Less famous than its Haute-Savoie neighbours, Col de la Ramaz is nonetheless a recurring feature of the Tour de France, a solid first-category test above the Giffre valley.
A steady climb with one hard stretch
From Mieussy, it’s 14 km for 982 m of elevation gain, averaging 7%, with a section past the midpoint that touches 12% for a few hundred metres. The gradient settles back to a more even 7-8% for the final kilometres up to the 1,559 m summit.
A regular in the Tour de France
Col de la Ramaz has featured in the Tour de France in 2003, 2010, 2016 and 2023, most often used as an opening difficulty before the race tackles bigger Alpine passes later in the stage.
Getting the ride right
A cycling computer with a gradient display helps pace the steeper middle section without overcooking the effort before the steadier grind that follows.
When to go
May to October — the road is well maintained but can still hold ice in the shaded upper switchbacks early in the season.
Good to know
The summit gives direct access to the Praz de Lys-Sommand plateau, a popular base for extending the ride with a loop through the surrounding pastureland.
