Pyrenees, France · from Ayros-Arbouix
Hautacam
Hautacam is one of the hardest ski-station finishes in the Pyrenees. Unlike steady Alpine cols, its gradient constantly fluctuates between 6% and 11%, destroying rhythm and favoring explosive climbers.
How fast would you climb Hautacam?
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).
Hautacam and the Tour
Hautacam debuted in the 1994 Tour de France with Luc Leblanc's victory, followed by Bjarne Riis's famous big-ring acceleration in 1996. In 2022, Jonas Vingegaard sealed his maiden Tour victory over Tadej Pogačar on these exact ramps.
Tadej Pogačar set the fastest modern clean-era ascent record of 35:08 in 2025, just 28 seconds shy of Bjarne Riis's 1996 EPO-era benchmark (34:40).
35:08 for the 13.5 km ascent from Ayros-Arbouix, beating Jonas Vingegaard's 36:35 time from 2022.
Riding it yourself
When to go
June through October. High summer heat can be severe on the unshaded lower ramps above Argelès-Gazost.
Base & logistics
Argelès-Gazost is the premier cycling base at the foot of Hautacam, also offering immediate access to Tourmalet and Soulor.
FAQ
How long is the Hautacam climb?
From Ayros-Arbouix, the climb is about 13.4 km with roughly 1063 m of elevation gain at 8% 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 Hautacam?
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 Hautacam?
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 11 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.