Col du Fornet: Driving the steep 9.3% ski track on the French-Swiss border
Reaching an elevation of 2,245m (7,365ft) above sea level, Col du Fornet is an international high mountain pass situated directly on the border between France and Switzerland. Perched atop the rugged ski slopes above Avoriaz, this pass serves as a strategic mountain link between the two countries, though it remains one of the most technical and raw tracks in the Chablais Alps.
| Road facts: Col du Fornet | |
|---|---|
| Location | French-Swiss Border (Avoriaz/Monthey) |
| Elevation | 2,245 m (7,365 ft) |
| Length | 2.2 km (1.3 miles) |
| Average Gradient | 9.36% |
| Road Type | Unpaved Ski Station Service Road |
Where is Col du Fornet?
The pass is located on the frontier between the Haute-Savoie department in south-eastern France and the district of Monthey in the Swiss canton of Valais. It sits in the heart of the Portes du Soleil ski area, dominated by the dramatic limestone peaks of the region. Access is typically gained through the French side near Avoriaz, following the high-altitude ridgelines that define the border.
Is Col du Fornet unpaved?
Yes, the road to the summit is totally unpaved. It is primarily used as a service road for the ski station and chairlift maintenance. The surface consists of loose rocks, shale, and dirt, which can become extremely slippery and treacherous after rain. Because it is a working track for heavy machinery, the road is raw and lacks any safety features. The final section is particularly challenging, where the track gets very steep for the last kilometer or two, requiring a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle with excellent low-range capabilities to maintain traction on the loose debris.
How long is the road to Col du Fornet?
Starting from the notorious Pas de Chavanette (also known as the Swiss Wall), the road to the summit is 2.2 km (1.3 miles) long. Over this very short distance, drivers must tackle an elevation gain of 206 meters. This results in a stiff average gradient of 9.36%, but the climb is far from steady. The ramps near the top are much steeper, pushing the vehicle's engine and cooling system to their limits in the thin mountain air. It is a short but brutal ascent that leaves no room for hesitation.
Is the road to Col du Fornet open in winter?
No, set high in the French Alps, the road is completely impassable in winter. As it is part of the active ski slopes of Avoriaz and Les Crosets, the track is buried under several meters of snow for most of the year. It usually only becomes clear for motor vehicles between July and September, depending on the previous winter's snowpack. Even in summer, the weather at 2,245m can change instantly, with sudden fog or snowstorms making the narrow, cliff-side service track extremely dangerous for anyone caught unprepared.
Pic: SteadyMTB