Pyrenees, France · from Laruns
Col d'Aubisque
The Aubisque from Laruns is one of the hardest classic climbs in the Pyrenees, ramping up through the spa village of Eaux-Bonnes before sustained 8-10% gradients to the ski station of Gourette and the pastoral summit. The famous Cirque du Litor balcony road connects it to the Col du Soulor.
Summit elevation: 1709 m
How fast would you climb Col d'Aubisque?
Enter your power and weight. A physics engine calculates your estimated time against the gradient profile.
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See how power and weight affect your time on a real climb.
*Demo simulation uses standard road bike physics (CdA 0.32, Crr 0.004).
Col d'Aubisque and the Tour
Part of the Tour's first high-mountain experiment in 1910, when Octave Lapize pushed his bike over the top and hurled "Vous êtes des assassins!" at the organisers. In 1951 Wim van Est fell 70 metres into a ravine off the Aubisque descent while wearing the yellow jersey — and survived.
The Aubisque has been crossed by the Tour around 75 times and has hosted summit finishes, most recently in 2007. It is traditionally climbed in tandem with the Col du Soulor, whichever direction the race travels.
Get a km-by-km pacing guideRiding it yourself
When to go
Open roughly June to October; the road through the Cirque du Litor is cut into cliffs and can close after rockfall, so check status in early season. June and September are ideal; mornings avoid the afternoon thunderstorms common in the western Pyrenees.
Base & logistics
Laruns in the Ossau valley is the base, with water fountains in Eaux-Bonnes and Gourette on the way up. The classic ride continues over the Soulor and descends to Argelès-Gazost, linking naturally with Hautacam or the Tourmalet for a full Pyrenean traverse.
FAQ
How long is the Col d'Aubisque climb?
From Laruns, the climb is about 15.8 km with roughly 1195 m of elevation gain at 7.6% average gradient (based on the simplified profile used by this simulator; published figures vary slightly by source).
How long does it take to cycle up Col d'Aubisque?
It depends almost entirely on your power-to-weight ratio. Use the simulator on this page: enter your FTP and weight, and a physics model (air resistance, rolling resistance, gravity) estimates your time on the gradient profile.
How accurate is the time simulation?
The simulator uses a simplified segment profile and standard road bike assumptions (CdA 0.32, Crr 0.004, 8 kg bike). It does not model wind, drafting, altitude, surface or pacing errors, so treat the result as a realistic estimate, not a guarantee.
How should I train for Col d'Aubisque?
Sustained climbs reward steady threshold and sweet spot work plus a power-to-weight improvement over weeks, not days. TrainCraft builds structured cycling training plans and adapts them when you miss sessions, using fatigue science (CTL/ATL/TSB).
More famous climbs
Preparing for this climb?
A climb like this is won weeks in advance. TrainCraft builds a structured plan around your FTP and available hours, and adapts it when you miss a workout.
Start Training FreeThe profile is simplified into 39 segments for simulation; real gradients vary metre by metre. Stats shown are derived from this simulated profile and closely match commonly published figures. Time estimates assume standard road bike physics and no wind.
Training for a climb like this?
TrainCraft builds structured training plans and adapts them when life gets in the way — real fatigue science (CTL/ATL/TSB), visual workout builder, Strava & Garmin sync. Free to start.