From Moosch (1,286 ft / 392 m), in the Thur valley, to the Col du Grand Ballon (4,406 ft / 1,343 m) it’s 7.8 miles (12.6 km) at an average of 7.5% with 3,120 ft (951 m) of climbing. It’s the toughest side of the highest pass in the Vosges, right next to the summit of the Grand Ballon.
What the climb is like
- Km 0 to 3 (miles 0-1.9). You leave Moosch at 3.5 to 7.5% on a narrow road that soon heads into the forest.
- Km 3 to 9 (miles 1.9-5.6). The very steady middle section: kilometers at 7, 8 and 9% through fir trees, past Geishouse. There’s a short breather before the finish.
- The last 1.9 miles (3 km). The hardest part: kilometers at 10-10.5% with the odd 13% ramp, until you come out on the Route des Crêtes, with views over the Alsace plain.
A note on the numbers
CyclingCols and Climbfinder agree: 7.8 miles (12.6 km) and 3,117-3,120 ft (950-951 m) (7.5%). Cols-cyclisme measures 7.6 miles (12.3 km) and 3,120 ft (951 m) (7.7%). The steepest ramp ranges from 12 to 14% depending on the source. From Saint-Amarin, 0.6 miles (1 km) from Moosch, the climb is almost the same: 7.9 miles (12.7 km) at 7.3-7.6%.
History
According to Wikipedia, the Tour de France first crossed the pass in 1969, and CyclingCols lists Lucien Van Impe as first over the top that year. Since then, riders leading over it have included Laurent Fignon (1992), Michael Rasmussen (2005), Tony Martin (2014) and Thomas De Gendt (2019). Near the top is the monument to the Diables Bleus, the alpine chasseurs who fought here in World War I.
When to go, water and traffic
In winter, snow can close the upper part and the Route des Crêtes. In summer the Moosch road has little traffic, but up on the Route des Crêtes there are lots of cars and motorcycles on weekends. Fill your bottles in Moosch; there’s usually a restaurant open at the top.
What gearing to use
For the last 1.9 miles (3 km), a 34x30 or 34x32. At 3 W/kg and 159 lb (72 kg), you’ll ride about 5.6 mph (9 km/h) on 10%: 63 rpm in a 34x30 and 67 in a 34x32. Run your numbers in the gear calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to climb the Grand Ballon from Moosch?
A 159 lb (72 kg) rider on a 21 lb (9.5 kg) bike takes about 1 h 05 min at 3 W/kg (216 W), 1 h 17 min at 2.5 W/kg and 50 min at 4 W/kg. Work out your own time with your weight and power in the calculator on this page.
What is the hardest side of the Grand Ballon?
The west, from Moosch or Saint-Amarin in the Thur valley: about 7.8 miles (12.6 km) at 7.5%. From Willer-sur-Thur it's 9.8 miles (15.8 km) at 6.1%, and from the east, from Uffholtz, 13.4 miles (21.6 km) at much gentler grades.
Is the Grand Ballon the same as the Ballon d'Alsace?
No. The Grand Ballon (4,669 ft / 1,423 m at the summit, 4,406 ft / 1,343 m at the pass) is the highest point in the Vosges and is in Alsace; the Ballon d'Alsace is a different mountain, about 12 miles (20 km) to the southwest.