How hard is Col du Galibier?

Classified as Super Hors Catégorie, Col du Galibier is one of the most demanding climbs you’ll face — save your best legs for this one.

How long is Col du Galibier?

Col du Galibier is 34.8km long with 2,085m of elevation gain. At a typical climbing pace, expect the ascent to take roughly 3 hours and 29 minutes.

Where does Col du Galibier start?

Col du Galibier begins in Rhone-Alpes, France. The starting coordinates are 45.2142°N, 6.4729°E.

What is the steepest section of Col du Galibier?

The steepest 100-metre section of Col du Galibier hits 10.6%. A serious ramp that will have you out of the saddle. The average gradient across the full climb is 6%.

How many hairpins does Col du Galibier have?

Col du Galibier has 27 hairpin bends. Each switchback offers a brief respite from the gradient before the road kicks up again.

SHC

Col du Galibier

Rhone-Alpes, france

Col du Galibier is one of cycling's great tests — 34.8km of sustained climbing, gaining 2,085m from base to summit. Averaging 6%, the road kicks to 10.6% at its steepest — a testing gradient that demands respect. The 27 hairpin bends define this climb — each switchback a landmark, each straight a test of resolve. The summit at 2,642m sits above the treeline, where the air thins and the views extend to distant peaks. Located in Rhone-Alpes, France.

The 1st climb in France by elevation gain.
The 4th climb in France by difficulty.
One of only 119 Super Hors Catégorie climbs in the database.
Summit above 2600m — expect thin air, snow into early summer, and conditions that change fast.
The crux hits between km 27 and km 27 — 3km above 10% averaging 10.5%.

Col du Galibier

Rhone-Alpes, france

34.8km 2085m 6%

SHC

Distance

34.8km

Avg Gradient

Max Gradient

10.6%

Elevation Gain

2085m

Summit

2,642m

Wall Rating

7.3

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What things cost

Typical prices in France

€3.20

Coffee

€6.00

Beer

€15.00

Meal

€1.80

Water

The Story

The Telegraphe's Big Brother

The Col du Galibier is one of the great high passes of the French Alps. At 2,642m, the air is thin, the views are immense, and the sense of achievement at the summit is profound. It has featured in the Tour de France more than 60 times.

The Climb

From the south, the Galibier is usually climbed as the second half of a double — first the Col du Télégraphe from Valloire, then the Galibier itself from Plan Lachat. The final 8km from Plan Lachat to the summit gain 800m at 8.5% average.

The road leaves the valley floor and climbs through increasingly barren terrain. The treeline falls away around 2,000m and the final kilometres are exposed, windswept, and spectacular. On a clear day, you can see Mont Blanc to the north.

Pro Tip

The tunnel near the summit is an alternative route that avoids the final steep section, but the summit road (when open) is the true experience. Dress warmly — even in July, the temperature at 2,642m can be near freezing.