The Cormet de Roselend is a high mountain pass in the French Alps at 1,967m above sea level in the Savoie department in France. The region is known for its beautiful scenery and mountain views.
The best time to visit the Cormet de Roselend for cycling is from June to September when the weather is warm and dry. However, it can be busy during this time as it is a popular tourist destination. Try visiting in May or October if you want a less crowded experience.
Cormet de Roselend can be climbed from two directions;
- Bourg-Saint-Maurice (southeast)
- Beaufort (west)
Both ways are very similar in terms of length and average gradient. The climb from Beaufort will take you around Lac de Roseland, which offers stunning views of the valley.
Starting point : Bourg-Saint-Maurice
Bourg-Saint-Maurice is an excellent town for cyclists, as many famous climbs in the Tour de France are located around the area. The town is also well-connected, so it’s easy to get around.
Bourg-Saint-Maurice is located southeast of Cormet de Roselend. The climb is long (19.2km) but gradual, with gradients between 5 and 7%. The average gradient is 5.1%.
| Cormet de Roselend from Bourg-Saint-Maurice | |
|---|---|
| Distance | 19.2km |
| Climb category | HC |
| Elevation gain | 1,101m |
| Minimum elevation | 881m |
| Maximum elevation | 1,975m |
| Average gradient | 5.7% |
| Maximum gradient | 10.0% |
| Strava segment | Cormet de Roselene from Bourg-Saint-Maurice |
Starting point : Beaufort
Beaufort is located to the west of the Cormet de Roselend.
The climb from Beaufort is 20km long and averages 5.8%. The road (D925) will bring you around Lac de Roselend. It’s flat around Lac de Roselend and has a stunning lake view before continuing for the second part of the climb.
Alternatively, you can climb Col de Saisies, located 13km outside Beaufort, or Col du Pré, 10km away.
| Cormet de Roselend from Beaufort | |
|---|---|
| Distance | 20.0km |
| Climb category | HC |
| Elevation gain | 1,198m |
| Minimum elevation | 771m |
| Maximum elevation | 1,932m |
| Average gradient | 5.8% |
| Maximum gradient | 9.3% |
| Strava segment | Cormet de Roselend from Beaufort |
Cormet de Roselend in the Tour de France
Cormet de Roselend is a Category 1 climb and has featured in the Tour de France 13 times since 1979.
Cormet de Roselend was the day’s first climb on Stage 18 in 2020, with the peloton climbing from Bourg-Saint-Maurice and descending into Beaufort. Ineos Grenadiers achieved a rare 1-2 with Michal Kwiatkowski and Richard Carapax finishing and winning the stage together.
| Year | Stage | Category | Start | Finish | First to summit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 9 | 1 | Cluses | Tignes | Nairo Quintana |
| 2020 | 18 | 1 | Méribel | La Roche-sur-Foron | Marc Hirschi |
| 2018 | 11 | 2 | Albertville | La Rosière | Warren Barguil |
| 2009 | 17 | 1 | Bourg-Saint-Maurice | Le Grand-Bornand | Franco Pellizotti |
| 2007 | 8 | 1 | Le Grand-Bornand | Tignes | Michael Rasmussen |
| 2005 | 10 | 1 | Grenoble | Courchevel | Laurent Brochard |
| 2002 | 17 | 1 | Aime | Cluses | Mario Aerts |
| 1996 | 7 | 1 | Chambéry | Les Arcs | Udo Bölts |
| 1995 | 9 | 1 | Le Grand-Bornand | La Plagne | Alex Zülle |
| 1992 | 13 | 1 | Saint-Gervais–Mont Blanc | Sestrières | Claudio Chiappucci |
| 1987 | 22 | 1 | La Plagne | Morzine | Mathieu Hermans |
| 1984 | 19 | 1 | La Plagne | Morzine | Francis Castaing |
| 1979 | 16 | 1 | Morzine | Les Menuires | Henk Lubberding |