Earlier this summer, I took on one of the toughest gravel challenges in France: a climb up to 3,200 m in Les 2 Alpes. Starting from Bourg d’Oisans, the route stacks up more than 3,100 m of elevation gain, mixing gravel roads, technical singletrack, and a full-on mental battle to reach the top. It’s a unique adventure that blends high altitude, glacial scenery, and true self-transcendence.
Starting points: Bourg d’Oisans or Les 2 Alpes
You can tackle this 3,200 m ascent from two main starting points:
1. From Bourg d’Oisans (50 km, +3,100 m)
This is the option we chose, and without a doubt the most demanding one. Starting from the bottom of the valley, the route begins with a section on the road toward Alpe d’Huez, then continues on rolling but undulating gravel tracks. Although it’s not a continuous climb, the terrain rises steadily, stacking up around 1,800 m of elevation gain by the time you reach the resort of Les 2 Alpes. From there, the journey continues with the iconic gravel ascent that leads all the way to the 3,200 m summit
2. From Les 2 Alpes (15 km, +1,500 m)
If your goal is to fully enjoy the high-altitude gravel experience without taking on a massive elevation gain, I recommend starting directly from Les 2 Alpes. You’ll still get to experience a stunning ascent all the way up to the glacial zone, but with a more manageable effort.
In both cases, it’s a unique adventure, your choice between the full epic route or a more accessible version that’s just as impressive.
Best Time to Ride Up to 3,200 m
This high-altitude ascent depends heavily on weather conditions, and the access window can vary from year to year.
Best month: August usually offers the most reliable conditions.
Good period: From mid-July onward, depending on snowmelt.
Early access: Reaching 2,600 m is generally possible from mid-June.
Recommended days: Weekends are often more convenient thanks to the station’s activities, but always check local conditions.
At high altitude, the weather can change quickly—what’s possible one week may not be the next. Always check with the resort or local riders before planning your ride
Discover the Full Ascent
While you wait to come and ride it yourself this spring, check out the video, your perfect teaser to explore the climb, the technical sections, and the stunning high-mountain scenery.
👉 Watch the 3,200 m ascent on my channel YouTube Gravel_Kim
