French Alps, France · from Méribel
Col de la Loze
The Col de la Loze climbs through Méribel onto a purpose-built cycle path where the gradient turns wild: repeated ramps well into double digits above 2,000 m, with almost no rhythm to be found. It is widely regarded as one of the hardest climbs in France precisely because it never lets you settle.
Summit elevation: 2304 m
How fast would you climb Col de la Loze?
Enter your power and weight. A physics engine calculates your estimated time against the gradient profile.
Predict your
performance.
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 de la Loze and the Tour
The paved cycle path over the Loze opened in 2019 and the Tour first crossed it in 2020 with a summit finish won by Miguel Ángel López. In only a few editions it has already acquired a reputation as a Tour-deciding climb.
In 2023 the Loze broke Tadej Pogačar, whose radio message "I'm gone, I'm dead" as Jonas Vingegaard rode away became instantly famous. The upper path pitches beyond 20% in places — gearing matters here.
Get a km-by-km pacing guideRiding it yourself
When to go
The cycle path is typically clear from mid-June to early October; at 2,304 m snow lingers late and returns early. Weather can flip quickly above Méribel — check the forecast and carry a jacket for the descent to Courchevel.
Base & logistics
Brides-les-Bains or Méribel are the usual bases; the final section is car-free cycle path, so it is one of the quietest big summits in the Alps. Descend the Courchevel side to make a loop through the Vanoise valleys.
FAQ
How long is the Col de la Loze climb?
From Méribel, the climb is about 22 km with roughly 1696 m of elevation gain at 7.7% 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 de la Loze?
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 de la Loze?
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 37 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.