There’s something transcendent about climbing a mountain on a bicycle. The thin air, the switchbacks stretching above you, the profound silence broken only by your breathing and the hum of your drivetrain—alpine cycling offers experiences you can’t find on any flat road.
The Legendary Climbs
Alpe d’Huez, France
The most famous climb in cycling. Twenty-one switchbacks, each named after a Tour de France winner. At 13.8km with an average gradient of 8.1%, it’s not the hardest climb, but the atmosphere and history make it unforgettable. Summer weekends can be crowded, so plan for weekday dawn ascents.
Passo dello Stelvio, Italy
The Stelvio is cycling architecture. Forty-eight numbered hairpins snake up to 2,758 meters, making it one of the highest paved passes in the Alps. Usually rideable only June through September due to snow. The descent is technical—respect it.
Col du Tourmalet, France
The giant of the Pyrenees. At 2,115 meters, this is where legends are made and broken. The western approach from Luz-Saint-Sauveur is more gradual; the eastern side from Sainte-Marie-de-Campan is steeper and more dramatic.
Passo di Gavia, Italy
Lesser-known than Stelvio but arguably more beautiful and challenging. The north side features sustained double-digit gradients through stunning wilderness. This is raw, remote alpine cycling at its finest.
Col de la Madeleine, France
Often overshadowed by more famous neighbors, La Madeleine is a local favorite. Long, consistent gradients make it perfect for settling into a rhythm. The views across the Vanoise massif are spectacular.
Planning Your Alpine Adventure
Timing: July and August offer the most reliable conditions, but also the most tourists. Late June and early September provide better weather than you’d expect with fewer crowds.
Acclimatization: Don’t underestimate altitude. Spend a few days riding at moderate elevations before attempting the highest passes.
Weather: Alpine weather changes rapidly. Always carry a rain jacket, arm warmers, and leg warmers, even if it’s warm at the valley floor.
Fueling: You’ll burn 600-1000 calories per hour on long climbs. Bring more food than you think you need.
Gearing: Compact cranks (50/34) with an 11-32 or 11-34 cassette are standard for alpine riding. Don’t let ego dictate your gearing choice.
The Reward
Photos don’t capture the feeling of reaching an alpine summit under your own power. The sense of accomplishment, the views, the camaraderie with other cyclists making the same pilgrimage—these are the moments that define us as cyclists.
Start planning now. Research routes, book accommodations, and begin training. Your alpine cycling adventure isn’t just about the physical challenge—it’s about discovering what you’re capable of when you push beyond your comfort zone.
Download stunning alpine cycling wallpapers from our landscape gallery to keep the dream alive while you train.
