Col du Grand Ballon from Willer-sur-Thur
- 15 km
- 963 m
- Moderate
- Paved
Elevation profile
- 963 m
- 15 km
Route overview
This route suits cyclists prepared for a steady 14.6 km climb with 963 m ascent.
A 14.6 km climb from Willer-sur-Thur to Col du Grand Ballon in France, gaining 963 m.
Starting at Willer-sur-Thur (372 m), the route climbs steadily for 14.6 km to reach Col du Grand Ballon at 1335 m. The main climb spans 12.7 km from km 2 to the top, with an average gradient of 7.5% and sections up to 12.8%. The elevation gain is 948 m on this climb. The first half of the route contains 37% of the total climbing. The surface is mostly paved (96%) with a small 4% gravel or unpaved section. The ride includes 5.4 km of path, 4.2 km on minor roads, 3.2 km on main roads (all without cycle lanes), and 1.6 km of quiet streets. The longest named road is D 13B8, which is ridden for 3.8 km. There are 2.8 km on roads with speed limits of 80 km/h or more. Food and water are available near the start in Willer-sur-Thur and intermittently along the route. There is a longest stretch of 5.9 km without cafés, shops, or water from 7.2 km to 13.1 km. Three restaurants lie just off the route at kms 1.4, 6.4, and 13.2. Water taps are at 2.6 km, 7.2 km, and at the summit, which also has toilets. The route starts and finishes near stations and supermarkets, with bailout points at Willer-sur-Thur.
Highlights
- Col du Grand Ballon summit at 1335 m
- Long 12.7 km climb averaging 7.5%
- Viewpoint Chalet Hôtel Du Grand Ballon at 14.6 km
- Peak Rennenbachfels near 11.6 km
Along the route
Climbs
| Climb | Starts at | Length | Gain | Average | Max | Top |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Willer-sur-Thur climb | 2 km | 12.7 km | 948 m | 7.5 % | 12.8 % | 1335 m |
Willer-sur-Thur climb · starts at 2 km
What this ride is like
- Roads
- 37% path · 29% minor road · 22% main road · 11% quiet street
- Main roads
- 3.2 km on main roads without a cycle lane — likely busier
- Fast roads
- 2.8 km on roads with a limit of 80 km/h or more
- Main roads used
- D 13B8 (4 km)
- Surface
- Paved throughout
- Gradient
- 85% climbing · 1% descending · 14% flat
- Steep sections
- 11 km over 5% · 6.2 km over 8% · 2.2 km over 10%
Along the way
Food, water and shops
- 0 kmRepair stand · 330 m off route
- 0.1 kmAldi · supermarket · 60 m off route
- 1.4 kmL'Art de Vivre · restaurant · 40 m off route
- 1.8 kmTotal Contact · petrol station · 30 m off route
- 2.5 kmPharmacie de la Thur · pharmacy · 370 m off route
- 2.6 kmFontaine Aurélien · spring · 190 m off route
- 6.4 kmRestaurant au Relais du Grand Ballon · restaurant · on the route
- 7.2 kmDrinking water · on the route
- 13.2 kmFerme Auberge du Haag · restaurant · on the route
- 14.6 kmWater tap · 60 m off route
- 14.6 kmToilets · 70 m off route
Need to bail out?
- 0 km — Willer-sur-Thur (station), 170 m off route
Worth a stop
- 2.3 km — Colline de la Vierge (viewpoint)
- 11.6 km — Rennenbachfels (peak, 1068 m)
- 14.6 km — Chalet Hôtel Du Grand Ballon (viewpoint)
At the start
- Aldi · supermarket · 120 m
- Willer-sur-Thur · station · 170 m
- La Couronne · restaurant · 130 m
- Le Bouillon Alsacien · restaurant · 210 m
At the finish
- Chalet Hôtel Du Grand Ballon · restaurant · 90 m
- La Vue des Alpes · restaurant · 70 m
Stay after this ride
- Les Cabanes perchées du Grand Ballon · guest house · 2.9 km from the finish
- B&B Au pied du Grand Ballon · hotel · 3.0 km from the finish
- Ferme du Mouton Noir · guest house · 3.5 km from the finish
Practical information
- Paved
- Point to point
- 1 h 03 min
Know before you go
- 5.9 km without café, shop or water from 7.2 to 13.1 km
- 3.2 km on main roads without cycle lanes
- 2.8 km on roads with speed limits 80 km/h or above
- 4% gravel or unpaved surface