Between Flumet and the Beaufortain, Col des Saisies climbs toward a plateau of alpine pastures known for its Nordic ski resorts and open landscapes — but also for a particularly changeable climbing profile.
A three-part ascent
From Flumet, it’s about 14.6 km for 807 m of elevation gain, averaging 5.5%, with steeper sections around 9.7%. The summit tops out at 1,658 m, at the heart of the Saisies plateau.
An uneven pass at the heart of the Beaufortain
Col des Saisies has a signature quirk: the climb is organized into three distinct sections, broken up by two short flat or even downhill stretches of about two kilometers. This sawtooth profile demands the ability to surge back into rhythm rather than hold a steady pace, unlike most major Alpine passes.
How to approach the ride
It’s better to keep some energy in reserve for the surges after each flat section rather than going out too hard on the first ramps, which don’t always reflect the difficulty of what follows.
When to climb it
May to October, ideally in summer when the Saisies plateau’s alpine pastures are at their most welcoming and the road is clear of snow.
Good to know
The Saisies plateau, a well-known Nordic ski resort, offers wide views over the Beaufortain and Mont-Blanc massifs from the summit — ideal for a break before descending toward Beaufort or Villard-sur-Doron.
