Cols in the Chablais: Ramaz, Encrenaz and Joux Plane

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This ride combines the climbs of three cols, the Col de Joux Plane, the Col de la Ramaz and the Col de l'Encrenaz. In total, 2270 metres of elevation are covered. For lovers of scenic beauty, there is much to enjoy, including views of the mighty Mont Blanc massif. The majority of the route runs along quiet roads.

Of the 2270 metres of elevation gain, a significant portion (990 metres) is covered in the ascent of the Ramaz, only 280 metres in the ascent of the Encrenaz and 750 metres during the climb to the Joux Plane. In fact, only the second half of the climb to the Encrenaz is included in this ride. As a result, it is much easier (203 climb effort points (cep)) than the other two climbs (778 cep for the Ramaz and 617 cep for the Joux Plane). More information, including profiles, can be found here for the Ramaz, here for the Encrenaz and here for the Joux Plane. Finally, there is a profile of the part of the Encrenaz included in this route.

I found the landscape wonderful during the climb to the Col de la Ramaz and in the first part of the descent from this pass. Here the road is quiet and views of the Mont Blanc are often sublime, especially in that first part of the descent. However, the scenic highlight of the ride is, in my opinion, the climb to the Encrenaz. Views are not wide but the nearby mountains give a feeling of intimacy. Here too, there is little traffic. I can say little about the views during the climb and descent of the Joux Plane because clouds hid much of the surroundings when I cycled here. Unfortunately, there are also two sections with quite busy traffic in the route, namely the passage of Morzine and the road through the valley of the Giffre, especially before reaching Taninges.

The ride could also be cycled in the opposite direction, but the direction suggested here is my preference. The reason is that the Ramaz and the Encrenaz are then climbed from the most beautiful side and not descended, so that one has more opportunity to enjoy the landscape. If you still want to cycle the tour anti-clockwise, you could consider starting the climb to the Joux Plane in Samoëns. In that case, one has to cycle a bit further on the relatively busy road through the valley of the Giffre.