French Alps, France · from Samoëns
Col de Joux Plane
Joux Plane from Samoëns packs nearly 1,000 m of climbing into 11.6 km with almost no flat metres and constant changes of pitch. It looks modest on paper next to the giants, but its irregular steepness and its position close to stage finishes in Morzine have made it a giant-killer.
Summit elevation: 1691 m
How fast would you climb Col de Joux Plane?
Enter your power and weight. A physics engine calculates your estimated time against the gradient profile.
Predict your
performance.
See how power and weight affect your time on a real climb.
*Demo simulation uses standard road bike physics (CdA 0.32, Crr 0.004).
Col de Joux Plane and the Tour
A Tour regular since 1978, always followed by the fast, technical descent to Morzine. Its reputation rests on the champions it has embarrassed — most famously in 2000, when the strongest rider in the race famously blew up on its slopes.
In 2023 the Pogačar-Vingegaard duel went through Joux Plane on the way to Morzine, reaffirming its role as the Haute-Savoie's decisive climb. KOM-level times for this side are around 33-35 minutes.
Get a km-by-km pacing guideRiding it yourself
When to go
Open May to November in most years. The lower slopes are pastoral and exposed; midsummer afternoons are hot, and the top section regularly breaks the 10% mark when you least want it.
Base & logistics
Samoëns is the base; Morzine over the top makes the natural loop via the Col du Ranfolly and the valley road back. Water in the villages on the lower half only.
FAQ
How long is the Col de Joux Plane climb?
From Samoëns, the climb is about 12 km with roughly 971 m of elevation gain at 8.1% average gradient (based on the simplified profile used by this simulator; published figures vary slightly by source).
How long does it take to cycle up Col de Joux Plane?
It depends almost entirely on your power-to-weight ratio. Use the simulator on this page: enter your FTP and weight, and a physics model (air resistance, rolling resistance, gravity) estimates your time on the gradient profile.
How accurate is the time simulation?
The simulator uses a simplified segment profile and standard road bike assumptions (CdA 0.32, Crr 0.004, 8 kg bike). It does not model wind, drafting, altitude, surface or pacing errors, so treat the result as a realistic estimate, not a guarantee.
How should I train for Col de Joux Plane?
Sustained climbs reward steady threshold and sweet spot work plus a power-to-weight improvement over weeks, not days. TrainCraft builds structured cycling training plans and adapts them when you miss sessions, using fatigue science (CTL/ATL/TSB).
More famous climbs
Preparing for this climb?
A climb like this is won weeks in advance. TrainCraft builds a structured plan around your FTP and available hours, and adapts it when you miss a workout.
Start Training FreeThe profile is simplified into 9 segments for simulation; real gradients vary metre by metre. Stats shown are derived from this simulated profile and closely match commonly published figures. Time estimates assume standard road bike physics and no wind.
Training for a climb like this?
TrainCraft builds structured training plans and adapts them when life gets in the way — real fatigue science (CTL/ATL/TSB), visual workout builder, Strava & Garmin sync. Free to start.