From Valloire (about 4,590 ft / 1,400 m) to the Col du Galibier (8,668 ft / 2,642 m) it’s 11.2 miles (18.1 km) at an average of 6.9% with 4,085 ft (1,245 m) of climbing, according to Wikipedia; Climbfinder gives 10.9 miles (17.5 km) and 3,970 ft (1,210 m). It’s one of the highest paved climbs in the Alps.
The climb, section by section
- Valloire to Plan Lachat (6.4 miles / 10.3 km at 5.5%). A long, open valley at a moderate grade. Once you pass the last cafés above Valloire, there’s nothing.
- Plan Lachat to the top (4.8 miles / 7.8 km at 8.5%). At Plan Lachat (about 6,430 ft / 1,960 m) the road crosses the stream and starts stringing together switchbacks. That’s almost 5 miles (8 km) at 8.5% above 6,560 ft (2,000 m), with the last kilometer at 9-10%.
The final section is confirmed by the Route des Grandes Alpes (4.8 miles / 7.8 km at 8.5%) and Valloire Tourism (about 5 miles / 8 km at 8.5%); the first section is what’s left after subtracting it from the total.
If you start from Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne, you first have the Col du Télégraphe and the descent to Valloire: 21.8 miles (35.1 km) and 6,873 ft (2,095 m) of total climbing, according to CyclingCols.
Tour de France history
The Tour de France first climbed it in 1911: Émile Georget was first over the top. At the tunnel’s south portal there’s a monument to Henri Desgrange, the Tour’s founder, where a wreath is laid every time the race passes. The summit tunnel (1891, 1,191 ft / 363 m, single lane) was the only way over until 1976; it was then closed for restoration until 2002, and the road now climbs over the top.
The first summit finish came in 2011: Andy Schleck won it after a 37-mile (60 km) solo attack. Riders who have crested it first include Charly Gaul, Federico Martín Bahamontes, Marco Pantani and Tadej Pogačar (2024).
When to go, water and traffic
The Galibier closes in winter and usually opens in June; we haven’t found a fixed official date, so check before you go. Bikes can’t go through the tunnel (8,386 ft / 2,556 m): you have to ride up to the pass. Fill your bottles in Valloire. On the other side you descend to the Col du Lautaret (5.3 miles / 8.5 km at 6.9%). Nearby are the Télégraphe, the Croix de Fer and Alpe d’Huez.
What gearing to use
Because of the altitude, a 34x30 or 34x32 is the better choice. At 3 W/kg and 159 lb (72 kg), you’ll ride about 6.5 mph (10.5 km/h) on 8.5%, which is about 79 rpm in a 34x32. At 8,200 ft (2,500 m) there’s 25% less oxygen, and you’ll notice your watts aren’t what they are at sea level. Compare options in the gear calculator.
Tips
- Ride easy to Plan Lachat: the climb really starts there.
- Bring a jacket and gloves for the descent: it can snow at the top even in summer.
- If you’re coming from Saint-Michel, save your strength: the Télégraphe alone is 7.5 miles (12 km) of climbing.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to climb the Galibier from Valloire?
A 159 lb (72 kg) rider on a 21 lb (9.5 kg) bike takes about 1 h 26 min at 3 W/kg (216 W), 1 h 42 min at 2.5 W/kg and 1 h 07 min at 4 W/kg. Work out your own time with your weight and power in the calculator on this page.
How long is the Galibier from Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne?
Linking the Télégraphe, the descent to Valloire and the Galibier, it's 21.8 miles (35.1 km) and 6,873 ft (2,095 m) of total climbing, according to CyclingCols.
Can you ride a bike through the Galibier tunnel?
No. Bikes have to take the road up to the pass, at 8,668 ft (2,642 m).
Where does the hard part of the Galibier start?
At Plan Lachat, around 6,430 ft (1,960 m): from there you have 4.8 miles (7.8 km) at 8.5%, with the last kilometer at 9-10%.