Col de Joux Plane – Duathlon?

I may have a new hobby! Cycle up a famous mountain, then rent cross-country skis at the summit to explore some more. One of the best days out in a long time. Self portrait:

The Sixth Great Ride of the Year

Col de Joux Plane is another of my very favourite winter climbs.

The Morzine side is used as a ski slope and closed until May, but when the weather gets warm and the cross country si trails at the bottom of the mountain close, they often open the road to Joux Plane from the more famous Samoëns side and groom roughly 10 kilometres of XC ski trails. This also means the road is open for bikes.

Anyway, it’s a steep, difficult, lovely climb and I enjoyed myself riding at a very leisurely pace and listening to Italian lessons on headphones: “Mi Piace molto Col de Joux Plane.” 🙂

I arrived at the col and – on a whim – asked the guy at the little hut if they rented cross-country skis. They do. I counted the various euro coins at the bottom of my knapsack, put them on the counter hoping I had enough money. He counted and said that I had enough for a ticket, equipment, and a beer. Good news.

I have quite a few Joux Plane rides here – use the search box. For a third way up by mountain bike see here. For the best, biggest road bike loop (either direction works) see here.

The groomed trails are unbelievably beautiful. Fabulous views of Mont Blanc, and the surrounding mountains. The main red trail heads up to a great look-out with an orientation table and a giant cross (see map below for location – it is also a good hike from the col).

More views:

Finally, before descending, I cleared the snow and found the col sign (the sign in summer is taller than me):

An exhausting but fun “duathlon”. There are definitely more Cols with cross country skiing (with rentals) at the col summits worth a visit. For example: Col des Glières, Mont Revard, Plateau de Retord (Col de Cuvery), La Vattay (near Col de la Faucille), to name a few.

Any other suggestions? Cheers.