The European Chronicles 2026.5 - Col de L'Iseran & To Andermatt
Finally Open!
There's an episode of The West Wing where Bartlet is interviewing for a new secretary; one of the candidates was the secretary to the French Ambassador. Bartlet asks her what the most challenging aspect of that job was...she replies: "The pliable relationship the French have with time."
Ah, just so...you see the Col de L'Iseran is supposed to open the first Friday in June, according to their website.
That would be June 5...not June 12. Pliable, indeed.
It did open the afternoon of June 12, so I rode up the next day.
A common roadwork control. That's a countdown timer on the bottom, very nice!
Iseran isn't the most technical pass, but it is majestic. In most of the Alps, the tree line ends between 6000 and 7000 feet; that's why you get these "forever mountain" views. At slightly over 9000 feet, you're above the tree line for quite some time on Iseran.
The Tinges Dam, 180 meters tall, on the way up the Col.
Surprisingly, considering the late opening, there was not a lot of snow.
There was, however, another pass photographer. 😎
Back to your regularly scheduled programming...
Relive 'Col de L’Iseran'
A great ride, glad it opened while I was here!
Italia - Switzerland - Italia - Switzerland to Andermatt
Time to leave La Thuile and head to Andermatt. Unfortunately, the Grand Saint Bernard Pass is still closed, so taking the tunnel again. But I'm going to throw in some passes at the end: Nufenen and La Tremola, the old Gotthard Pass.
The ramp out of the Bat Cave.
Mia had nice digs at the Chalet Eden
Easy, peasy through the Grand Saint Bernard tunnel into Switzerland. Using Mia's vignette, a smooth highway ride to Nufenen Pass, the second highest Swiss pass (2478 meters/8130 feet) behind Umbrial. Takes you into Italy, where it is called Passo della Novina.
A short transit takes you to La Tremola, the old Gotthard Pass, which is mostly cobblestone. Looking up at the "new" pass.
Literally, the road less traveled...
It's steep...
Joining back up with the "new" pass.
Always a party at the top. 😎
They had my rental car waiting at the hotel... 😎
The Coop was closed (Sunday, I forgot) so needed food...very nice restaurant right down the street.
All gone now...yum!
Mia tucked in for the night.
Relive 'To Andermatt'
Ciao!
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