June 5, 2025
Val d’Aosta - Day 2 Courmayeur to Arvier(Little St. Bernard Pass)
2 cols - Little St Bernard Pass and Charles Pass
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Today was one of those days that will stick out forever in my mind. We climbed two famous Colles (mountain passes).
Little St. Bernard (Piccolo San Bernardo) pass is an iconic scenic pass that was in at least 4 Tour de France rides starting in 1949 and numerous Giros. It was 14 miles, 4000’ up to 7178’ with at least 26 hairpin turns. Sadly we got hit with some heavy rain for a few miles but dried out quickly. It’s in the Alps on the Italian France border. We passed at least 2 ski lifts/gondolas on the way up. It dates back to Roman times and they’ve found artifacts as old as 500 bc. It’s believed Hannibal used this route. We saw marmots and a donkey and had the funniest experience when a sheep dog actually passed me galloping happily uphill to its owners on my left! We heard cowbells and gurgling rivers all day long as well as birds. Some Fancy sport cars passed by as well as motorcycles to enjoy the hairpin pass. There was a gorgeous alpine lake in the snow that made me smile. Then again, I was grinning all day long full of gratitude to be healthy enough to do this amazing pass.
It was windy and I got pretty cold on the descent and drank about 6 cups of hot tea before we tackled the 2nd climb,
Colle San Carlos (Charles) which for us was 4.4 miles/1646’ with average grade over 7.5% and 30 hairpin turns! The steepness got a bit unforgiving in the middle. The scenery was so different and just stunning with wildflower fields and the rock mountainsides so different and maybe 1 car passed us!
Afterwards, a steep descent then a lovely generally downhill ride to the hotel with a glacial fed river nearby and amazing waterfalls. I’m still grinning!!

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Today's ride: 45 miles (72 km)
Total: 319 miles (513 km)
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