This is the kind of route profile that makes your legs ache just looking at the screen. The organizers of the Gran Fondo Samoëns recently dropped the course details, and after a bit of Strava-sleuthing and reverse engineering, the verdict is in: this is a monster.
We’re looking at a weekend that demands every watt you’ve got. With a back to back menu featuring the Col de la Ramaz (twice), the Joux Plane, the Joux Verte, and a finish at Samoëns 1600, this isn’t just a “ride” – it’s an alpine interrogation. Here is the breakdown of Day 1 and how to survive it.
The stats don’t lie. 3,800 meters of vertical gain over 130km is a “Pro” level ratio. You’ll want your climbing gears for this one—if you’re still rocking a standard crankset, now is the time to reconsider that 30t or 34t cassette.
The Warm-Up: Giffre Valley to Mieussy
The day kicks off with a neutralized-style roll out along the Giffre valley. You’ve got about 20km of flat-to-rolling tarmac through Taninges and Mieussy to wake up the systems.
Don’t get sucked into too fast a group here. Use these kilometers to find your rhythm and warm up before the road tilts upward.
The First Ascent: Col de la Ramaz (via Mieussy)
The Ramaz is a Tour de France staple for a reason. The early slopes out of the village are deceptive – roughly 7% with stunning views of Le Môle. It even gives you a brief downhill breather. Enjoy it, because the “Wall” is coming.
As you approach the cliffside, the gradient gets mean. You’ll hit a 3km stretch toward Sommand that averages over 9%. The real sting? A tunnel section where the Garmin will scream 12% for 750 meters. Once you hit the Sommand plateau, the pressure eases. Crest the col, but keep a mental note of the surroundings – you’ll be back here much later in the day.
The Giant: Col de Joux Plane
After a fast, technical descent and a 10km valley floor “buffet” (eat and drink constantly here), you hit the Joux Plane. I’ve climbed this beast over 20 times, and it has never once felt easy.
- The Start: The first 2.5km out of the village are savage.
- The Middle: After the hamlet of Plampraz, the gradient bites again with a kilometer-long stretch well over 10%.
- The Finale: Once you clear the forest, the views of Mont Blanc open up. It feels a bit like the final run to the summit of Ventoux – exposed, beautiful, and punishing. There’s a feed station at the summit (70km mark). Take the time to refill.
The Local Favorite: Col de Joux Verte
From Morzine, you head toward the Joux Verte. This is arguably the most scenic sector of the day. You’ll pass Lac de Montriond before the road ramps up through a series of tight, punchy hairpins.
The “crux” is a 2km section at 9.2% that leads you into the famous “Goat Village” of Les Lindarets. From there, it’s a steady 6% on narrow, alpine roads up to Avoriaz. Another feed station awaits at the 93km mark. Use it. You still have 40km of racing left.
The Sting in the Tail: Ramaz Part II
The final act begins with the drag up to Les Gets and a final plunge toward the base of the Ramaz for the second time. By now, the “kilojoules burned” count will be high.
Unlike the morning ascent, this side offers no gifts. The lower slopes are unrelenting until you hit the first of the six hairpins leading to Praz de Lys. Once you reach the ski station, the grade mellows out for the final few kilometers. The finish line sits at the summit by the lake. If you have the energy to lift your head, the panoramic view of the alpine ridge is world-class.
Recovery and Prep
Once you’ve descended back to Samoëns, the priority is simple: Recovery. High-carb meal, hydration, and as much sleep as possible. Day 2 is looming, and your legs are going to remember every meter of that 3,800m climb.
I’m exhausted just writing about it. Stay tuned for the Day 2 breakdown – if I can find the energy to type it.
The Routes
