Southern passes accessible in winter on the Route des Grandes Alpes®!
Vars, Valberg, Turini, Saint-Martin, Castillon, Èze
Introduction
Winter doesn't mean you have to give up cycling. In the Southern Alps, some passes remain accessible thanks to often milder weather, moderate altitudes and well exposed roads. Riding out of season means enjoying clear, light-filled itineraries, far from the summer crowds. And there's one sure sign: these are the winter training grounds of the pros (David Gaudu, Tadej Pogacar, Jasper Philipsen and many others!). Here's a look at six winter passes on the southern part of Route des Grandes Alpes®: Vars, Valberg, Turini, Saint-Martin, Castillon and Èze.
Why are these southern passes suitable for winter?
Mild weather & reasonable altitude
Valberg, Saint-Martin or the Col de Turini enjoy generous sunshine and often limited snow cover. Their altitude, though respectable, remains compatible with winter practice as long as the roads are clear.
Favorable exposure & available services
With south or east-facing slopes, these passes dry out quickly. And the surrounding villages or resorts - sometimes open year-round - facilitate the logistics of a great winter outing.
Focus on each collar
Col de Vars (2,108 m)
Starting from Guillestre, an ascent of 19.4 km for 1,100 m of D+, at 5.7% average. Vars remains open all year round except in the event of exceptional snowfalls. Learn more.
Col de Valberg (1,662 m)
From Guillaumes, 14.6 km ascent at 6% average. A pleasant, well-exposed climb from a pretty village to a resort that's lively even in winter. Learn more.
Col de Turini (1,607 m)
A rally must-see, but also for winter cycling enthusiasts. This mythical pass often remains passable thanks to its regular maintenance. Learn more.
Col Saint-Martin (1,503 m)
From Saint-Sauveur-sur-Tinée, the pass unfurls a continuous climb without excess. The Haut-Pays niçois environment and proximity to Saint-Martin-Vésubie make it a great winter option. Find out more.
Col de Castillon (1,081 m)
The gateway to the Mercantour on the sea side, Castillon is short, gentle, and rarely covered in snow. Ideal for warming up the legs or completing a loop from Menton. Learn more.
Col d'Èze (491 m)
Perfect for a winter workout with a sea view! 7.7 km at an average gradient of 5.9%. Mediterranean atmosphere guaranteed. Learn more.
Tips for winter riding in the South (and elsewhere)
Choose your time slot wisely
Ride between 10am and 3pm to avoid the morning chill and the evening chill. Sun at its zenith = safer roads.
Adapt your equipment
Warm jersey, gloves, overshoes, windbreaker and rear light are essential. Tires well inflated and equipment checked, even in mild weather.
Before setting off
Check road conditions via tourist offices or Inforoutes. Even in the south, morning frost can make a descent tricky.
Have a plan B
If one of these passes is slippery or closed, bet on the lower valleys or passes. There's always a nice route to explore.
Conclusion
Even in winter, the Route des Grandes Alpes® remains a land of cycling. These six passes in the south of France offer safe and enjoyable cycling, provided you're a little careful. Challenge, light, scenery: a winter cocktail that makes you want to get out... even in January.
What if you widened the perspective?
Find also our article on the "Northern passes accessible in winter" and follow our series dedicated to winter biking in the Alps.