forclaz
By Will • Nov 7th, 2008 • Category: Climbs, Cycling
I have climbed Col de la Forclaz de Montmin quite a few times from the south side (details here) – but never from the north side until now.
While the south side is a little more savage and quieter, the north side has far better views of Lake Annecy – and both sides get steep.
Just over the top, before Montmin is a little road up to Col de l’Aulp. Another interesting detour I learned about from Bastien’s web site. It’s an incredible 4 km climb. Sometimes VERY steep (near ~20%). The first half is still paved road, but then it becomes a hard gravel trail.
It was pretty cloudy so no great photos – but it is beautiful here – underneath steep peaks. For far better photos have a look at the last few in Bastien’s trip report from April 2007.
I tried to continue on to Col des Nantets but I gave up half way – it’s a mountain hiking trail ….. no good for bikes. 
This is a fantastic climb – worth re-doing on a clear sunny day as views everywhere.
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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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Good idea ! Col de l’Aulp is wonderful… And steep !
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You keep finding those little gems. Amazing and beautiful!
[...] gap” and there are at least 5 Col de la Forclaz in the northern alps. This along with Col de la Forclaz de Montmin are the two most well know / [...]
can confirm this Col is AWESOME and difficult. Well except for the 60 year old guy that passed me on the way up!! haha