French Alps · HC climb · Via Uriage-les-Bains
Conquer Chamrousse: The Olympic Giant Above Grenoble
Looming large over the city of Grenoble, Chamrousse is a formidable HC (Hors Catégorie) climb that offers both sporting history and immense physical challenge.
Quick facts
- Distance
- 18.2 km
- Average grade
- 7.3%
- Max grade
- 11%
- Elevation gain
- 1,324 m
- Summit
- 1,730 m
The experience
Looming large over the city of Grenoble, Chamrousse is a formidable HC (Hors Catégorie) climb that offers both sporting history and immense physical challenge. Famous for hosting the 1968 Winter Olympics and Vincenzo Nibali's dominant Tour de France stage win in 2014, this mountain commands respect.
The climb from Uriage-les-Bains is long and demanding. You spend the first half working your way through dense, humid forests on long, straight ramps that offer little relief. However, the suffering pays off in the final 5 kilometers. The trees clear, the air cools, and you are treated to unbelievable panoramic views of the entire Grenoble valley below.
Pro tips
- Beware the lower slopes: The first 7 kilometers through the forest are surprisingly steep (often hovering around 8-9%) and can be stiflingly hot in the summer. Do not push too hard too early.
- Fuel constantly: At over 18 kilometers in length, Chamrousse requires a solid nutrition plan. Eat on the rare flatter sections to ensure you don't bonk near the ski station.
- The view at the top: Stop at the Croix de Chamrousse once you finish. The viewing platform offers one of the most spectacular, sheer drop-off views in the entire French Alps.
