If 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.

Col de Chaude and Col de Jaman (steep!)

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