Is it possible to ski on the Col du Tourmalet?

The Col du Tourmalet road is used as a ski slope by the Grand Tourmalet resort during the winter months. From November to May, the D918 is closed to traffic.

Why is the Col du Tourmalet so emblematic in the history of the Tour de France?

Crossed more than 60 times since 1910, the Tourmalet is the most traversed pass in the history of the Tour de France’s Grande Boucle . It is an emblematic crossing point marked by the exploits of riders such as Eugène Christophe, who walked 14km to reach Sainte-Marie-de-Campan and repaired his bike himself in a forge.

When is the Col du Tourmalet accessible?

The opening periods of the Pyrenean passes depend on the season and weather conditions. Generally speaking, mountain roads are accessible between May and June . To find out about access conditions in real time, we recommend that you contact the local Tourist Offices. For information on the Col du Tourmalet, please contact the Agence Touristique des Vallées de Gavarnie: www.vallesdegavarnie.com or the Barèges information office: 05 62 92 16 00. To find out about road conditions, please visit: http: //inforoute.ha-py.fr/

The Col du Tourmalet

The legendary summit of the Pyrenees

Rising to 2,115 metres in the Campan valley, the Col du Tourmalet is one of the highest peaks on the Pyrenees pass route. An emblematic stage of the Tour de France ‘s Grande Boucle since 1910, it is a veritable cycling legend. The Tourmalet summit, accessible by hiking trails, offers exceptional panoramic views of the Pyrenean valleys and landscapes. Its proximity to the Grand Tourmalet resort gives access to a host of outdoor mountain activities, in summer and winter alike.

Legend

The legend of the Tour de France

An iconic passageway since 1910

An emblematic passage

The Col du Tourmalet is an almost unmissable stage in the Tour de France every year. The peloton crosses it almost 85 times, and it shares a history of historic performance and devotion.

Bike

The Col à Vélo

a challenge to take up

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Cycling to the top of the Col du Tourmalet, Barèges side ©Agence Touristique des Vallées de Gavarnie - Pierre Meyer
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Agence Touristique des Vallées de Gavarnie - Pierre Meyer

Itineraries for climbing Tourmalet

At 2,115m, it offers spectacular views over the Bastan Valley to the west and the Gripp Valley to the east. At the foot of the Pic du Midi, it is one of the Tour de France’s legendary passes.

Ascent from Campan via the eastern slope

A very long climb.
Length: 22.5km
Difference in altitude: 1268m (start altitude: 660m – finish altitude: 2115m)
Average gradient: 6% (9% max)

Ascent via the west side, from Luz-Saint-Sauveur

A panoramic view of the Toy region.
Length: 19km
Difference in altitude: 1404m (start altitude: 711m – finish altitude: 2115m)
Average gradient: 7.4% (10.2% max)

Walks

Walks and hikes

On snowshoes or trainers

The Tourmalet can be climbed not just by bike: a number of hiking trails cross its paths and allow you to reach the summit. After your ascent, all you have to do is enjoy the spectacular panorama at 2115m altitude.

Pastoralism

Sanctuary of pastoralism

Home of the transhumance

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Sheep, pastoralism in the mountains
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Marion Liautaud

Take a walk around La Mongie and you’ll see sheep and cattle roaming freely, enjoying the vast high altitude pastures. Centuries of pastoralism have carved out these landscapes, which are still sometimes crossed by herds of llamas.

activities

Activities at Tourmalet

Motorbike ascentMotorised circuit

A must-do loop for cyclists, the Col du Tourmalet is just as popular with motorised enthusiasts. The bends can be traversed by motorbike, sports car or vintage car in an exceptional setting.

Skiing in resortsWinter in the Pyrenees

The Grand Tourmalet, the largest downhill ski area in the French Pyrenees, comprises the resorts of La Mongie and Barèges. The resort boasts 100km of runs through a variety of landscapes to suit all abilities.

Relaxing in a spaSpa and thermal waters

To recharge your batteries, head to Bagnères-de-Bigorre where the Aquensis thermal spa uses its healing waters and treatment expertise to give you the ultimate wellness experience.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is it possible to ski on the Col du Tourmalet?
Why is the Col du Tourmalet so emblematic in the history of the Tour de France?
When is the Col du Tourmalet accessible?
The opening periods of the Pyrenean passes depend on the season and weather conditions. Generally speaking, mountain roads are accessible between May and June.
To find out about access conditions in real time, we recommend that you contact the local Tourist Offices. For information on the Col du Tourmalet, please contact the Agence Touristique des Vallées de Gavarnie: www.vallesdegavarnie.com or the Barèges information office: 05 62 92 16 00.
To find out about road conditions, please visit: http: //inforoute.ha-py.fr/

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