The Ascents
There are two ascents to the summit of the Aravis, each with a destinctive look and feel. The harder side is from Flummet, even though on paper it looks easier. A nice km or so of climbing from Flummet warms you up before a slight descent/flat for 3km as you follow the river. Once you turn left over the river the climbing starts in earnest. The average from here on in is 8%, but it varies from 6% to 10%. 1km from the top there are four tight and sharp hairpins and then the road opens up with a stunning view of Mont Blanc and the cows on the Plateau at the top. The climb is 11km in total.
From the other side, the ride technically starts in Thônes, but most people agree the long drag from Thônes to La Clusaz doesn't really count (but you do feel it). From La Clusaz it is 7km and averages a nice 6%. 2km from the top there is a steep bit of 9%, but the 6 beautiful hairpins keep it a very manageable ride.