Col de Pierre Carrée (Flaine)
By Will • May 6th, 2008 • Category: Climbs, Cycling
Col de Pierre Carrée is a big climb and easily the highest pass in my vicinity that is currently clear of snow.
21.4 kilometres (~13 miles) and 1350 metres (~4500 feet) of climb.
It starts just a few kms from the Col de la Colombière - but unlike it’s more famous (but easier and lower) neighbour Pierre Carrée is open all year round as it is the gateway to Flaine ski station.
It’s a great climb for several reasons:
- It’s scenic and full of great hairpins
- it’s a perfect warm-up/ training for the grand climbs of the Alps as it is long but rarely too steep
- Now that the skiing is closed, there is very little traffic and it’s a chance to get high while most big Cols are still closed
There is a Golf course at the very top. If you miss the fairway it’s a 21 km drive to the bottom to get your ball! 
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Will is Happiest while cycling uphill. More enthusiastic than talented, his 2008 Challenge is to (again) cycle 160,000 metres of vertical ascent.
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Looks great! I should have joined you…but you can’t do it all.