Our answer: it can be fun, but you need to pick your day.

This ride is part of our "Winter riding in the Alps" guide. Check it out here.

At 1’778 meters, the Col de la Croix is the highest paved pass in the Alpes Vaudoises. We live half way up it and we climb it countless times every summer. In winter, the upper section is closed to motorized traffic and the snow is groomed for skiers, hikers and snowshoers.

And cyclists? Well, it can be ridden if the conditions are right. Which is, not often. We wrote a blog story on this with all the info you need to figure out by yourself if that's something you'd like to do. You can read it here.

As for the route, it’s pretty straightforward. Starting from our hometown of Gryon, the first kilometers are on tarmac until you leave Villars. From there, you enter a winter wonderland - when there is snow, that is.

The first section is fairly flat, until you reach La Verneyre. The last 4 kilometers are constantly uphill, at an average of 8 to 9%.

As this is an out and back ride, the way down is, well, the way up in the opposite direction.

Please note that the last kilometers of the Col de la Croix are primarily a cross-country ski trail. Non-skiers are allowed, but respect and caution are key. Share the road!