Whether you’re gearing up for a real-life adventure or simply exploring these top cycling climbs from the comfort of your indoor trainer, the allure of the Route des Grandes Alpes is irresistible. The route includes famous cycling climbs like Col de Joux Plane, Col de la Colombiere, Alpe d'Huez, and Galibier Pass—each offering unique challenges and magical scenery, and they are trending on ROUVY right now!
If you're eager to experience these climbs firsthand, Trek Travel offers guided cycling tours that let you ride through the breathtaking French Alps. With the support of a professional team, you'll have everything you need—from expert ride guides to comfortable accommodations. You won’t have to worry about logistics; just hop on your bike and enjoy the ride!
Alternatively, if you're unable to travel, you can immerse yourself in these legendary climbs trending on ROUVY, allowing you to virtually experience the beauty and challenge of these passes from home. In this article, we’ll dive into each of these iconic climbs, explore their profiles, location, steepness, and history, and discuss how you can train for the climbs—whether in person or virtually indoors on your trainer or trainer bike.
Col de Joux Plane: The Alpine Beast
Profile, Location and Steepness
The Col de Joux Plane is located in the Haute-Savoie region of France, near Morzine. This challenging climb stretches 11.6 km and has an average gradient of 8.5%. The narrow, winding road features steep ramps that will challenge your climbing strength and endurance, with sections reaching gradients close to 10%. What makes Joux Plane particularly tough is its relentless nature. There are very few flat sections, requiring you to dig deep from start to finish.
Legendary Race History
Joux Plane has etched its place in cycling history as a defining climb in the Tour de France and Tour de Romandie. In the 2000 Tour de France, Marco Pantani made an unforgettable move on this climb, attacking his rivals and claiming victory in Morzine.
Climbing Joux Plane
The relentless gradient of the Col de Joux Plane demands a consistent, steady effort. It’s a climb where pacing is everything—start conservatively and finish strong. The continuous nature of the climb can be challenging, but you’ll be rewarded by the long downhill that follows, ending on a flat stretch on the 37 km route with 800 m of ascent.
- Ride the Col de Joux Plane on ROUVY
Col de la Colombiere: The Steady Ascent
Profile, Location and Steepness
The Col de la Colombière is located in the valley of Cluses in the Haute-Savoie region. It features a steady climb of 11.7 km, a 1,127 m ascent, and an average gradient of 7.5%. This climb forces you to maintain a consistent effort, with few opportunities for recovery. The road is winding, offering beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. While the Colombière is not as steep as some of the other climbs, its consistency presents a challenge for those who struggle with longer, sustained efforts.
Legendary Race History
The Col de la Colombiere has been featured prominently in the Tour de France and has become a key point in many stages. One of the most memorable moments on this mountain came in the 2010 Tour, when Alberto Contador made a decisive attack on the final part of the ascent, putting time into his rivals and moving closer to the overall victory.
Climbing Colombiere
The steady gradient of Colombiere offers a longer climb that allows you to focus on your endurance and pacing. Indoors, this climb is perfect for interval-based training, where you can work on maintaining a consistent pace over extended periods.
- Ride the Col de la Colombiere on ROUVY.
Alpe d’Huez: The Legendary 21 Bends and further to the lakes
Profile, Location and Steepness
Alpe d’Huez, located in the Isère department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, is one of the most famous cycling climbs and one of the top routes trending on ROUVY. Enjoy this unique and extended version of the climb, breaking away a little from tradition! The classic central part of the climb is known for its famous 21 hairpin bends over 13.8 km with an average gradient of 8.1%. This recording takes you via the traditional Tour finish and leads you on a journey to explore much further, finishing at the hidden gems of Lac Rond and Lac Noir.
Legendary Race History
Alpe d’Huez is synonymous with legendary Tour de France moments. It is iconic not only for its steepness but also for its historical significance, where it has often been the scene of epic battles. Riders like Marco Pantani and Eddy Merckx have all made their mark here with dramatic attacks that have become etched in cycling history. The climb’s reputation as one of the most challenging—and classic—ascents in the Tour has solidified its place in cycling folklore.
Climbing Alpe d’Huez
The steep gradients and switchbacks of Alpe d’Huez do require a combination of strength, stamina, and mental resilience. Indoors, this climb is perfect for focusing on intervals and climbing-specific strength training. By simulating the bursts of power needed to navigate the hairpin bends, you can prepare yourself well, both physically and mentally, for this iconic ascent.
Read more details about the iconic route of Alpe d’Huez on the blog.
- Ride this brand new Alpe d’Huez route version on ROUVY.
Galibier: Conquering the Heights of the Tour
Profile, Location and Steepness
Le Grande Galibier, located in the Savoie region and rising to an altitude of 2,645 m, is one of the highest climbs in the French Alps. Approaching it from the Briançon side, the 17.7-km ascent features an average gradient of 6.9%. This climb is known for its steady, long grind, where every pedal stroke brings you higher into the magnificent alpine landscape. It is crucial to pace yourself carefully throughout the climb and save energy for later.
Legendary Race History
The Galibier is a centrepiece of Tour de France history. Legendary riders like Fausto Coppi, Eddy Merckx, and Bernard Hinault have conquered its slopes. In the 1952 Tour de France, for example, Coppi and Bobet went head-to-head on this pass.
Climbing Galibier (Briançon Side)
The pass demands sustained power and stamina. The climb is long and steady, with minimal flat sections. Indoors, this climb is perfect for focusing on endurance and power. By simulating the long ascent on your trainer, you can fine-tune your pacing and breathing, preparing yourself for a high-altitude challenge.
- Ride Le Grande Galibier on ROUVY.
Col du Feu: The Hidden Gem of the Chablais
Profile, Location and Steepness
The Col du Feu, starting just south of Lake Geneva in the Haute-Savoie region, offers a short but challenging climb through the Chablais Alps. The 5.5-kilometre ascent averages 7.5%, with steep ramps reaching up to 10%. Narrow, winding roads twist through dense forests and alpine hamlets.
A Local’s Favourite
While lesser-known than nearby giants like Col de Joux Plane, Col du Feu is a favourite among local riders for its tranquillity. It’s a quiet, technical climb with a variable gradient that’s perfect for building explosive power and climbing skills in a serene landscape.
Climbing Col du Feu
Expect sharp gradient changes that push you to vary your effort throughout. Indoors, it’s ideal for replicating short, punchy efforts, making it a valuable session for improving climbing strength and control.
- Ride the Col du Feu on ROUVY
Test your strength, endurance, and mental fortitude while exploring the majestic Route des Grandes Alpes on ROUVY while taking your fitness to a whole new level! Whether you’re preparing for a real-life cycling adventure outside with Trek Travel or virtually exploring these climbs from home on ROUVY, the magnificent Route des Grandes Alpes is waiting to be conquered. No matter your approach, the breathtaking scenery, history, and excitement of these climbs await you, as well as the memories and experiences that result.
