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Three passes in Valle d'Aosta

Jacques Franck CC n° 4134

Col du Nivolet IT-AO-2612

Located to the west of Gran Paradisio. We left the motorways at Ivrea and from there headed for Cuorgne to take the N460 as far as Rosone (an uninteresting route). We left the cars behind and began the ascent, 36 km from 700 m to 2612 m.

The first few kilometres were a fairly easy warm-up. Faced with a gallery - signposted 15 % - we took the old road, but after a few kilometres it was completely destroyed for more than 200 metres. Acrobatic portage. Fearing that the rest of the route would be just as arduous, we entered the gallery, which fortunately had extraordinarily effective lighting. Despite the slowness of our progress - given the gradient of 15 % - we were not hindered in any way by the traffic, which was not abundant. We discovered the first lake, which we skirted without too much trouble. In front of us, a vertical wall where the twists and turns of our road can be seen. They seemed to be tackling an insurmountable barrier... but with the slowness of our 72 years, we negotiated them all to discover another lake and sparkling views of the chain that separates Le Nivolet from the Val d'Isère valley. After crossing a small pass, we were on the shores of a second lake, also dominated by a rocky wall where we could once again make out some conquering switchbacks. Still at the speed of our years, we caressed them all before finally reaching the summit. Splendid views of the switchbacks, the lakes and the Col de la Galise and its neighbours. Once over the pass, we discover a new lake. You can get there via a tarmac road that ends in an impassable cycle path. It leads to the Val d'Aoste via the Valsavaranche valley. Jules and I proclaim this climb one of our cycling-touring marvels. On the descent, we appreciate the quality of the gallery: smooth asphalt, very wide road, perfect lighting. Our speedometers topped 70 kph without giving us any fright.

Colle della Croce IT-AO-2373

If you are very demanding, you can start this ascent from Morgex (Val d'Aoste) or La Thuile (route du Petit Saint-Bernard) but then you have to face the Colle San Carlo. The asphalt road on the Morgex side climbs 10 km at an average of 10 %, with many sections at 12.5 %. It's a little shorter and easier on the other side. At the top of the pass, a forest track - with a signpost - begins the route towards Colle della Croce. It soon becomes a cycle path and leaves the forested area. From here, you can see Mont Blanc and the marvellous chain that stretches from the Dent du Géant to the Grandes Jorasses.

The path is narrow but not dangerous. Near the summit, there is an old military building and a low wall. Superb views of the resort of La Thuile and its ski area. The Petit Saint-Bernard pass road rises up through the greenery. And of course, views of Mont Blanc. Easy route.

Col des Chavannes 2592 m IT-AO-2603a

Coming from La Thuile, on the road leading to Petit Saint-Bernard, just before the hamlet of Pont Serrand, take the tarmac road on the right (signposted Col des Chavannes). This road climbs steeply for 2 km and ends up as a mule track after about 4 km.

This road runs alongside the Vallon des Chavannes, through pastures. The slope is gentle and the surface not too stony, so much so that you can enjoy the peace and quiet of the valley. Shortly before the hamlet of Chavannes Haut, there are a few slightly more difficult switchbacks and before you, a wide expanse of multicoloured mountain pastures where marmots whistle and gambol. The view is limited by the neighbouring ridges, some of which - on the north side - still have many patches of snow on them. Arriving at the geographical pass - which can be seen in the distance - is an experience of absolute wonder. You forget to breathe. First lodge! A direct view of the Mont-Blanc massif, the Peuterey range, the Miage glacier and the Col de la Seigne, which looks very low but nevertheless dominates the bottom of the Val Vény and the Élisabeth refuge. Rarely have I been so «suffocated» by the sight of such an environment. A very easy descent.

What a season! The Ventoux at night, the Grand Colombier in full sunshine, and those three passes in the Aosta Valley...

And four bonus photos: