Top 10 Mountain Passes around Arvillard
Best mountain passes around Arvillard are located in the French Alps, offering access to various routes for outdoor activities. This region features diverse terrain, from challenging cycling climbs to tranquil hiking trails. The passes provide a range of experiences, including shaded ascents and panoramic vistas. The natural landscape supports both demanding physical challenges and opportunities for scenic exploration.
Best mountain passes around Arvillard
- The most popular mountain passes is Marocaz Pass, a mountain pass known for its beauty and…
Last updated: June 26, 2026
Marocaz Pass
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Col du Grand Cucheron
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Ascent of Col de la Madeleine from La Chambre
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Col du Glandon - from Saint-Étienne-de-Cuines
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20km, D+ 1450m
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Col de Champlaurent
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Here is the route for the ascent of the Col du Glandon starting from Saint-Étienne-de-Cuines
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Here is the route for the ascent of the Col de la Croix de Fer starting from Saint-Étienne-de-Cuines, passing through the Col du Glandon!
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The north face of the Col du Glandon, starting from Saint-Étienne-des-Cuines, is one of the most demanding and iconic climbs in the French Alps. The summit sits at 1,924 meters above sea level, overcoming a gradient of 1,470 meters over just over 21 kilometers, resulting in an average gradient of around 7%. However, what truly defines the character of this climb is the unevenness of the profile, which alternates very tough sections with recovery phases before facing an extremely demanding finale. For almost eleven kilometers, the gradient remains within a range of 6 to 8% as the route enters a dense forest. After this initial phase, the landscape opens up and the road passes through Saint-Colomban-des-Villards, where the gradient decreases significantly and even offers practically flat areas. This is a strategic point to hydrate, eat, and prepare your mind for the rest of the climb. After the false flat and approaching the Glandon torrent, the vegetation begins to thin, the road narrows, curves follow, and the average gradient is around 10%, with several sections at 11% that really grind your legs after more than an hour and a half of accumulated effort. Once around the last curve, the arrival at the pass offers spectacular scenery, with views toward the Belledonne massif and the Arves peaks, a pure alpine environment with high-altitude pastures, torrents, and, occasionally, the occasional remnant of snowfields. Conclusion: a legendary climb in the French Alps, with extraordinary scenery and sustained difficulty. As always, the effort is worth it!
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A col is meant to be climbed—and then descended. Because it's fun!
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In my opinion, this is the best side of the Col du Glandon due to the beauty of its final 9 kilometers. The climb is clearly divided into two parts. The first stretches until reaching the village of St. Colomban-des-Villards; it's 8.5 km along a perfectly maintained road, very winding, with no views at all. The second part begins as we leave the village of St. Colomban, after a 1.5 km rest stop and a beautiful fountain where we can refill our water bottles. The second part is pure poetry. The road narrows and you enter a pure high-mountain landscape. It's a much tougher stretch.
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Less emblematic because less frequented on the way up by professionals but frankly simpler and less frequented than from Allemont.
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magnificent view of the snow-capped mountains at the end of May
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Near the Col de la Croix-de-Fer, the Col du Glandon is another major Alpine pass that has been crossed several times during the Tour de France. From La Chambre, the climb is 21 kilometers at an average gradient of 7%.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular mountain passes around Arvillard?
Among the most popular mountain passes in the Arvillard area are Marocaz Pass, known for its beauty and tranquility, and Col du Grand Cucheron, which offers a significant cycling challenge with shaded sections. Visitors also appreciate Col de Champlaurent for its uncrowded route and pleasant descent.
Are there challenging cycling climbs near Arvillard?
Yes, the region offers several challenging cycling climbs. The Col du Grand Cucheron, particularly when approached from La Corbière, is a notable challenge spanning 11.6 kilometers with an 805-meter elevation gain and maximum gradients of 13.1%. The Marocaz Pass also features steep ascents with sustained gradients of 9-10%.
What kind of views can I expect from the mountain passes?
The mountain passes around Arvillard offer diverse scenic views. From the Col du Grand Cucheron, you can enjoy views of the Maurienne valley. Further afield, the Col de la Madeleine provides expansive views, especially near the Saint François Longchamp ski resort, as you ascend from tree-covered sections to open terrain.
Are there quiet mountain passes with less traffic?
Yes, Marocaz Pass is particularly noted for its tranquility and experiences little traffic, primarily motorbikes, making it a quieter option for cyclists and those seeking a peaceful experience. Col de Champlaurent is also described as an uncrowded route.
What hiking opportunities are available near Arvillard's mountain passes?
For hikers, the Val Pelouse area near Arvillard serves as an important departure point for numerous trails leading to passes like Col de la Perrière and Col de la Perche. The Col de la Perrière even features a non-guarded refuge for adventurers. You can find many running trails, which are also suitable for hiking, such as the Perrière Pass – Refuge de la Perrière loop from Parking de Val Pelouse, or the Les Grands Moulins loop from Parking de Val Pelouse. Explore more options on the Running Trails around Arvillard guide.
Are there any legendary or classic Alpine climbs accessible from the Arvillard area?
While a bit further afield, the Col de la Madeleine is a legendary 'colossus' of the Alps and a classic climb often associated with the region. When tackled from La Chambre, it presents a formidable challenge with a vertical drop of 1,591 meters over 19.3 kilometers and an average gradient of 7.9%. You can find more details about the Ascent of Col de la Madeleine from La Chambre.
What outdoor activities can I do near these mountain passes?
The mountain passes around Arvillard offer a variety of outdoor activities. Besides challenging cycling climbs like the Col du Grand Cucheron and Marocaz Pass, you can explore numerous hiking and running trails, especially in the Val Pelouse area. For more cycling routes, check out the Road Cycling Routes around Arvillard guide or the Cycling around Arvillard guide.
What do visitors enjoy most about the mountain passes near Arvillard?
Visitors particularly enjoy the natural beauty and tranquility of the passes, with many highlighting Marocaz Pass as one of the most beautiful climbs in the region due to its low car traffic. The shaded sections of climbs like the Col du Grand Cucheron are also appreciated during summer months, providing a more comfortable experience.
Are there any mountain passes that are good for summer cycling?
Yes, the Col du Grand Cucheron is recommended for summer cycling due to its quite a bit of shade, making for a more comfortable climb even on warmer days.
Can I find mountain passes that are part of longer ridge itineraries?
Yes, the Col du Grand Cucheron serves as a starting point for ridge itineraries that extend towards other areas like Les Férices and Col de Boubière, offering opportunities for longer, multi-pass adventures.
What is the difficulty level of cycling the Col du Grand Cucheron?
The Col du Grand Cucheron is considered a significant cycling challenge. From La Corbière, it's 11.6 kilometers long with a total elevation gain of 805 meters, an average slope of 6.94%, and maximum slopes reaching 13.1%.
Are there any mountain passes that offer a pleasant descent?
Yes, the Col de Champlaurent is known for offering a pleasant descent, particularly towards Chamoux-Sur-Gelon. The Col de la Madeleine, though challenging to ascend, is also considered a delight to descend due to its speed and varied curves.
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