Col du Galibier

French Alps, France

Gradient:

<4%

4–7%

7–10%

10–12%

>12%

Approach route

APPROACH ROUTES

Col du Galibier

from Valloire

CAT 1

Distance

17.0km

Elevation

1168m

Avg %

6.9%

Max %

13.7%

<4%4–7%7–10%10–12%>12%

Col du Galibier

from Le Monêtier-les-Bains

CAT 1

Distance

8.7km

Elevation

578m

Avg %

6.6%

Max %

11.8%

<4%4–7%7–10%10–12%>12%

Rising to 2 642 m in the French Alps, France, Col du Galibier is a Category 1 cycling climb. From Valloire, the toughest side climbs 17.0 km at 6.9% average — 1 168 m of ascent, pitching to 13.7% at its steepest. The steepest kilometre averages 12.9%, around km 11.2. It can also be climbed from Le Monêtier-les-Bains (8.7 km at 6.6%): 2 measured approaches in all, each profiled kilometre-by-kilometre against Copernicus GLO-30 elevation data. On the Fiets scale it rates 9.7, among the region's hardest. Above the treeline the summit holds snow well into spring, so the dependable riding window runs roughly June to October.