Haute-Savoie · HC climb · Two approaches
Conquer Col de Joux Plane: The Relentless Wall Above Samoëns
Barely 12 km long, yet ranked hors catégorie: the Col de Joux Plane climbs almost 1,000 m out of Samoëns with no real place to rest, then drops riders straight into one of the most feared descents in Tour de France history.
Quick facts
- Distance
- 11.6 km
- Average grade
- 8.5%
- Max grade
- 13%
- Elevation gain
- 990 m
- Summit
- 1,691 m
The experience
Joux Plane links Samoëns with Morzine in the Chablais. From Samoëns the classic Tour approach is 11.6 km at 8.5% average with about 990 m of gain to the pass at 1,691 m — short by Alpine standards, but relentless.
The first half from Samoëns runs mostly at 7–8% on sunny slopes; after the Chantemerle turn the last six kilometres sit at 8–10%, including the steepest stretch of around 13%. A long, straight final ramp keeps the pass in sight for what feels like forever.
The Tour de France has crossed Joux Plane 13 times since 1978, usually as the final climb before Morzine. Lance Armstrong famously ran out of energy here in 2000, and Jon Izagirre won in 2016 by attacking on the rain-soaked descent.
The descent to Morzine is steep and technical. Enjoy the lake and the Mont Blanc views at the top, add a layer, and treat the way down with as much respect as the way up.
Pro tips
- Start slower than you think — the steepest kilometres come after halfway.
- Use low gearing; the second half sits at 8–10%.
- Eat early and again at halfway; running out of fuel happens fast here.
- Ride early in summer — the south side is largely in the sun.
- Carry a layer for the fast, partly shaded descent.
- Respect the descent to Morzine: brake before bends and stay in your lane.
