Climb 13 of 22Savoie, France
Col du Galibier
In 2011 the Col du Galibier hosted the highest stage finish in the history of the Tour de France. It is one of the highest passes in the French Alps, in Savoie, and the Tour first went over it in 1911.
- km long
- 18.1
- metres up
- 1,191
- steepest part
- 10%
- Flat
- Gentle
- Steady
- Hard
- Steep
How long does it take to ride up Col du Galibier?
For a rider who weighs 75 kg, riding at a steady pace with no stops:
- New to exercise: about 3 hr 39 min
- I ride now and then: about 2 hr 30 min
- I ride most weeks: about 1 hr 53 min
Put in your own weight and fitness to see your time.
Ride Col du Galibier at home
In Couch to Climb, the plan for Col du Galibier is 14 weeks, with 3 rides a week on your smart trainer. It is climb 13 of 22. You start on Box Hill for free, then work up the climbs one at a time.
About the climb
This climb starts in Valloire, which riders reach over the Col du Télégraphe. The first few kilometres are fairly easy, then the road gets steeper as it climbs to the top of the pass, at 2,642 m. An old road tunnel from 1891 runs under the top, one lane wide and run by traffic lights.
Emile Georget was first over the top in that 1911 Tour. A monument to Henri Desgrange, who started the Tour, stands by the south end of the tunnel. A wreath is laid there each time the race crosses the pass. Andy Schleck won the 2011 stage that finished on the summit.
Riding it for real
The pass is closed in winter, so plan a trip for the summer months.
Questions about riding Col du Galibier
In 2011 the Col du Galibier hosted the highest stage finish in the history of the Tour de France. It is one of the highest passes in the French Alps, in Savoie, and the Tour first went over it in 1911.
How high is the Col du Galibier?
The top of the pass is 2,642 m above sea level.
Where does the Galibier climb start?
This climb starts in Valloire, on the north side. Many riders get there by riding over the Col du Télégraphe first.
Is the Col du Galibier open in winter?
No. The pass is closed in winter.
Updated . Written by Next Big Leap Ltd, who make the Couch to Climb app.
Ride up a famous climb on your indoor bike
Couch to Climb is a step by step plan for a smart trainer at home. It takes you from the sofa to the top of a real climb, with no stops. Your first climb, Box Hill, is free.
