From Luz-Saint-Sauveur (2,241 ft / 683 m) to the Luz Ardiden ski resort (5,636 ft / 1,718 m) it’s 8.4 miles (13.5 km) at an average of 7.7% with 3,396 ft (1,035 m) of climbing. It’s a dead-end climb that stops at the resort, and it’s often used as a stage finish.
What the climb is like
- Km 0 to 3 (miles 0-1.9). You leave town toward Saint-Sauveur and Sassis at 5-6%. This is the section to warm up on.
- Km 3 to 5 (miles 1.9-3.1). The grade rises to 7-8% through Sazos and Grust, with the first views over the valley.
- Km 5 to 9 (miles 3.1-5.6). The hardest part: kilometers at 9, 9.5 and 10%, with occasional 11% ramps, up to the Bernazaou plateau.
- Km 9 to the top (mile 5.6 on). Past the Viscos junction, the grade drops to 6-8%. The finish strings together much-photographed hairpins up the slope to the resort parking lot.
A note on the numbers
CyclingCols gives 8.4 miles (13.5 km) and 3,396 ft (1,035 m) (7.7%); Climbfinder, 8.2 miles (13.2 km) and 3,278 ft (999 m) (7.6%). Wikipedia and cols-cyclisme start in the center of Luz, at 2,329 ft (710 m), and measure 9.1 miles (14.7 km) and 3,314 ft (1,010 m) (6.9%), because they include a flat stretch through town. The steepest ramp is around 10-11%.
History
The road from Grust opened in 1970 and the ski resort in 1975. It has been a stage finish in the Tour de France and the Vuelta a España several times: Laurent Jalabert won here in the 1995 Vuelta, Roberto Laiseka in the 2001 Tour, Samuel Sánchez in 2011 and Tadej Pogačar in 2021. In 2003, Lance Armstrong crashed after snagging a spectator’s bag and still won the stage (a win later voided).
When to go, water and traffic
The road is open almost all year, but in winter it leads to the ski runs and there may be snow. Outside ski season there are hardly any cars. Drink in Luz-Saint-Sauveur or at the fountains in the villages on the lower part; at the resort, almost everything is closed in summer.
What gearing to use
With a 34x28 or 34x30 almost everyone gets up. At 3 W/kg and 159 lb (72 kg), you’ll ride about 5.6 mph (9 km/h) on 10%: that’s 63 rpm in a 34x30. If you’re at 2.5 W/kg, a 34x32 is better. More numbers in the gear calculator. The Tourmalet starts from the same town.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to climb Luz Ardiden?
A 159 lb (72 kg) rider on a 21 lb (9.5 kg) bike takes about 1 h 11 min at 3 W/kg (216 W), 1 h 25 min at 2.5 W/kg and 55 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 Luz Ardiden?
Between miles 3.1 and 5.6 (km 5-9), past Grust: several kilometers in a row at 9-10%, with 11% ramps. The finish is a bit easier, around 7-8%.
Can you climb Luz Ardiden and the Tourmalet on the same day?
Yes, both start from Luz-Saint-Sauveur. It's a hard day: together they add up to about 20 miles (32 km) of climbing and more than 7,870 ft (2,400 m) of elevation gain.