Col du Pré

Altitude 1703 m

Massif du Beaufortin

Department Savoie

Versant Beaufort

Distance 12.2 km

Start Beaufort (Vallée du Doron)

D+ 966 m

% medium 8%

% max 9.5% over 5.7 km

The Col du Pré - 1703 m - from Beaufort is an ascent to Lac de Roselend. After a short link to the Col de Méraillet - 1605 m, it's also an alternative ascent to the Cormet de Roselend - 1968 m.

Warning, this is a much tougher climb than the Col de Méraillet... 12.2 km with 966 m of D+ at 8% average, that sets the level for you!

Starting from Beaufort and continuing for 3.6 km, the slope is already quite steep, with sections ranging from 6.5 to 8% as far as the hamlet of La Praz. You'll be able to breathe in around 900 m at 4.5%, followed by a slight descent - 400 m - on reaching Arêches. Make the most of it, because after that, the fun's over: 15 twists and turns to climb on a narrow road that gets harder and harder, rising from 8 to 9.5%! Note that you'll have to sustain your effort or suffer martyrdom for 7.3 km, depending on your form! At the Col du Pré at 1703 m, you'll have 12.2 km of ascent on the clock, but a little surprise awaits you: the climb isn't over yet! In fact, you'll have to take on a little extra ramp with 270 m at 8% and then, oh joy, finish off 465 m at 2% to the parking lot for the official Col du Pré ascent timer. Mind you, the 1748 m are a little optimistic; you're actually at 1735 m altitude. But don't worry about the numbers, you'll be rewarded with a majestic view of Lac de Roselend!

From the Col du Pré, the link to the Col de Méraillet won't be quite so relaxing as it offers 3 small difficulties

• Following the Col du Pré, you'll have to stuff yourself with a little extra ramp with 270 m at 8% and then, oh joy, finish 465 m at 2% to the parking area for the official Col du Pré ascent Chrono.
• After passing the Lac de Roselend dam, another 200 m climb at 8%.
• This one you wouldn't expect, but just before the Col de Méraillet: a pretty nasty steep climb of 175 m at 12%!

Versant Col du Méraillet

Distance 5.2 km

Start Col de Méraillet

D+ 177 m

% medium 5%

% max 11% on 270 m

If you want to reach Beaufort from Lac de Roselend, we advise you to take the Col du Pré, which offers much better views than the descent from the Col de Méraillet. From the Col de Méraillet, it's 5.2 km to the Col du Pré. A descent takes you to the Lac de Roselend dam. A spectacular passage (775 m) over the dam is guaranteed! Then, a few tough hairpin bends - but in a sumptuous setting - with a gradient of between 7 and 11% average will take you to the official Col du Pré ascent timing parking lot at 1735 m altitude. You'll then reach the Col du Pré - 1703 m - on a 735 m descent.

Author

Joris Lesueur

webmaster of alpes4ever.com

contact@alpes4ever.com