Col du Galibier From Valloire: Climb Guide
The Col du Galibier from Valloire: about 18 km at around 7%, roughly 1,200 m of climbing to 2,642 m. Stats and tips.
In this post
The Col du Galibier is one of the high Alpine passes of the Tour de France. The usual way up is from the ski town of Valloire, and the top is at 2,642 m.
The numbers
- Start: Valloire, about 1,400 m (4,590 ft).
- Top: the pass, 2,642 m (8,668 ft).
- Length: about 17.5 to 18 km (about 11 miles).
- Average gradient: about 7%.
- Steepest: pitches of 10% and a little more.
- Climbing: about 1,200 to 1,250 m (about 4,000 ft).
Climb figures differ a little from source to source, depending on where each one starts and stops the clock. Where they differ, we give a range or say “about”.
Why it’s famous
The Galibier holds a big place in Tour de France history, and the La Marmotte sportive takes amateur riders over it too. Many riders start lower, in Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne, and climb the Col du Télégraphe first, which makes about 35 km in all.
How to ride it
- Mind the altitude: above 2,000 m the air is thinner, so the last kilometres feel harder than the numbers say.
- Pack for the top: it can be cold up there even in summer, so carry a wind vest.
- Pace it: read how to pace a long climb.
The Strava segment
There’s a segment for this climb, and plenty of riders judge their day by where they land on it. Set an honest time on your first go, without blowing up, then come back and beat it. The King and Queen of the Mountain crowns are for the very fastest; for most of us the real target is a personal best.
What to wear up it
A long climb deserves a good jersey. Our Climbs jerseys are drawn from the mountains: the Mont Ventoux Mistral, Contour and TOUGH After the Climb. Each is made to order, with free personalization.
More in France: famous climbs in France. More climbs: famous Strava climbs.
Strava is a trademark of Strava, Inc. Corbah isn’t connected to Strava; this is our own guide.
