Cyclingtrippers
Col de Portet Mountain Test
Pyrenees

Col de Portet Mountain Test

A hard Pyrenean route built around Col de Portet, one of the most demanding climbs in the region.

Distance
45 to 85 km
Elevation Gain
1,700 to 2,600 m
Ride Time
4 to 7 hours
Difficulty
Hors Catégorie
Surface
Road
Start
Saint Lary Soulan
Best Season
June to September

Col de Portet is not a casual add on. It is the kind of climb that defines the day. From Saint Lary Soulan, the road rises hard enough and long enough to make pacing the only sensible strategy.

The route idea is simple because the climb is already severe. Start in Saint Lary Soulan, use the valley roads to warm up properly, then make Col de Portet the main event. Stronger riders can add extra distance, but the climb itself should remain the focus.

How to Build This Ride

  • Start in Saint Lary Soulan.
  • Warm up on the valley roads before the main climb.
  • Climb Col de Portet with conservative pacing.
  • Refuel at the top or back in town depending on services and season.
  • Return by the safest descent option.

Climbs Included

Villages & Coffee Stops

  • Saint Lary Soulan is the natural base. It gives you the cleanest access and enough services to make the ride practical. Do not plan this as a remote improvisation.

Make it shorter

Keep the ride focused on the climb and avoid extra valley loops.

Make it harder

Add more valley kilometres before the climb, but be careful. Col de Portet is already the kind of effort that does not need much help.

Local Notes

This is a serious climb. The average gradient is high and the effort is sustained. Do not let the fact that it starts near a resort town make it feel safer or easier than it is.

This is a flexible ride idea, not a turn-by-turn route. Use the climbs, villages and notes above to build your own GPX in Komoot, Strava, Ride with GPS or another planner before you ride.

Explore Pyrenees

Build a better cycling trip

Save the idea. Discover the rest of Pyrenees.

Get destination guides, route inspiration and practical travel advice for your next European cycling trip.

No daily noise. Unsubscribe whenever you like.