Grand Ballon from Willer sur Thur
Grand Ballon from Willer sur Thur is one of the most serious climbs in the Vosges. Long, steep and high by regional standards, it deserves more respect than many riders give it.
- Length
- 13.5 km
- Elevation Gain
- 1,066 m
- Average Gradient
- 7.9%
- Difficulty
- Very Challenging
Community recommendation
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The Willer sur Thur side of Grand Ballon has a hard, clean profile. At 13.5 kilometres, with 1,066 metres of elevation gain and a 7.9 percent average, it is not just a big Vosges climb. It is a serious climb full stop.
This page should be side specific, because Grand Ballon changes significantly depending on approach. From Willer sur Thur, the road has enough sustained gradient to make pacing essential. It is one of the anchor climbs for the Vosges part of the Tour de France 2026 cluster.
How to Ride It
- Start conservatively. The average gradient is too high for early overconfidence.
- Keep eating and drinking on the lower slopes.
- Save mental focus for the upper kilometres, where fatigue becomes the main opponent.
Where to Stay
Mulhouse, Cernay or towns closer to the Route des Crêtes can all work. Choose the base that best fits your wider Vosges route.
Practical Tips
- Strasbourg, Basel and regional rail connections are useful access options.
- Weather can change quickly on the higher Vosges roads.
- Combine it carefully with Ballon d’Alsace or Col du Haag. This region adds up fast.
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