Finding the last bits of snow — early spring riding in the Alps

Road Cycling Collection by cycliste_tricolore

Tours

08:04 h

98.8 mi

16,725 ft

Here, I want to show you the most beautiful climbs that are accessible while the snow still melts in the northern Alps. May is usually the right season to get back to the mountains on a bike; the mountain passes are gradually opening up and there are only a few cars around.

I get a very unique feeling from riding on these quiet roads, with marmots coming out of their burrows. I can only advise you to get on your bike and try these, but please ask the local tourist office ahead of time for more information about the reopening time for roads.

My favorite ride is, obviously, the Galibier.

See you in May :-)

On The Map

Tours & Highlights

Le Galibier — Finding the last bits of snow
02:47
42.7 mi
15.4 mph
7,175 ft
7,175 ft
The end of May usually marks the start of the summer cycling season and the opening of the alpine “grand cols”. Once again, my sights were firmly set on climbing the most majestic of all northern alpine cols: the Galibier, all 2,642 metres of it.

Despite the heavy snowfalls that winter, I had high hopes of reaching the summit of …
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Cormet de Roselend — Finding the last bits of snow
02:05
24.2 mi
11.6 mph
4,000 ft
4,000 ft
My first mountain pass at about 2,000 meters of 2021, done mid-May while the conditions were still wintery

I had some good weather until the chapel, then snow and hail at the pass. I did the ascent from Bourg St Maurice. Usually, I leave from Pause, the local bike café. The first part of the climb is gradual. It is …
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Lac d'Émosson — Finding the last bits of snow
03:12
31.9 mi
10.0 mph
5,525 ft
5,075 ft
An unknown pass of the Northern Alps which culminates at almost 2,000 meters with a superb view on the Chamonix valley.

Be careful while descending towards the lake, the shaded parts are pretty slippery. I advise you to take gloves and a windbreaker with you. The conditions can still be very wintery.

It is nice to take a break at the Col de la Forclaz, where you will find an open restaurant with a beautiful sunny terrace.
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