Les Arcs is one of our favourite French high Alps ski stations. The high point is Aguille Rouge at over 3200 metres. I am terrified the few times I have skied down …. but always thought it might be a great cycling goal.
Mountain biking above Courchevel: Three high altitude Cols and the stunning Vallon des Avals
Part of my 2011 Challenge was to ride above 3000 metres by bike for the first time. Injury delayed this goal, but I hadn’t forgotten. 
A challenging but really fun three Col loop, with two of the Cols not really designed for bikes.
Back in May, we hiked up to Chalet des Auges above Col des Glières. We were astonished to see a mountain biker there. Upon interrogation we discovered that there is a terrible quality, old road up the back way, starting in Entremont.
Every time I have cycled Galibier, I have eyed a nearby old military road full of hairpins.
A near perfect day (apart from bonking) Col hunting around the Mountain des Vorès above Col des Saisies.
Col de Crozet is in the middle of a tiny ski station in the Jura mountains above Geneva.
It was overcast all day in Geneva – on the other side of the mountains. A huge cloud wall was on top of the Juras. I was in a little sunny micro climate valley.
The sign at the top said Combe Blanche. My book says Col de Puthod and Michelin maps says Col de la Vattay.
Regardless it’s a fantsatic, steep, deserted climb in the Jura mountains.
