Switchbacks rivaling Gotthard Pass (Switzerland) and the mighty Stelvio (Italy)

At a fairly pedestrian 8.3 miles, 3,275’ of gain and 7.5% average grade this climbs statistics would not warrant attention.  However, this is simply an amazing climbing experience due to its amazing formation of hairpins (Lacets in French), 17 in a brief cluster at the start.  .4 miles up the climb we begin an unparalleled set of compressed hairpins known throughout the world as “lacets de Montvernier” (or in english Shoelaces of Montvernier)  that cover 1.2 miles/1.9 km at 8.7% average grade gaining 540’.  

This is a climb that simply must be done if one is anywhere in or near the Savoie Department of southeastern France and the French Alps climbing hub of Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne  

The climb has appeared once (2015) in the Tour de France Stage 19 which was won by The Shark, Vincenzo Nibali of Italy.

PJAMM’s Bruce Hamilton.