Col des Égaux

And its view of Grand Som and Petit Som

Altitude 958 m

Massif de la Chartreuse

Département Savoie

Topo North side

The Col des Égaux - 958 m - is a rather discreet, if not secret, gateway to or from the western flank of the Chartreuse Massif.
After climbing the busy Col de Couz from Les Échelles, this 5 km ascent offers a certain amount of peace and quiet. On the other hand, it's a fairly sustained climb, with an average gradient of 6.5% and, above all, a long section of 2.6 km on a gradient of between 8 and 9%. The straight-as-an-i final stretch, which offers little shelter from headwinds, may seem like a long way to go.
. Apart from a fine view of the cliffs of Mont Outheran from the Col de Couz, there's not much to distract you on this largely forested ascent of the north face, with the austere look of the west face of La Cochette. On the other hand, the reward will be found on the descent to Corbel with spectacular views over the Gorges du Guiers Vif, the Pas du Frou and the magnificent Grand Som and Petit Som peaks.

South side topo

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From St-Pierre-d'Entremont - 7.6 km - the south-facing slope is very irregular and will give you a hard time, especially in the first part as far as Corbel.
Quite confidential, it follows a tiny road (created only in 1994) that climbs to Corbel (1 passage of 1.450 km at 10.5%) via the hamlet of Les Gants.
At Corbel, enjoy a panoramic view of the Grand Som and Petit Som peaks overlooking the vertiginous Gorges du Guiers Vif. A bit of an ass-kicking will catch you on the way out of Corbel. But a lovely 1.5 km flat area will enable you to make rapid progress, with a fine view of the Pas du Frou. The gradient then takes over again - between 6 and 7.5% - all the way to Les Bozons.

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