Col d'Ornon by bike

Oisans mountain passes · Cycling

Col d’Ornon

▲ 1371 m2nd catModerate · FIETS 3.5

A gentle, verdant col south of Oisans, via the Lignarre valley, towards the Valbonnais.

13.6 km
Distance
668 m
Ascent
1371 m
Summit altitude
4,7 %
Average gradient
8,6 %
Max gradient (100 m)
723 m
Departure altitude

Live weather

Start · 723 m
Summit · 1371 m

Real-time · Open-Meteo. The mountain top weather often differs from the valley.

Climb profile — Bourg-d’Oisans

Calculated from our GPX track (IGN altitude). Segments coloured according to the gradient.

< 3 % 3–6 % 6–9 % > 9 %
723 m 1371 m 0 km 5 km 10 km
Gradient kilometre by kilometre view details
1-0,1 %
2-0,4 %
31,5 %
45,2 %
58,2 %
66,2 %
72,9 %
85,7 %
94,8 %
108,8 %
117,3 %
127,3 %
136,2 %
141,8 %

The route

Actual route of the climb. Drag / zoom on the map.

Download the GPX track
3D Relief Map - Col d'Ornon (1371 m) on oak base Did you climb it? Take it home. 🏆 Your exact-scale 3D relief map — Col d’Ornon engraved on an oak base, customisable with your name and your time. From 49,90 € View 3D map →

How long does it take to go up?

Estimate based on your power-to-weight ratio (physical model, validated against real times). Indicative only.

Amateur2 W/kg1 hour 20 minutes10.2 km/h
Sportive3 W/kg0:5913.9 km/h
Elite4 W/kg0:4817.1 km/h
Pro5.5 W/kg0:3920.9 km/h

Cycling the Col d’Ornon from Bourg-d’Oisans

In the south of Oisans, the Col d’Ornon (1,371 m) is a climb lush and green, away from the major mountain passes. Since Bourg-d'Oisans, you go back up the peaceful valley of the Lignarre and its gorges: 13.6 km and 668 m of elevation gain with an average gradient of 4.7 %. A climb suitable for everyone, ideal for a leisurely ride or for reaching the Valbonnais and the Écrins massif.

Difficulty

This is one of the passes affordable of Oisans: the gradient remains moderate (rarely more than 8,6 %) and regular, only the last few kilometres before the col get a bit steeper. The road is in good condition and quiet: perfect for starting out in the mountains or recovering between two major stages.

A balcony towards the Écrins

The Col d’Ornon links Oisans to Valbonnais and it can also be climbed from Entraigues, on the southern side. It is a gateway to the Écrins National Park and a popular link in the region's major cycling loops, far from the crowds of Alpe d'Huez.

Frequently asked questions

What is the altitude of the Col d'Ornon?

The peak reaches a height of 1,371 m, south of Bourg-d’Oisans.

Is the Col d'Ornon difficult by bike?

No: 13.6 km With an average gradient of 4.7 %, it is a gentle, steady climb. It is one of the most accessible mountain passes in the Oisans.

Where does the Col d'Ornon lead?

Towards Valbonnais and the Écrins massif; it can also be climbed from Entraigues, on the southern side.

Route © OpenStreetMap contributors · Altitude © IGN RGE ALTI · Max gradient over 100 m : climbfinder.