Climbing the Tourmalet

The Tourmalet is situated in the French Hautes-Pyrenees, and with its 2.115m (6,939 ft) altitude, it's the highest rideable climb in the Central Pyrenees. It is the most frequently climbed mountain in the Tour de France, the first ascent dates back to 1910.

A great deal of its popularity is due to the Tour de France. Many cyclists are attracted to it, and want to add the mountain to their record.

Those who already have climbed some of the famous cols know that this creature remains one of the biggest challenges. One suggestion is to to climb the mountain first by car, so you can enjoy the breathtaking scenery, something you won't be able to during your climb by bike.

Real die-hards can climb it during the Raid Pyrénéen :
This is an event in which you drive across the Pyrenees over a distance of 710 km (440 miles), take 18 cols (with checkpoints) in under 100 hours.

The Tourmalet is the highest mountain in Barèges-La Mongie, the largest ski resort in the French Pyrenees. If you want to climb the Tourmalet, you should bear in mind that the mountain is not always free of snow. Plan your climb in the summer period, when the pass is certainly open.

Climbs :

You can climb the Tourmalet along 2 sides: from Sainte Marie de Campan or Luz-Saint-Sauveur.

Sainte Marie de Campan has a maximum gradient of 10%.

Luz-Saint-Sauveur has a maximum gradient of 10.2%

Some start the climb along this side even in the town of Argeles-Gazost. The path rises slightly here, but the real climb starts in Luz-Saint-Sauveur.

Accommodations :

Given the Tourmalet lies in a ski area, there is no lack of hotels or campsites.

You'll find a wide range of small family hotels, where you also can enjoy the typical regional specialties at a reasonable price.