In a previous article, we guided you through the opening schedule for the major Alpine passes in the summer of 2025 — a moment eagerly awaited each year by mountain biking enthusiasts. But this season, another initiative deserves just as much attention from lovers of elevation gain and breathtaking scenery: days reserved exclusively for cyclists on some legendary roads in Haute-Savoie.

Thanks to the program “Haute-Savoie at its Summit”, Every Tuesday morning in the summer, mountain passes like Solaison, Semnoz, or Joux Plane will be closed to motorized vehicles and entirely dedicated to cycling. A rare and precious opportunity to climb these roads in complete serenity, without traffic, in the heart of spectacular panoramas.

The 2025 program: 10 mornings for free climbing

• Tuesday, July 1st: Col de Solaison (road closed: RD 186, 12km)
• Tuesday, July 8: Col de Leschaux (road closed: RD 912, 13km)
• Tuesday, July 15: Ajon climb (road closed: RD 26, 9km)
• Sunday, July 20: Col de Joux Plane (road closed: RD 354 20km)
• Tuesday, July 22: Col des Pitons, Salève (Road closed: RD 41A, 11km)
• Tuesday, July 29: Sambuy climb (Road closed: RD 112, 6km)
• Tuesday, August 5th: ascent of Semnoz (Road closed: RD 41, 17km)
• Tuesday, August 12: Col de Joux Verte (Road closed: RD 354, 12km)
• Tuesday, August 19: Neck collar (Road closed: RD 12, 9km)
• Tuesday, August 26: Glières Plateau (Road closed: RD 55, 11km)

Hourly : from 9am to 12pm
Motorized traffic prohibited on the sections concerned
Free, no registration, no timer — the focus is on discovery, not performance.

Why these days deserve a place in your summer

What makes these mornings so special is, first and foremost, the rare feeling of being able to climb a mountain pass in complete safety, without a single car in sight. Whether you're riding alone, with friends, or with family, the ascent becomes smoother, more serene, and above all, more enjoyable.

The setting, moreover, is breathtaking. Each route offers a total immersion in the landscapes of Haute-Savoie, whether it be the grand panoramas of the Plateau des Glières, the shaded slopes of the Semnoz or the alpine atmosphere of Joux Plane.

These days are also designed to be accessible to everyone: no registration, medical certificate, or specific performance level is required. Just bring your bike, your desire to ride… and enjoy!

Finally, this weekly gathering has created a unique atmosphere, where leisurely cyclists and seasoned climbers come together, each progressing at their own pace in a spirit of kindness and sharing.

Practical advice

• Equipment: Remember to bring a vest or windbreaker. These items are essential for descending mountain passes or when a storm is threatening.
  You may sometimes go through tunnels; the rear light is always a plus in those moments.
  
  
• Nutrition: Bring water and food, especially for long climbs (Semnoz, Joux Plane, etc.). In this intense heat, dehydration and hunger pangs are much more common. And fountains and water sources are scarce on these climbs.
  
  
• Go back down carefully : Even if the road is closed, there will be other cyclists (uphill as well as downhill) or organization vehicles.

Closure of major Alpine passes

• Galibier Pass : June 30 and July 17, 2025.
  
  
  
  
• Granon Pass : July 1st and July 16th, 2025.
  
  
  
  
• Col de l'Izoard : July 3 and August 7, 2025.
  
  
  
  
• Col Agnel : July 4 and September 7, 2025.

FOR TO SUMMARIZE

Haute-Savoie at the Summit, It is :

• 10 car-free climbing mornings between July and August 2025

• Iconic mountain passes accessible in complete safety

• A free initiative, open to all cyclists.

• A celebration of the mountains, cycling and well-being

So, mark your summer Tuesdays, prepare your mount… and set off to climb the peaks silently, without an engine, just at the rhythm of your legs.