Are the passes open all year round?

The Mollard, Grand Cucheron and Chaussy passes are open, but the Madeleine, Glandon and Croix de Fer passes are not. The Madeleine, Glandon and Croix de Fer passes are open to traffic from around June to October. All 3 are closed for the winter period. We recommend that you consult the Savoie Route website to find out when the roads are open and when roadworks are taking place.

Is it possible to hike around these passes?

Yes, there are many hiking trails leading from the cols, allowing you to discover the alpine flora, mountain pastures and picturesque villages of the Maurienne. Please consult the “Hiking” category of the website.

Are there any cycling events on these passes?

Yes, some passes such as the Madeleine, the Glandon and the Croix de Fer are included in local and international races, such as the Tour de France , to name but the best known, as well as in organised cycle tours.

The greatest passes | Explore Maurienne

1. Col du Grand Cucheron

Located in the Belledonne massif, the Col du Grand Cucheron (1188 m altitude) links the Maurienne valley with the Vallée des Huiles.
From Aiguebelle, head towards Saint-Georges-des-Hurtières, then cross Saint-Alban-des-Hurtières before beginning the toughest part of the climb to the Col du Grand Cucheron. The last 5km at an average gradient of 9% are well worth the effort, but the breathtaking views over the Lauzière massif are well worth the diversions.

In the local vocabulary, the word Cucheron means mound, hill or rounded summit.

The Grand Cucheron was climbed by riders in the 1972, 1983, 1998 and 2012 Tours de France.

Departure from Aiguebelle

16.5km
966 D+
Level 3 / Red

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Col De La Madeleine @otiterresdemaurienne
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OTITerresdemaurienne

3. Col du Chaussy

The Col du Chaussy lies at an altitude of 1,533m in the Maurienne valley between Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne and La Chambre.

Unspoilt and unspoilt, it lies at the heart of theEspace Nordique du Grand Coin. Keep your eyes peeled for a 360-degree view, accessible to all.

To the south, you can see the famous Aiguilles d’Arves, surrounded by Mont Charvin, the Pic Blanc and the mythical Pic de l’Étendard and its glacier.

To the north, you can see the Col de la Madeleine, Bellachat and the Lauzière massif.

Information: departure from Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne

19.3 km
972 D+
Level 4 / Black

2. Col de la Madeleine

The Col de la Madeleine, in the heart of Savoie, links the Tarentaise and Maurienne valleys.
Reaching an altitude of 1,993 metres, it offers spectacular views of the surrounding Alpine massifs, and on a clear day you can even see Mont Blanc in the distance.

Information: departure from La Chambre

19.4km
1 518 D+
Level 4 / Black

Cycling routes On your bikes

How can you talk about the passes without talking about cycling?

In the Maurienne, cycling is much more than just an activity – it’s part of the history of the passes.

Here, the legendary passes shape the landscape as much as they shape the memories of cyclists from all over the world. Every summer, the roads come alive with the rhythm of derailleur gears and cheering, inspired by the history of the Tour de France and the international reputation of the great Alpine passes.

Whether you’re a seasoned climber in search of performance, a keen amateur looking for your first big challenge or a fan of scenic rides on an electric-assist bike, the valley offers an exceptional playground. The diversity of profiles, the quality of the roads and the beauty of the panoramas make the Maurienne an unmissable destination.

Here, every pedal stroke brings you closer to a summit, every bend reveals a new scenery, and every climb becomes a personal adventure. Cycling allows you to experience the cols from the inside, to measure the effort and to fully savour the pride of reaching the summit.

Pedal on the roads of Maurienne

4. Col du Glandon

From La Chambre and Saint-Etienne-de-Cuines, you’ll head up the Villards valley to skirt the discreet high-altitude resort of Saint-Colomban-des-Villards and its unspoilt environment. The torrent of the Glandon, which will accompany you for most of your ascent, will bring you a dose of freshness and gentleness between wooded valleys and high mountain pastures.

In a completely different atmosphere, starting fromAllemond, you will pass through typical Alpine hamlets, past the imposing Verney dam and finally reach the mythical Vallée d’Olle, where the waters of Lac de Grand-Maison dazzle the peaks of the Grandes Rousses massif.

Information: departure from Saint-Etienne-de-Cuines

19.9km
1 459 D+
Level 4 / Black

6. Col du Mollard

The Col du Mollard, at an altitude of 1,638m, is right in the heart of the village ofAlbiez-Montrond, above the main town of Le Mollard.

Accessible and a change of scenery, it is an integral part of the Albiez-Montrond ski area. It offers breathtaking panoramic views!

If you head a little further east, you’ll have a breathtaking view of the Pointe d’Emy. If you follow this ridge line all the way south, you’ll come face to face with the treasure of this corner of paradise, the famous Aiguilles d’Arves! To the north, you can see the Grand Coin and the Col du Chaussy.

Information: departure from Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne

39 km
1 240 D+
Level 3 / Red

5. Col de la Iron Cross

The Col de la Croix de Fer is perched at an altitude of 2,067m. From Bourg d’Oisans, you’ll head up this superb valley alongOz-en-Oisans and the Grand-Maison lake, passing by the beautiful Verney dam. From the Col du Glandon and the Villards valley, you can enjoy a completely different atmosphere as you skirt the Belledonne massif and the resort of Saint-Colomban-des-Villards.

Finally, leaving from Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne, the winding ascent from Saint-Jean-d’Arves and Saint-Sorlin-d’Arves takes you through charming Alpine hamlets before passing Lac Laitelet and Lac Guichard.

Information: departure from Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne

29.3km
1 620 D+
Level 4 / Black

7. Col de la Brotherhood

The Col de la Confrérie lies at an altitude of 1,348m between Villargondran and Albiez-le-Jeune. It is one of the entrances to theAlbiez-Montrond resort.

Situated to the north of the two Albiez resorts, you’ll love the 360° panorama that’s so easily accessible! You’ll have the opportunity to discover a large part of our valley.

To the north, you’ll have a breathtaking view of the Croix des Têtes, the largest limestone face in Europe, and the Grand Coin. To the east, you can see Mont Tissot, the first approach to this cirque leading to the foot of the Aiguilles d’Arves, the landmark of our region. To the south-west, you can admire Mont Charvin.

Information: departure from Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne

29 km
900 D+
Level 3 / Red

8. Col du Sapey

The Col du Sapey lies at an altitude of 1,306m, between Hermillon and Mont-Denis.

Secret and unspoilt, it links the small hamlets of Montandré and Grenis. Its charm lies not only in its panoramic views, but also in its relaxing tranquillity and wilderness, making it a pass like no other.

In the vicinity of the pass, or from Grenis or Montandré, you’ll have a breathtaking view of the lacets of Sapey and the town of Saint-Jean-De-Maurienne! You can also see the Chevrotière cross and the Col de la Confrérie!

Take in the high altitude resorts of the Arvan valley. A little-travelled mountain road in the shade of the trees, this beautiful, soothing loop is away from the hustle and bustle of the major Alpine tourist centres.

Information: departure from Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne