Col des Aravis, Col de la Croix Fry Loop

I have already done Col de la Croix Fry in 2009 (via the superb Col de Plan-Bois), I had told Eric so many times what a great early spring climb it is – that he wanted to have a look.

It’s south-west facing road is almost always dry in winter and the entire route is surrounded by mountains including the impressive l’Etale and Tournette peaks.

L’Etale in background at my standard self-portrait location:

A new 80 km loop though (map and elevation chart at bottom of page). I started in St Jean de Sixt (my super domestique Eric of course from Geneva!!), and we first climbed Col des Aravis.

Col des Aravis: (from La Clusaz): 7.5 kilometres (4.7 miles); Ascent: 435 metres (1,430 feet)

Lots of fairly big snow walls today, the road was fine – if a bit bumpy on the descent.

Next we descended down to Flumet and then turned right for a beautiful and fast descent down the cliff-sided Gorges de l’Arly to Ugine. At Ugine, we were able to join the Albertville – Anncey bike path almost until Saint Ferréol.

Here, the road goes up again for about 400 metres of climb on a wonderful, winding, cliff road.

First passing Col des Essérrieux and then Col du Marais, before a hair-raising descent to the start of Col de la Croix Fry.

COL de la CROIX FRY
From D12: 11.4 kilometres; 819 metres ascent (2690 feet); average grade: 7.2%

I was feeling pretty cooked and knew I would struggle up this sometimes steep so beautiful climb. And struggle I did!

How tired was I at the top of Col de la Croix Fry? I forgot to take a photo of the Croix Fry col sign (I realized during the final descent and there was no way I was turning around). 🙂

So here’s a recent photo: