The Col Du Galibier – A Classic Cycling Challenge
The Col du Galibier is one of the classic climbs of the Alps. It is a difficult climb and if you manage to reach the summit it brings the great feeling of achievement; you have conquered an Alpine legend!
The climb is very long and very steep. Especially the last stretch is hard, it hits a maximum gradient of 12.1% and you are at nearly 3000m above sea level. The road is also very narrow. It's an awesome challenge for every cyclist!
You can tackle the climb from either direction. The northern side is the classic choice. The southern side is a bit less demanding but it's still a tough climb!
Both sides of the pass are very beautiful. The northern side has amazing views over the Massif des Ecrins and the southern side has the view of the Glacier du Sarron.
The name of the pass comes from the Latin word Galibier which means high stony place. The etymology is unclear, but it could be derived from the root of the words kal, stone, and lup, height. The two sides of the pass were part of the Holy Roman Empire until 1349.
In modern times, the Galibier is a legendary mountain in the Tour de France. It was the location of Fausto Coppi's career-defining solo move in the 1952 Tour, and Marco Pantani's dramatic Tour victory in 1998. The Galibier is a famous climbing spot and a must-do for every passionate cycling fan.
Due to the extreme weather in the Alps, the 15th stage of this year's Giro d'Italia had to be shortened a few kilometres short of the scheduled finish on top of the col. However, it was still climbed twice in 2011 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Galibier's first appearance in the Tour de France. It will again appear on the 2022 Tour route.
The climb has some of the most stunning panoramic views in Europe! You can see the whole of the massif des Écrins from here.
The route starts in Briançon or Bourg-d'Oisans. From both starting points it's a very long climb to the col. You will have to push yourself all the way! It's also important to make sure that you have enough food and water on the ride. There are several places where you can resupply along the way. The village of La Grave and the pass of Plan Lachat are good options.
The road can get pretty busy during the High Season. Leaving early is recommended. The first few kilometers are quite flat, but after that the climbing begins in earnest. The ascent is very steep and the road is really narrow at some parts. After a few hairpin bends you arrive at the pass. At the summit you will find a monument in memory of Marco Pantani. There is also a cafe and some parking space available. The road is very busy, so make sure you leave enough time to reach the summit!col du galibier