Col des Saisies 1,650m France ★★★
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Ridden...
2006, 2015, 2017
Description...
Essentially the D218 from Flumet to Beaufort and with Les Saisies ski resort at the top; in 2015 & 2017, every road surface going including loose stones and gravel on the descent making for interesting riding! From the top, we attempted a little off-road riding, across the verge from the main road to a local car park! So, heading down towards Beaufort, starts with lots of shops and other premises associated with a town centre. Once out of Les Saisies itself, although the road is wide enough and the contour risers long enough, the roadworks and loose gravel restricts speeds to 20mph (and Nick managed a front wheel slide over one particularly nasty stretch…).
Once onto better Tarmac, the surface is smooth although the risers once again are not that long and thus speeds are not that high. Sturdy log fence would keep things in check in the event of a disaster and for most of the way down, the road and surrounding area is not that steep, mainly pastures and meadows. Proper hairpins and switchbacks, again, not that steep. Lower down, more villages, some quite large (eg Hauteluce) meaning appropriate speed restrictions. Opens out to wider meadows towards the bottom and approaching Beaufort. A proper Alpine pass, not one you’d make the trip alone for though.
2006, 2015, 2017
Description...
Essentially the D218 from Flumet to Beaufort and with Les Saisies ski resort at the top; in 2015 & 2017, every road surface going including loose stones and gravel on the descent making for interesting riding! From the top, we attempted a little off-road riding, across the verge from the main road to a local car park! So, heading down towards Beaufort, starts with lots of shops and other premises associated with a town centre. Once out of Les Saisies itself, although the road is wide enough and the contour risers long enough, the roadworks and loose gravel restricts speeds to 20mph (and Nick managed a front wheel slide over one particularly nasty stretch…).
Once onto better Tarmac, the surface is smooth although the risers once again are not that long and thus speeds are not that high. Sturdy log fence would keep things in check in the event of a disaster and for most of the way down, the road and surrounding area is not that steep, mainly pastures and meadows. Proper hairpins and switchbacks, again, not that steep. Lower down, more villages, some quite large (eg Hauteluce) meaning appropriate speed restrictions. Opens out to wider meadows towards the bottom and approaching Beaufort. A proper Alpine pass, not one you’d make the trip alone for though.
