The Cormet de Roselend, at 1,968 m, links the Beaufortain to the Tarentaise valley while running alongside the turquoise waters of Lac de Roselend. Classified beyond category (HC), this climb has featured in the Tour de France more than a dozen times since 1979 and ranks among the most photogenic ascents in the French Alps.
A climb in two distinct halves
From Beaufort (741 m), it’s 20.3 km for 1,227 m of elevation gain, averaging 6.04% with a maximum around 9.6%. The climb unfolds in two clearly different halves: first 11.8 km through the forest up to the Col de Méraillet (1,605 m), at a steeper average of 7.3%, then a more rolling section alongside Lac de Roselend before the final switchbacks to the summit.
Getting the ride right
The first section, through the trees up to the Col de Méraillet, is the toughest part: it’s better to ride it at a controlled pace rather than dig into your reserves too early. Once you reach the lake, the gradient eases and the landscape opens right up, letting you pick the pace back up for the finish. Riders looking for variety can climb via the steeper Col du Pré instead and descend via the Col de Méraillet.
When to go
The pass is generally open from mid-May to mid-October, with the exact reopening date each year depending on the previous winter’s snowfall and how the snow-clearing progresses. Outside of July and August, it’s worth checking the road’s status before setting off, since snow can still fall at altitude early and late in the season.
Good to know
Beaufort, the village at the foot of the climb, is also the birthplace of Beaufort AOP cheese, made from the milk of Tarine cows that graze the surrounding alpine pastures. It’s worth planning a stop for a taste before or after the ride, alongside a good choice of accommodation for exploring the passes of the Beaufortain and the Tarentaise.
