4. Mont Ventoux
An all time classic for our 4th climb of Christmas. Mont Ventoux is a must do for every cyclist. And maybe not just once, or twice, but perhaps you could do it three times. I am sure most of you know that there are three different routes up Mont Ventoux.
The first (and most would say the classic) is from Bedoin (21km at 7.7%). This route lulls you into a false sense of security as you leave Bedoin and are able to warm the legs up before hitting the first real hairpin as you enter the forest.
Then you’re into the toughest part of the climb, a real slog but fortunately you’re shaded from the southern French sun. This shade ends as you exit the forest and reach Chalet Reynard. Now you can see the comms mast at the summit, and if you’re lucky the wind won’t be blowing. Fortunately, we had perfect conditions back in May when we took some guests up to the summit.
The top seems to never get closer, and the sun can be really hot reflecting from the rocky landscape. But all of sudden you’re at the final turn and the last push to the summit is within reach.
The top can be packed, but be sure to wait your turn for the chance to get your photo in front of the col sign.
The other two routes come up from Malaucene, and from Sault. Both have their own character and if you’re feeling really strong you can attempt all three in a day. I did this a few years ago and the write up is up on the blog on the website if you fancy a read.
We’re going back to Ventoux in May, and this year we’re adding a women’s only tour.
5. Oberalppass
Our fifth climb of Christmas is short but sweet, and can sting if you climb it straight out of Andermatt. The Oberalppass rises up right from the centre of Andermatt and is the way out central Switzerland over towards Chur and the canton of Graubunden.
At only 10.6km and an average gradient of 5.7% this isn’t the hardest of climbs, but don’t be fooled. The first 5.5km are at over 7% so you have to be ready for some work as you climb the early hairpins and chase the mountain railway that crisscrosses the climb.
The scenery is stunning – you get to look back over the town, past the fields and the valley and out towards the Furkapass in the distance.
It is one of those kind climbs though, that once you are past the 6km mark it flattens out and the gradient drops from 5% to 3% to pretty much flat once you reach the lake and the avalanche tunnel that runs alongside the water.
One quirky fact of the climb is that there is a large lighthouse marking the col, I’m not sure if this is the only col in the world where there is a lighthouse, but if you know of another, do let me know!
We ride the Oberalppass on our Swiss Discovery tour – come join us in 2026. All the details on the website.
6. Mür dl Giat
Quite probably the shortest climb to every feature on one of these lists, and likely never to be beaten in terms of brevity. The Mur de la Giat will be very well known, and feared, by anyone who has ridden the Maratona dles Dolomites sportive.
This ‘wall’ is only 400m long, but has an average gradient of 13.4%. However, the start is relatively benign, before the last part of the climb which ramps up to more than 18%.
I think the best thing to do is watch the video. That tells you more about the climb than any words can.
If you fancy coming to try it out, we’ve got a few spaces left on our Maratona dles Dolomites trip in July 2026.
