100 Biking Climbs Higher Than Alpe d’Huez – My Biking Problem

Excuse my snarky title, however I imagine many cyclo-tourists do themselves an enormous disservice by prioritising Alpe d’Huez above many far, much more attention-grabbing roads. So in an effort to persuade folks to contemplate biking some place else —– right here is my checklist of 100 higher choices.

EDIT October 2018: I’ve added a number of further climbs since this submit was first printed in 2016. Specifically, I’ve added fairly a couple of Austrian climbs.

Standards:

1. Solely paved roads.
2. Solely roads that I’ve cycled – ie. My checklist solely has French, Swiss, Italian, and Austrian mountains.
3. A summit counts solely as soon as. Though clearly, for instance, all three sides of Stelvio, either side of Gavia, at the very least two sides of Ventoux, and so forth. are far more enjoyable than Alpe d’Huez. So this checklist is basically excess of 100 climbs.
4. For me a very good climb is a mixture of difficult, excessive, quiet, and exquisite (eg. mountains, hairpins, cliffs, alpine lakes, and so forth).

Alpe d’Huez is in fact nonetheless attention-grabbing. See this hyperlink for extra (and typically higher) rides within the space: Past Alpe d’Huez: The Finest Biking Climbs from Bourg d’Oisans.

Be happy to disagree with some climbs on my checklist, however sure, I excluded a bunch of different roads that ought to have, at the very least arguably, made the reduce. For maps, pictures and journey experiences for any of the beneath climbs, click on on the hyperlinks beneath or put the identify into the search bar at high proper of web page.

100 Climbs Higher than Alpe d’Huez

1. Colle del Nivolet – Tremendous excessive, killer hairpins, and a bunch of gorgeous alpine lakes. The most effective.



2. Passo dello Stelvio – All three sides (don’t overlook the Swiss facet through Umbrailpass) are past perception.
3. Colle Fauniera – Three extraordinarily tough routes up this distant Piemonte climb.
4. Passo Gavia – Enormous, savage climb. Each side terrific.









5. Col de l’Iseran – the very best paved move in Europe. Each side great.



6. Kaunertal – In Tyrol Austria, the Kaunertaler Gletscherpanoramastraße is the fifth highest paved street within the Alps (2750 metres)! It was in-built 1980 as a ski station street. Amazingly, it’s stored open 12 months a 12 months.



7. Grosse Scheidegg – Possibly probably the most stunning on this checklist?



8. Route des Lacs (Lac Cap de Lengthy) – My favorite climb within the Pyrenées.



9. Col du Galibier – The north facet together with Télégraphe is 35 kms of “enjoyable.”



10. Monte Grappa – 9(!) Hors Categorie routes up this legendary Italian mountain.



11. Grossglockner – Most likely probably the most stunning climb in Austria. Keep in mind to climb the cobbled extension: the Edelweissspritze, as much as 2571 metres.



12. Mont Ventoux – 3 ways as much as this distinctive lunar expertise.



13. Lago di Narèt – Hidden within the Italian a part of the Swiss Alps, this robust, quiet, lengthy climb has a number of stunning dams/lakes. I referred to as this the most effective climb NOT in both of Daniel Friebe’s nice Mountain Increased(er) collection.



14. Cime de la Bonette – One of many highest roads in Europe. 2 huge sides.



15. Nufenenpass – The 2nd highest paved street in Switzerland. Arduous work.



16. Colle dell’Agnello – On the French/Italian border, the third highest paved move in Europe. Italian facet is a monster.



17. Lac d’Emosson and above – A tricky Swiss climb to a surprising dam. A tiny street past goes as much as one other dam.



18. Timmelsjoch/Passo del Rombo – Excessive on the Austrian/Italian border either side are nice however I particularly loved the extra savage Italian facet.



19. Col du Granon – The 2nd highest Tour de France end (’86) was right here. However deliver a mountain bike. Because the hyperlink exhibits there are a number of unpaved cols and two perched forts above.
20. Plan du Lac – Stunning, enormous climb within the Haute-Maurienne (France).



21. Passo San Gottardo – This Swiss Magnificence has among the sexiest hairpins in biking.



22. Col du Sanetsch – Swiss cyclists “in-the-know” will typically let you know that is the most effective huge climb in Switzerland.



23. Col du Grand St-Bernard – On the Swiss/Italian border, the Italian facet is great. A car-only bypass tunnel retains the hairpins quiet.



24. Passo Giau – One of many true gems of the Dolomites. Each side shine.



25. Grimselpass – When climbing this Swiss big, don’t overlook the extension up increased to Oberaarsee.



26. Männlichen – Tremendous quiet (and tough) climb within the UNESCO protected Berner Oberland. Search for and the Eiger is all the time there.



27. La Grand Dixence – On the summit is without doubt one of the greatest dams in all the world (third?) – one in all many enjoyable Swiss Valais rides to alpine dams.
28. Lago di Teleccio – A unbelievable little identified climb to a excessive alpine dam in Piemonte, Italy. It’s a steep (I do imply steep!), slender little street that begins subsequent to the start of the street to the legendary Colle del Nivolet.



29. Rettenbachgletscher – This beast of an Austria climb is tremendous excessive and tremendous steep. I’ve by no means seen so many 13% indicators in my life.
30. Col d’Izoard – The land of Coppi and Bobet. 2 chic sides, the south contains the legendary Casse Deserte.



31. Rifugio Auronzo – A brilliant steep Dolomite street within the shadows of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo – deliver mountain climbing footwear to go even increased.



32. Colle della Lombarda – Excessive climb on the Italian/French border. The Italian facet is unbelievable.



33. Lac de Moiry – The lengthy choice to this excessive Swiss Valais dam contains greater than 2000 metres of ascent.
34. Le Puy de Dôme – The legendary experience as much as the summit of this dormant volcano has been closed to cyclists for the previous a number of years. Besides yearly on a particular bike day. Enjoyable.



35. Cormet de Roselend – Stunning climb on either side. Keep in mind, you’ll be able to really cycle over the dam.









36. Val Thorens – 38 kilometre climb to the very best ski resort in Europe.
37. Lac de Mauvoisin – Similar begin as Verbier, one other stunning climb to a Valais dam.



38. Furkapass – The Swiss big appeared within the James Bond Movie Goldfinger over 50 years in the past (the sniper scene).



39. Col de la Cayolle – A protracted, attention-grabbing climb within the south French Alps.
40. Albulapass – Stunning, excessive move that always options within the Tour de Suisse.
41. Col d’Allos – Some stunning cliff stretches on this scenic climb beside Cayolle.



42. Colle di Sampeyre – A tricky Piemonte climb in the course of no-where. 3 ways up.
43. Port de Boucharo – Highest paved street in French Pyrenées. Final brief stretch past Col des Tentes could also be just lately closed to bikes.







44. Passo Pordoi – A part of the good Sella Ronda loop within the Dolomites. Search for the Coppi statue at summit.



45. Passo Sella – Additionally a part of the Sella Ronda loop.



46. Passo Gardena – Additionally a part of the Sella Ronda. Observe all three of above might be enormous climbs when one contains the much less spectacular stretches beneath the loop.
47. Cirque de Troumouse – Beautiful and quiet climb that begins between the bottom of Tourmalet and Aubisque.



48. Sustenpass – One other of the Central Switzerland giants. Makes an ideal loop with Grimselpass and Furkapass.



49. Mattmarksee – Sure, one other very difficult climb to a Swiss Valais dam. Above Saas-Price ski station.
50. Col du Mont Cenis – On the French/Italian border. But once more, it’s the Italian facet that’s much more attention-grabbing and difficult. There may be additionally a quiet, tiny, little identified third approach up through Moncenisio. Don’t overlook the lesser identified extension on a terrific little street to Col du Petit Mont Cenis.







51. Passo San Marco – Passo San Marco was a revelation for me. 26.5 kms and 1740 metres vertical ascent. Gigantic. It begins far decrease than most huge climbs so its summit altitude can mislead one into pondering this Italian climb isn’t enormous.
52. Croix de Cœur – The previous few kilometres solely just lately paved. The climb contains the street to Verbier however its 6 finest kilometres are above the village (deliver a mountain bike and you’ll go a lot increased too).
53. Ofenpass/Cross dal Fuorn – Within the tremendous scenic Swiss Nationwide Park on the far east of nation.
54. Lac d’Engstlen – Very quiet central Swiss street as much as a little bit lake.
55. Col du Sabot – Increased, more durable, and quieter than its neighbour ….. Alpe d’Huez.



56. Col du Tourmalet – Not fairly the most effective, however the most effective identified climb within the Pyrenées. Though the mountain bike experience above Tourmalet to Pic du Midi (see hyperlink) is a dream.
57. Kitzbuheler Horn – That is simply the steepest 10 kilometre stretch of paved street I’ve ever cycled. Ouch. Keep in mind to take the tiny extension above the place the professionals end.
    It goes to the very summit of this monster.



58. Col de Portet – It was gravel once I climbed it, however was paved in 2018 for the Tour de France. So I’ve added this enjoyable climb above Pla d’Adet to the checklist. A 100 metres increased than Tourmalet.



59. Passo Falzarego/Valparola – These two Dolomite passes are simply a few kms aside. A number of attention-grabbing methods up.



60. Silvretta Hochalpenstrasse – Bielerhöhe – You already know a street will likely be good when it has its personal official web page. And in case you’re a fan of this weblog you already know that lots of my favorite rides are as much as excessive alpine dams/lakes … this experience has two.



61. La Plagne– Like Alpe d’Huez, there are 21 signed hairpins to this French ski station. However La Plagne is kind of a bit increased and an terrible lot quieter.
62. Col des Champs – The most effective loop within the South French Alps: Champs, Cayolle, Allos. 120 kilometres, 3 huge climbs, no site visitors.
63. Barrage Plan d’Amont – Haute-Maurienne climb to 2 huge dams above Aussois ski station. Keep in mind to take the proper decrease street that passes a number of previous stone Savoie forts.
64. Col de la Croix de Fer – A number of methods up this legendary French climb. Climb through Col du Mollard for further hairpins.



65. Col du Petit St. Bernard – On the French/Italian border. Climb the Italian facet through the tremendous steep Colle San Carlo for a particular deal with.
66. Col de la Croix – There are dozens of Cols with Croix within the identify, however the Hors Categorie climb above Aigle is probably the most effective, and positively one of many hardest.



67. Superbagnères – This Ski station within the Pyrenées is surrounded by 13 peaks over 3,000 metres.



68. Col de Sarenne – The quiet, increased, more durable again door to Alpe d’Huez.



69. Kühtai Sattel and above to Speicher Finstertal – The highest stretch to the lake/dam at 2335 metres was coated in snow once I biked/hiked to it. However belief me, this stunning Austrian climb is absolutely paved.
70. Col de la Madeleine – 3 ways up this French monster (two from the south). And don’t overlook a pleasant detour climb to Le Logis des Fées



71. Col du Joly – Lifeless-end street above Beaufort with a summit up shut and private with Mont Blanc.



72. Passo delle Erbe – Locals within the Dolomites love this climb.
73. Lago di Place-Moulin – Within the Aosta (French-speaking) area of Italy one other climb to a excessive alpine dam.
74. Klausenpass – On the base of the west facet of this Swiss climb is the hometown of William Inform.



75. Sign de Bisanne – A brilliant-tough climb within the Beaufortain area of France.
76. Col du Glandon – The final two kilometres are among the finest hairpins in biking.



77. Passo del Lucomagno – On the border of German and Italian talking areas of Switzerland, the Italian facet is over 40 kilometres lengthy – good dam/lake at high.



78. Port de Balès – The highest 5 kms or so of the south facet was paved in 2006 to permit this distant Pyrenées climb to 1st seem within the Tour.
79. Fluelapass – Excessive, scenic climb in jap Switzerland.
80. Mortirolo – The well-known, tremendous steep climb with a Pantani monument is simply down the street from Passo di Gavia.
81. Mont du Chat – Le Cycle Journal as soon as referred to as this probably the hardest climb in France. Overlooks Lac du Bourget, greatest lake in France.



82. Col de Pierre Carrée – Scenic 21 kilometre climb to Flaine ski station in Haute Savoie.



83. Grand Colombier – Don’t confuse this Jura big with its simpler Alps cousin Col de la Colombière. 4 tremendous robust methods up.

I rode it to see the dawn as soon as:



84. Le Semnoz – The very best paved climb close to Annecy. 5 Routes to the summit.



85. Col de la Colombière – Take the much less well-known third approach up through Col de Romme, in case you dare.
86. Courchevel Airport – On the finish of the street above the well-known French ski station, the indicators in Russian assist clarify the place richest skiers are from.
87. Plateau de Beille – This Pyrenéen climb shares virtually similar stats to Alpe d’Huez. However the route is much, far, much less developed and busy.
88. Pas de la Bau (Route des Crêtes) – One among my favorite rides ever was via the Gorges du Verdon. A double loop with a number of cols. The inside loop climbs a mountain overlooking the gorges on a street referred to as the Route des Crêtes. Nice.



89. Lac de Tseuzier – Begin climbing via the vineyards and ultimately finish at one other excessive Valais dam/lake.









90. Col de l’Arpettaz – North of Albertville, the west facet has virtually too many hairpins to rely.
91. Col d’Aubisque – The second most well-known climb within the Pyrenées.
92. Col du Pré – Tremendous steep climb from Beaufort affords an outstanding view over Lac de Roselend on far facet.



93. Col du Noyer – One of many extra stunning ultimate kilometres anyplace – Hautes-Alpes, France.



94. Col du Solude – Convey a lightweight because the tunnels are darkish however doubtless car-free. Cliff climb reduce into mountain reverse Alpe d’Huez.



95. Col de Joux Aircraft – Virenque made Armstrong undergo right here as soon as.



96. Mont Vial – The distant south French Alps is stuffed with quiet, enjoyable, cliff roads and medium altitude cols. Alongside one in all these cliff roads is a tiny street that turns as much as the summit of Mont Vial.



97. Morcles – There are 29 signed paved hairpins to Morcles. However deliver a mountain bike on this gorgeous Swiss-Romande climb that ultimately reaches Rionda through gravel.
98. Col du Chaussy – Will turn out to be much better identified throughout 2015 Tour de France. Decrease 20% options the wonderful Lacets (hairpins) de Montvernier.



99. Mont Salève – Sure, I favor the 5 methods up my dwelling mountain to the Alpe. The Le Coin facet contains a 4km stretch averaging 12%. Some wonderful hairpins.



100. Col de la Forclaz – Huge Swiss climb linking Chamonix and the Valais. I’ll persist with only one Forclaz on the checklist, though the most effective view of Lake Annecy is from the most likely deserving Col de la Forclaz de Montmin.
101. La Dôle/La Barilette – Abandoned Jura street excessive above Geneva to the Swisscom tower.
102. Col de la Machine – There are numerous great Gorges and cliff roads within the Vercors. This climb previous Combe Laval is astonishing – the hyperlink additionally visits the superb Col de la Bataille.



103. Plateaux des Saix – Like Col de Joux Aircraft, this climb begins close to Samoëns and is equally tough.
104. Plateau des Glières – Two unbelievable roads as much as the Monument Nationale à la Resistance.
105. Torri di Fraele – Typically referred to as little Stelvio. Very enjoyable paved hairpins to a few medieval towers. However in case you deliver wider tires, increased up begins an loopy unpaved journey that ultimately reaches the true Stelvio



106. Lac de l’Hongrin – Be certain the street is open earlier than visiting on every week day as the highest stretch passes via a Swiss Army base
107. The Secret Street to Col de la Charmette – Shhh – Don’t inform anybody about this wonderful street within the Chartreuse Alps (vaguely paved, a lot closed to vehicles).
108. Gorges des Nesques – the bottom and least steep climb on the checklist, however this 20km ascent close to Ventoux passes via a wondeful mini “grand canyon.” To not be missed.



109. Col de la Moutière – The fifth highest paved street in France – Tremendous quiet, one can see a lot of the route wanting down from Bonette.



110. Col du Mont Noir through Les Gorges du Nan – Extra Vercors magic. Unbelievable street reduce into the cliffs. 5 Cols, 2 Gorges in hyperlink.



111. Passo del Bernina – The eighth highest paved street in Switzerland, a full half kilometre vertical increased than Alpe d’Huez.
112. Col de Vars – Huge south French Alps climb on the route des Grandes Alpes.
113. Les Arcs – 25 kilometre climb within the Vanoise Alps.
114. Col de Tramassel – Within the Pyrenées, that is principally the street to Hautacam, however persevering with increased till the paved street ends.
115. Chalet de l’Ebaudiaz – Nearly a kilometre longer than Alpe d’Huez, this unknown French Alps street additionally has virtually double the hairpins (39?).

EDIT: OK, after including a couple of climbs I’ve reached greater than 100 climbs higher than Alpe d’Huez.

#116 Lastly! Alpe d’Huez (and above)

Lac Besson – A number of kilometres above Alpe d’Huez. As a result of if you’ll climb Alpe d’Huez, don’t cease on the city, preserve going to the tip of the paved street.

(and no matter you do, don’t cease on the line painted on the street on the entrance of city, by the eating places and Trek retailer like 75% of vacationers. A minimum of battle via city to the official Tour de France end – it’s signed).

As soon as I’ve put a little bit extra thought into this checklist, I’ll doubtless rename it: My 100 Favorite Street Bike Climbs.

Observe, that is under no circumstances an entire checklist of climbs within the Alps. See right here for a reasonably comlete checklist of climbs that I’ve cycled.

AS ALWAYS, I AM GRATEFUL FOR SUGGESTIONS OF GREAT CLIMBS MISSING FROM THIS LIST.