Col d'Ornon

Plan your bike ascent of the Col d'Ornon

The Col d'Ornon, 1367 m but marked 1371 m on the summit sign, is not located directly on Route des Grandes Alpes®, but it is an immediate neighbor. It links the Oisans to the Valbonnais and is an excellent complement to a longer itinerary, or a quiet escape from the main roads. Accessible, little frequented, offering superb panoramas of the Oisans mountains, it's a "coup de coeur" pass for many local cyclists.

Cycling up the Col d'Ornon from Bourg d'Oisans (north side)

Start: Bourg d'Oisans (720 m)
Distance : 11.1 km
Elevation: 651 m
Average gradient: 5.8%
Maximum gradient: 8.6%

Description of the ascent of the Col d'Ornon from Bourg d'Oisans (north side)

The actual ascent begins at La Paute, just after Bourg d'Oisans, for a climb of around 10.5 km. While the distance remains modest, the profile is fairly irregular, with an average gradient of 6%, steady enough to give the legs a workout.

The first 2.5 kilometers, between 6 and 7.5%, give way to a gentler section, punctuated by flats as far as Pont des Oulles, ideal for catching your breath. But from this point on, the pass picks up again, with gradients between 6.5 and 8%.

After the Rivier switchbacks, a long straight breaks the pace a little and can weigh on the legs. The gradient eases as you approach the summit, but a headwind often present in this section can complicate the final efforts before reaching the pass, which is reached after crossing the small ski resort of Col d'Ornon.

Cycling up the Col d'Ornon from Entraigues (south side)

Start: Entraigues (1,030 m)
Distance : 5.1 km
Elevation: 341 m
Average gradient: 6.7%

Description of the ascent of the Col d'Ornon from Entraigues (south side)

The ascent begins in Entraigues, on the south side of the col, for a 14.4 km climb with a three-stage profile.

The first 10.5 km are fairly straightforward, with a very moderate average gradient of around 2.5%, ideal for warming up. Then, the road straightens out for around 3.5 km, with an average gradient of 7%, punctuated by four hairpins that add a little pace to the effort.

As for the finish, it's all smooth sailing, with a final 500-meter stretch at 3.5%, just what you need to finish like a cannonball.

At the summit, the Col d'Ornon opens up in a peaceful, bucolic setting. The space is wide, the atmosphere tranquil, and the panoramas superb: on one side, the Taillefer massif; on the other, the soaring peaks of the Écrins, in the heart of the Oisans. A col that invites both contemplation and renewed effort.

Tips for preparing to climb the Col d'Ornon

The Col d'Ornon is very accessible. It is ideal as a first ascent during a stay in the Oisans. Less crowded than the region's giants, it's perfect for training in peace and quiet. As everywhere in the mountains, check the weather forecast before setting off, and pack a windproof jacket for the descent.

Our advice:

• Choose a suitable gear ratio to handle the irregular slopes without forcing.
• Pack two water bottles, a windproof jacket and a repair kit.

Weather conditions for the Col d'Ornon

The Col d'Ornon and Col d'Ornon station route is open all year round, although bad weather can cause some very occasional closures.

Weather conditions are generally more stable than in the major passes. Nevertheless, beware of wind and precipitation on the climb.

Consult the weather forecast for the Col d'Ornon.

Recommended equipment for the Col d'Ornon

Nothing too complicated or sophisticated! Just make sure you have the right gear ratio to handle the uneven slopes without forcing yourself, especially on the north side. Bring two water bottles, a windproof jacket for the descent and a repair kit in case of a glitch.

Services at Col d'Ornon

At Bourg d'Oisans, with a population of nearly 3,000, you'll find shops, bike rentals, restaurants, hotels, camping... An opportunity to discover this pleasant little town, the starting point for many mythical climbs.

The Col d'Ornon resort, close to the pass, offers easy dining throughout the summer season.

Access to Col d'Ornon

Rail access :

• Grenoble SNCF station (TGV and TER)
• From Grenoble, possibility of reaching Bourg d'Oisans by bus

Road access:

• From Grenoble: D1091 to Bourg d'Oisans, then D526 to Col d'Ornon.
• From La Mure: D526 via Entraigues to the Col d'Ornon.

Those who have done it speak best of it!

"On vacation in the Oisans, I incorporated the Col d'Ornon into a long outing. Great climb to work on endurance without exploding. The Rivier switchbacks set a good pace and the finish, even with a bit of wind, remains affordable. A great alternative to the great classics." - Émilie, 26, triathlete, Annecy

"A great ride starting from La Mure, with the climb up the north side of the Col de Parquetout, short but with a rare brutality, with passages at over 15%. Fast descent to Valbonnais, then ascent of Col d'Ornon via Entraigues. Much more rolling! Descent to Bourg-d'Oisans for a coffee, then the Col d'Ornon again, this time via the north face, which is longer and more irregular. Back to La Mure via the valley. A truly beautiful alpine outing, demanding but wild and varied." - Julien, 44, Montpellier

FAQ

Is the Col d'Ornon accessible to beginners?
Yes, with a minimum of preparation, as it's one of the gentlest passes in the Oisans.

Which stage of the Tour de France will pass over the top of the Col d'Ornon on July 24, 2025?
Two days before the finish in Paris, the riders involved in the Gap - L'Alpe d'Huez stage will cross the Col Bayard, the Col du Noyer, then the Col d'Ornon, before tackling the mythical 21 bends.

What is Col d'Ornon also the name of?
Col d'Ornon is also the name of a small family ski resort, located practically at the pass.

Other passes near Col d'Ornon

• L'Alpe d'Huez climb
• Col de La Croix-de-Fer
• Col du Glandon
• Col de Sarenne
• Col du Lautaret

The most beautiful passes of Route des Grandes Alpes ®

• Col de Joux-Plane
• Cormet de Roselend
• Col de la Loze
• Col de la Croix de Fer
• Col de la Madeleine
• Col de l'Iseran
• Montée de l'Alpe d'Huez
• Col du Granon
• Col du Galibier
• Col de la Cayolle
• Col et Cime de la Bonette

Places to visit near Col d'Ornon

• L'Oisans
• L'Alpe d'Huez
• Le Bourg-d'Oisans