Ballon d’Alsace from Lepuix
Ballon d’Alsace is one of the classic Vosges climbs. From Lepuix, it is long, steady and more about sustained rhythm than sudden brutality.
- Length
- 21.7 km
- Elevation Gain
- 817 m
- Average Gradient
- 5.3%
- Difficulty
- Very Challenging
Community recommendation
Would you recommend Ballon d’Alsace from Lepuix?
Rate the complete riding experience—not just the difficulty. Your vote helps other riders decide which climbs are worth building a trip around.
Rate this climb
Loading ratings…
Ballon d’Alsace from Lepuix is not defined by savage gradients. Its difficulty comes from duration. At 21.7 kilometres, with 817 metres of elevation gain and a 5.3 percent average, it is a climb that rewards riders who can stay patient for a long time.
That is part of the Vosges appeal. The climbs are often greener, quieter and less dramatic than the Alps, but they still ask serious questions. Ballon d’Alsace is a good example: manageable on paper, meaningful on the road.
How to Ride It
- Set a sustainable rhythm early. The climb is long enough that pacing matters more than punch.
- Use the moderate gradient to stay efficient. Do not waste energy with unnecessary surges.
- Keep focus in the final third. Long steady climbs often become mentally harder than expected.
Where to Stay
Belfort and the surrounding Vosges towns are practical bases. They give access to Ballon d’Alsace and other climbs in the region without requiring full Alpine logistics.
Practical Tips
- Basel, Strasbourg and regional French rail connections can all be useful depending on your travel plan.
- Weather in the Vosges can shift quickly. Bring a layer for the descent.
- Do not dismiss the climb because of the average gradient. More than twenty kilometres uphill is still a real effort.
Routes featuring this climb
Climbs worth travelling for
Want more rides like Ballon d’Alsace from Lepuix?
Get our best climb guides, route combinations and practical mountain-trip advice in your inbox.
No daily noise. Unsubscribe whenever you like.