From Guillestre, at 3,389 ft (1,033 m), to the Col de Vars at 6,919 ft (2,109 m), it’s 11.7 miles (18.9 km) at an average 5.9% and 3,658 ft (1,115 m) of total climbing. It’s the north side of the pass linking the Queyras with the Ubaye valley, and it pays to ride it building into it, because the worst comes first.
What the climb is like
- Km 0 to 7, miles 0 to 4.3. The hard block: you leave Guillestre at 7-8.5% and, toward Peyre Haute, string together kilometers at 9-10%, with the odd 11% ramp. CyclingCols measures 0.8 mile (1.3 km) at 10% here.
- Km 7 to 10, miles 4.3 to 6.2. The grade drops to 6.5-8%, up to the turnoff for the Escreins valley.
- Km 10 to 12.5, miles 6.2 to 7.8. Almost flat (1-4%) through Sainte-Catherine, Saint-Marcellin and Sainte-Marie, the villages of Vars. This is where you recover.
- Km 12.5 to the top, mile 7.8 on. Through the Vars-les-Claux ski resort, 7-8.5% stretches return, and the finish, past the Refuge Napoléon, alternates 8% ramps with rests.
A note on the numbers
Climbfinder gives 18.9 km and 1,115 m (5.9%); CyclingCols, 18.8 km and 1,112 m; and cols-cyclisme, 19.4 km and 1,111 m. CyclingCols and cols-cyclisme give a slightly lower average (5.7%) because they calculate it from the difference in elevation (1,076 m), without counting the short descents. The maximum ranges from 8.7% to 14% depending on the source; we use CyclingCols’ 12%.
History
According to Wikipedia, the Tour de France has crossed it 33 times since 1922, when Philippe Thys led over first. CyclingCols lists Joop Zoetemelk (1975), Alexey Lutsenko (2017), Tim Wellens (2019) and Richard Carapaz (2024) in front. The Giro d’Italia climbed it in 2016.
When to go, water and traffic
The upper part can close in winter for snow. There’s water and services in Guillestre and the villages of Vars, and the Refuge Napoléon is near the top. Traffic is moderate, with lots of motorcycles in summer. On the other side, the descent leads to Jausiers, where the Cime de la Bonette begins.
What gearing to use
A 34x28 or 34x30 is enough. At 3 W/kg (watts per kilo of body weight) and 159 lb (72 kg), you’ll 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 Col de Vars from Guillestre?
A 159 lb (72 kg) rider on a 21 lb (9.5 kg) bike takes about 1 h 20 min at 3 W/kg (216 W), 1 h 34 min at 2.5 W/kg and 1 h 02 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 Col de Vars?
In the first 4.3 miles (7 km) from Guillestre, with kilometers at 9-10% toward Peyre Haute. Then there are almost 2 flat miles (3 km) through the villages of Vars and an irregular finish, with stretches from 2% to 8%.
Since when has the Tour de France crossed the Col de Vars?
Since 1922, when Philippe Thys led over it. Wikipedia counts 33 crossings, and CyclingCols lists the most recent in 2024, with Richard Carapaz in front.