Top 20 Mountain Passes around Megève
Best mountain passes around Megève are situated in the French Alps, offering access to diverse outdoor activities. The region is characterized by its mountainous terrain, providing routes for cyclists and hikers. These passes connect various valleys and towns, serving as key geographical features in the landscape. The area's natural environment supports a range of experiences for visitors.
Best mountain passes around Megève
- The most popular mountain pass is Col des Aravis, a mountain pass that connects the departments of Haute-Savoie and Savoie, as well as the ski resorts of La Clusaz and La Giettaz. It is popular with cyclists and offers views of Mont Blanc.
- Another must-see spot is Col des Saisies, a mountain pass connecting the Beaufortain valley with the Val d'Arly. It is a renowned part of the Route des Grandes Alpes cycling route and features a ski resort.
- Visitors also love Tricot Pass, a mountain pass located at 2,120 meters. It is part of the Tour du Mont Blanc and offers views of the Dôme de Miage and Mont Blanc.
- Megève is known for mountain passes that cater to cycling, hiking, and scenic drives. The region offers a variety of routes, from challenging climbs to accessible trails.
- The mountain passes around Megève are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 700 upvotes and 275 photos contributed by users.
Last updated: May 14, 2026
Col des Aravis
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Voza Pass
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If you're lucky, you might see the iconic Mont-Blanc tramway pass by. This cogwheel train is the highest in France.
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Col des Saisies
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Tricot Pass
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Col du Bonhomme
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Tips from the Community
The snack bar at Col de Voza has a lovely terrace in the summer. Delicious ice cream, a BBQ, and even live music. A very relaxed atmosphere.
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Charmless pass between the ski slopes. The end of the road above Hauteluce offers beautiful views towards Arêches.
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Perfect starting point for great mountain bike or running tours. Everything on site. Parking, shops, nature.
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It looks like a picture of beautiful Switzerland. It is a meeting point for numerous routes, and also a stop for the Montblanc tramway. In fact, here we rode to be taken down to Le Fayet.
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Situated at 1,657 metres (5,436 ft). the col de Voza is a stunning and popular spot above Chamonix. and St.Gervais les Bains. It's also a train stop for the highest mountain railway in France - to Bellevue at 1,800 metres (5,905 ft) in the winter and the Nid d'Aigle at 2,372 metres (7,782 ft) in the summer.
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Mecca for cycling, the Col des Saisies is less known for trail running. With its many services, it nevertheless has the advantage of being a good refueling point during long outings. It can also serve as a starting point if you do not want to leave the valley.
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The Col des Saisies is one of the most famous passes in Savoy. The pass, located at an altitude of 1,681 meters, connects the Beaufortain valley with the Val d'Arly. The pass has been tackled many times by the Tour de France and is also home to a ski resort.
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The Col de Tricot on the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) is a mountain pass that enchants with its alpine grandeur. As you ascend to the col, the landscape unfolds in a spectacle of pristine beauty. Towering peaks, snow-capped summits, and meadows adorned with wildflowers surround the trail. Reaching the Col de Tricot is a rewarding challenge, and as you stand at this high mountain pass, you're greeted by breathtaking panoramic views. The air is crisp, and the silence is profound, interrupted only by the occasional rustle of the wind. The col provides a perfect vantage point to appreciate the rugged beauty of the Mont Blanc Massif. Hikers often pause at the Col de Tricot, not only to catch their breath but to soak in the serene ambiance and to capture the majestic scenery in photographs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which mountain passes near Megève are popular for road cycling?
The region around Megève offers several challenging and scenic passes for cyclists. Col des Aravis is a well-known feature on the Tour de France route, offering challenging ascents. Similarly, Col des Saisies is part of the Route des Grandes Alpes and has been tackled many times by the Tour de France. Col de la Croix Fry also provides a challenging climb with an average gradient of 6.6% from Thônes.
Which mountain passes offer the most impressive views of Mont Blanc?
Several passes provide breathtaking views of Mont Blanc. From Col des Aravis, you can enjoy dramatic views of Mont Blanc and the surrounding Aravis mountain chain. Col des Saisies also offers panoramic views, often including distant glimpses of Mont Blanc. Col de la Croix Fry provides fabulous views of Mont Blanc on a clear day, and Col du Joly boasts a 360° panorama that prominently features Mont Blanc.
Are there any historical or cultural landmarks at the mountain passes?
Yes, the Col des Aravis features a small chapel dedicated to St. Anne, founded in 1624, which graces the summit and offers protection to travelers.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near the mountain passes around Megève?
The mountain passes around Megève are excellent starting points for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including moderate and difficult options, as well as running routes and challenging mountain biking trails. For more details on routes, you can explore the Hiking around Megève, Running Trails around Megève, and MTB Trails around Megève guides.
When is the best time of year to visit the mountain passes near Megève?
The mountain passes around Megève are versatile destinations year-round. In summer, they are ideal for cycling, hiking, and mountain biking. In winter, passes like Col des Saisies and Col de la Croix Fry transform into hubs for winter sports, offering alpine and Nordic skiing, and snowshoeing.
Are there family-friendly options among the mountain passes near Megève?
While many passes offer challenging routes, the areas around them often provide more accessible options. For instance, the plateau at the summit of Col de la Croix Fry is ideal for stopping and enjoying nature. For specific family-friendly hikes, it's best to check individual trail descriptions within the Hiking around Megève guide.
What are the typical terrains encountered on hikes around Megève's mountain passes?
You can expect a variety of terrains, including winding roads with hairpin bends, alpine meadows where cows graze, and trails that pass through beautiful alpine valleys. Some passes, like Col du Joly, feature demanding climbs, while others offer more gentle sections.
Can I find places to eat or stay near the mountain passes?
Yes, some passes offer amenities. For example, Col de la Croix Fry has restaurants, sports shops, and accommodation at its summit. Col du Joly also has a restaurant, 'Chez Gaston,' at the top where visitors can enjoy the scenery. Col des Aravis also has local shops and restaurants.
What makes <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/768379" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Voza Pass</a> unique?
Voza Pass, located at 1,653 meters, is unique for being a stop on the iconic Mont-Blanc tramway, the highest cogwheel train in France. It offers stunning views above Chamonix and St. Gervais les Bains, with occasional glimpses of Les Houches and Chamonix in the valley.
What can I expect at <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/283412" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tricot Pass</a>?
Tricot Pass, at 2,120 meters, is part of the famous Tour du Mont Blanc route. It offers magnificent views of the Dôme de Miage and Mont Blanc, making it a perfect spot to rest and admire the scenery before continuing your journey.
What is the highest mountain pass mentioned near Megève?
The highest mountain pass mentioned is Col du Bonhomme, which reaches an elevation of 2,329 meters (7,641 feet). It links the Val Montjoie to the Beaufortain and offers superb views, though it can be snowy and may require crampons and an ice axe.
Are there opportunities for wildlife spotting near the passes?
Yes, in areas like the Col des Aravis, visitors can often spot chamois in the distance within the beautiful alpine valleys.
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