The climb starts in the west from Chamossière (645m) near Thônes on the way from Annecy, or a bit to the south from Chamossière ”south” (664m) if coming down from the Col du Marais (843m). It is a fairly good climb on this side with god views.

From the east, if you come here after having climbed over the famous Col des Aravis (1486m), you start the climb at Les Converses (1214m) (before La Clusaz) and have a short and easy climb to the pass. If you came over the Col de la Colombière (1607m) you will start the climb at after the bridge at Le Grand-Bornand (885m) (via Col de Saint-Jean-de-Sixt (959m)). For completeness sake you could also start the climb up north at Saint-Pierre (490m) near Bonneville.