From Scionzier (1,657 ft / 505 m) to the Col de la Colombière (5,292 ft / 1,613 m) it is 10.1 miles (16.3 km) at an average of 6.8% with 3,635 ft (1,108 m) of climbing. The climb starts in the Arve valley and finishes at a pass between the limestone walls of the Bornes massif, with the hardest part saved for the end.
What the climb is like
- The first 1.9 miles (3 km). You leave Scionzier at gentle grades of 1 to 5%.
- Km 3 to 7. The grade rises to 7-8.5% through Blanzy, the Mont-Saxonnex turnoff and Neyrolles.
- Km 7 to 9. A long breather at 2-3% through Les Mouilles. Use it to eat.
- Km 9 to the top. Past Le Reposoir the serious part begins: about 4.3 miles (7 km) between 7 and 9% up to Saint-Bruno and La Sallaz, and a 9-10.5% finish, above the trees, to the pass.
A note on the numbers
Cols-cyclisme gives 10.1 miles (16.3 km) and 3,635 ft (1,108 m) at 6.8%, the same as Wikipedia; Climbfinder 16.2 km and 3,645 ft (1,111 m) at 6.8%. CyclingCols starts at the traffic circle on the way into Scionzier and measures 10.7 miles (17.3 km) at 6.5%, with the top at 5,272 ft (1,607 m). The maximum grade ranges from 10.2 to 12% depending on the source.
History
According to Wikipedia, the Tour de France first climbed it in 1960 and has been back 23 times. In recent years Fränk Schleck (2009), Christophe Moreau (2010), Thomas De Gendt (2016), Julian Alaphilippe (2018) and Dylan Teuns (2021) have crested it first, almost always on the way to Le Grand-Bornand. A bit of trivia: in 2015, then US Secretary of State John Kerry broke his leg at the start of the climb in Scionzier.
When to go, water and traffic
It closes in winter because of snow. Traffic is moderate, especially on the lower part and on weekends. Le Reposoir is the last village before the top; there is usually something open at the pass in summer. You can descend to Le Grand-Bornand and link up with the Col des Aravis.
What gearing to use
A 34x28 or 34x30 is enough for almost everyone. At 3 W/kg (watts per kilogram of body weight) and 159 lb (72 kg), you ride about 5.6 mph (9 km/h) on 10%: 59 rpm on a 34x28 and 63 on a 34x30. Run your numbers in the gear calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to climb the Colombière from Scionzier?
A 159 lb (72 kg) rider on a 21 lb (9.5 kg) bike takes about 1 hr 17 min at 3 W/kg (216 W), 1 hr 32 min at 2.5 W/kg and 1 hr 00 min at 4 W/kg. Work out your own time with your weight and power in the calculator on this page.
Where is the hardest part of the Colombière?
In the last 1.9 miles (3 km), at 9-10.5%. From Le Reposoir to the top it is about 4.3 miles (7 km) with no break, getting steeper as you go.
Which side of the Colombière is easier?
The Le Grand-Bornand side: 7.3 miles (11.7 km) according to Wikipedia, with about 2,300 ft (700 m) of climbing and gentler grades. The Scionzier side is the hardest.