Col d'Ornon (1367m)

This is a pleasant climb, good to use as your ‘first col’ in the area, it’s never too steep, has a reliable road surface and has an ascent of only 650m, half the climbing compared to Alpe D’Huez and a perfect climb for tired legs. At the top of the Col there are a couple of Gites where you can buy drinks and get something to eat; a good place to stop for a little while before coming back down or alternatively heading on down the valley towards the Col de la Morte.

Throughout the climb you very much remain in the valley and this gives the climb a slightly intimidating feel. You can turn off part way up to the village of Villard Reymond for a slightly harder ride. This climb tops out at 1600m with a few steeper sections.

This is the first and easiest Col tackled in the Marco Pantani Sportive ride (now known as the Granfondo Les Deux Alpes), a race that takes place every year from the nearby ski resort of Les Deux Alpes.