Col de la Moutière is a relatively lesser-known but immensely rewarding col in the French Alps. Starting from the quaint village of Saint-Dalmas-le-Selvage, this climb offers col-hunters a challenging yet scenic ascent through some of the most pristine landscapes in the region.
The ascent to Col de la Moutière from Saint-Dalmas-le-Selvage covers approximately 16 kilometers. It boasts an average gradient of around 7%, with some sections reaching steeper grades that demand considerable effort and endurance from riders. The summit sits at an impressive altitude of 2,402 meters.
The road to Col de la Moutière is narrow and can be quite challenging, with tight turns and varying road conditions. The surface is rough in places, adding an additional element of challenge to the climb. Given its more obscure location, the road to Col de la Moutière generally experiences less traffic compared to more famous Alpine passes. This makes for a quieter ride, allowing riders to fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty and solitude of the high mountains.
For gravel bike riders, there is a shortcut down to, or up from, Jausiers, as the north side of the col is connected with the Col de la Bonette climb just above the well-known Restefond.