Col du Galibier

Undoubtedly one of the most famous climbs in the Alps. Known primarily for its long and challenging side from Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne, the Galibier has only one slightly downhill section: the one between the Col du Telegraphe and Valloire. The views of the surrounding valleys, especially in the final kilometers, are breathtaking.

About the climb: You'll start climbing from Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne through the Col du Télégraphe first, a long warm-up through forest before you drop briefly into Valloire. Don't let that descent fool you. The real work starts on the other side of town, where the road opens up and the gradient bites.

Above Valloire the trees disappear and you're fully exposed. The upper slopes are relentless, and by the time you reach the tunnel junction you're above 2,500 metres with nothing blocking the wind. Most riders push through to the true summit above the tunnel, where the Écrins and Mont Blanc sit on opposite horizons.