How hard is Alpe d'Huez?

Classified as Hors Catégorie, Alpe d'Huez is one of the most demanding climbs you’ll face — save your best legs for this one.

How long is Alpe d'Huez?

Alpe d'Huez is 14km long with 1,122m of elevation gain. At a typical climbing pace, expect the ascent to take roughly 1 hour and 24 minutes.

Where does Alpe d'Huez start?

Alpe d'Huez starts on the D211 in Rhone-Alpes, France. The starting coordinates are 45.0644°N, 6.0393°E.

What is the steepest section of Alpe d'Huez?

The steepest 100-metre section of Alpe d'Huez hits 11.3%. A serious ramp that will have you out of the saddle. The average gradient across the full climb is 8%.

When is the best time to ride Alpe d'Huez?

Alpe d'Huez is best ridden around July, when temperatures sit around 24°C.

HC D211

Alpe d'Huez

Rhone-Alpes, france

The D211 rises 14km through wooded valleys and open mountainside, gaining 1,122m to 1,841m. A sustained 8% average gradient with a maximum of 11.3% makes this a steady and demanding ascent. The 21 hairpin bends define this climb — each switchback a landmark, each straight a test of resolve. The road reaches 1,841m — high enough to feel the altitude on tired legs. Located in Rhone-Alpes, France.

Harder than 99% of climbs in France.
Higher summit than 99% of climbs in France.
One of only 1,152 Hors Catégorie climbs in the database.
The crux hits between km 0 and km 1 — 3km above 10% averaging 11.2%.
The 21 hairpins define the character of this ascent — tight corners and shifting gradients throughout.

Alpe d'Huez

Rhone-Alpes, france

14km 1122m 8%

Distance

14km

Avg Gradient

Max Gradient

11.3%

Elevation Gain

1122m

Summit

1,841m

Wall Rating

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Conditions

Best time to ride: Spring to Autumn

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Temperature

4.1° Cold

8.8° Cool

10.3° Cool

12.5° Mild

16.1° Mild

21.9° Warm

24.2° Warm

23.8° Warm

19.8° Mild

16.1° Mild

8.8° Cool

6.3° Cool

Rainfall

118mm Moderate

99mm Moderate

131mm Wet

122mm Moderate

186mm Wet

134mm Wet

70mm Light

90mm Moderate

86mm Moderate

140mm Wet

152mm Wet

200mm Wet

Wind

6km/h Calm

7km/h Calm

8km/h Calm

9km/h Calm

8km/h Calm

7km/h Calm

6km/h Calm

What things cost

Typical prices in France

€3.20

Coffee

€6.00

Beer

€15.00

Meal

€1.80

Water

The Story

The 21 Hairpins

Alpe d'Huez is cycling's most famous summit finish. The 21 numbered hairpin bends, each named after a stage winner, have witnessed some of the sport's greatest dramas since the Tour first climbed here in 1952.

The Climb

From Bourg-d'Oisans, the road ramps immediately to 10%+ and doesn't relent for the first 4km. The hairpins are the rhythm of this climb — each one offers a brief respite as the gradient eases through the turn, then kicks again on the straight.

Hairpin 7, named after Pantani, is where the gradient hits 13% and the crowd is always thickest during the Tour. The final 3km ease to 6-7% as you reach the ski station at 1,850m, but by then the damage is done.

Dutch Corner

Hairpin 7 is "Dutch Corner" during the Tour de France — a wall of orange smoke flares, fancy dress, and beer-fuelled encouragement that has become one of cycling's most iconic spectacles. Outside of July, the road is quiet and the hairpins are yours alone.

Pro Tip

Don't start too hard. The first km at 10%+ will tempt you to blow up. Settle into a rhythm and use the hairpin turns to recover. The record time is under 37 minutes — most mortals should budget 60-90 minutes.