The Col du Galibier is one of the toughest and most legendary climbs in the cycling world, but starting from Saint Michel de Maurienne adds an extra layer of difficulty. This route includes not just Galibier but also the ascent of the Col du Télégraphe, making it a double challenge that tests endurance, strength, and mental toughness. In this blog, we’ll break down just how hard Col du Galibier is from Saint Michel de Maurienne.
How Hard is Col du Galibier from Saint Michel de Maurienne?
Climbing Col du Galibier from Saint Michel de Maurienne is a true test of endurance, covering nearly 35 kilometers of sustained climbing. Here are the key challenges:
- Total Distance: 34.8 kilometers of climbing.
- Two Cols: You must first conquer Col du Télégraphe before tackling Galibier.
- Relentless Gradients: The final section of Galibier has punishing slopes above 8%.
- Altitude: Reaching 2,642 meters makes the air thinner and the climb more taxing.
Total Distance
Starting from Saint Michel de Maurienne, you’ll face an epic 34.8-kilometer climb with over 2,100 meters of elevation gain. This route is one of the longest sustained climbs in the Alps, and the challenge begins almost immediately. Unlike shorter climbs, this route demands constant effort over several hours, which can be mentally draining.
The sheer distance means pacing is essential. Riders who go too hard early on may find themselves struggling during the final, steeper sections of Galibier.
Two Cols: Télégraphe + Galibier
What makes this route particularly tough is that you don’t just climb Galibier; you must first tackle the Col du Télégraphe. The ascent to Télégraphe is 11.8 kilometers at an average gradient of 7.3%. While not the steepest climb, it’s a long grind that takes energy from your legs before you even reach the base of Galibier.
After reaching the top of Télégraphe, you have a brief descent into Valloire. This may offer a short recovery, but the toughest part is yet to come. The climb to Galibier is where the real challenge begins, with steeper gradients and thinner air testing your limits.
Relentless Gradients on Galibier
The climb from Valloire to Col du Galibier is about 18 kilometers, with an average gradient of 6.9%, but this average hides the difficulty of the final kilometers. As you approach the summit, the road kicks up dramatically, with gradients of 8–10% in the last few kilometers. The final 3 kilometers are especially brutal, as you ascend through a barren, exposed landscape with little shelter from the wind.
Many cyclists find this section the hardest, not just because of the gradient, but also due to the cumulative fatigue from the previous climbs. You’ll need both physical and mental strength to push through these last steep kilometers.
Altitude
At 2,642 meters, the Col du Galibier is one of the highest paved roads in Europe, and altitude becomes a major factor. The higher you go, the thinner the air becomes, making every pedal stroke feel harder. For cyclists not accustomed to riding at altitude, this can be a serious challenge, as your body struggles to get enough oxygen to your muscles.
The combination of steep gradients and thin air means you’ll likely have to slow down as you approach the summit. It’s important to manage your effort throughout the climb to ensure you don’t burn out before reaching the top.
Conclusion
Climbing Col du Galibier from Saint Michel de Maurienne is a demanding experience that tests both body and mind. The combination of distance, the two-col challenge of Télégraphe and Galibier, relentless gradients, and high altitude makes this one of the toughest climbs in the Alps. It’s a must-do for any serious cyclist looking for a true test of endurance.
Ready to take on the challenge? Learn more about the Col du Galibier and other high-altitude climbs at Deux Mille. For an even bigger challenge, check out the Dauphinéring here—an epic multi-col route that includes the legendary Galibier.
