Cols Ramaz, Joux Verte, Encrenaz, and Joux Plane
By Will • Aug 21st, 2012 • Category: Climbs, CyclingAt just over 100 kilometres and 3000 metres of ascent, this quintessential north Alps loop climbs the best roads surrounding Morzine. Col de la Ramaz, Col de l’Encrenaz, Col de la Joux Verte, and Col de Joux Plane (just preceded by Col du Ranfolly – see map).
The beauty of this loop is that after each climb – if you are too tired to continue – there is an easy way to head back to the start at Taninges. In fact, I only added Col de Joux Plane at the end as I was feeling fairly strong.
Starting in Taninges allows a few easy kilometres before starting up Col de la Ramaz. I watched a 2010 Tour de France stage here. I didn’t take any photos this time, but here is a detailed video and photo preview of Ramaz.
Here is a post cycling Joux Plane, Encrenaz, and Ramaz in the opposite direction.
After Ramaz, descending from Savolière is a tiny turn off to Col de l’Encrenaz. It’s easy to miss — as is the entry to the other, much tougher, side below Morzine — of this super quiet road.
I had a baguette at the Col and then descended down towards the Vallée d’Aulps. It had been a long time since I had cycled to Col de la Joux Verte. It’s a beautiful climb, basically the back way up to Avoriaz ski station.
Early on the climb passes Lac de Montriond:
The middle part has some great hairpins — photo taken near the top of the climb:
The top of Col de la Joux Verte is 1760 metres at the junction with the road to Avoriaz – roughly 2 kms below the ski station. I decided to skip the visit up and have a beer at the chalet instead:
The direct descent to Morzine is super fast, full of hairpins, and mountain views. So much fun, I didn’t stop for a photo.
Maybe the beer gave me extra courage, but instead of taking the easy route back via Col des Gets, I decided to return via Col de Joux Plane. From Morzine, this is the “easy” side of Col de Joux Plane. But it’s still a challenging and worthwhile ride up through the ski slopes.
I’ve done quite a few posts detailing the tougher more famous south side from Samoëns. Here’s a recent winter, snow ascent.
Here is an old post also climbing the north side of Joux Plane in a Mountain bike loop with the fabulous Col de la Golèse.
The north side summits at Col du Ranfolly, and then it’s a couple of quick kms to Col de Joux Plane. There were beautifully clear views of Mont Blanc from the summit.
This is a fabulous loop – in either direction. And again, it is always possible to cut the loop short after any climb by returning via Lesgets.
Related Posts
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.
Email this author | All posts by Will
[...] heaven. 8/16: Col de la Croix de Fer – East side. Obligatory Iron Cross photo here. 8/18: Col de la Ramaz – Featured in 2010 Tour de France 8/22: Col de la Madeleine (both sides) — Tough and [...]