From Flumet (2,982 ft / 909 m) to the Col des Aravis (4,875 ft / 1,486 m) it is 7.2 miles (11.6 km) at an average of 5.3% with 2,001 ft (610 m) of total climbing. It is a friendly climb, ideal for a first taste of the high mountains or for linking with the Colombière on a ride through the Aravis range.
What the climb is like
- Km 0 to 3 (first 1.9 miles). You leave Flumet toward Les Pontets at 4.5 to 6.5%, which then eases.
- Km 3 to 6. A flat stretch with even a short descent, through Manant and Les Glières. That is why total climbing (2,001 ft / 610 m) is more than the elevation difference (1,893 ft / 577 m).
- Km 6 to the top. The road climbs again at La Giettaz and Le Plan: kilometers at 6 to 9%, and a very steady 7-8% finish, with the odd kicker close to 10%, up to the pass.
At the top, in good weather, you can see the Mont Blanc massif.
A note on the numbers
Climbfinder gives 7.2 miles (11.6 km) and 2,001 ft (610 m) at 5.3%, and CyclingCols 7.3 miles (11.7 km) and 2,005 ft (611 m). Cols-cyclisme and Wikipedia give 11.7 km at 4.9%, an average based on the elevation difference. The maximum grade ranges from 7.9 to 11.2% depending on the source; we use CyclingCols’ 10%.
History
The Aravis is a Tour de France regular: Wikipedia counts 41 crossings since 1947. Gino Bartali crested it first in 1948, and in recent years Jérôme Pineau (2010), Thomas De Gendt (2016) and Richard Carapaz (2020) have done the same. It is usually climbed as a pass between the Tarentaise and Annecy or Morzine.
When to go, water and traffic
The road, part of the Route des Grandes Alpes, sometimes closes in winter because of snow. In summer there is a fair amount of car and motorcycle traffic. There is water in Flumet and La Giettaz. From the top you descend to La Clusaz and Thônes, or to Le Grand-Bornand to carry on toward the Colombière.
What gearing to use
Nothing special needed here: a 34x25 or 34x28 is enough. At 3 W/kg (watts per kilogram of body weight) and 159 lb (72 kg), you ride about 7.5 mph (12 km/h) on 7%, about 80 rpm on a 34x28. Run your numbers in the gear calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to climb the Col des Aravis from Flumet?
A 159 lb (72 kg) rider on a 21 lb (9.5 kg) bike takes about 46 min at 3 W/kg (216 W), 54 min at 2.5 W/kg and 36 min at 4 W/kg. Work out your own time with your weight and power in the calculator on this page.
Is the Col des Aravis hard?
Not especially. From Flumet the average is 5.3% and the steepest pitches stay at 8-10%. From Thônes it is longer (11.7 miles / 18.9 km) but even gentler (4.6%).
How many times has the Tour de France crossed the Aravis?
According to Wikipedia, 41 times since 1947. Gino Bartali crested it first in 1948, and more recently Thomas De Gendt (2016) and Richard Carapaz (2020).