Hautacam

Start Town Altitude Elevation Gain Length Gradient Difficulty Rating
Ayros-Arbouix 1,653m 1,223m 16.3 km 7.5% 1,240 *****






Hautacam   Profile

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Climb Description

Hautacam is another of the legendary Tour de France climbs in the Pyrenees. Unlike many of the other famous climbs in the region, it is a relative newcomer to the Tour, having first featured in 1994. It quickly made up for lost time, however, and in 1996 it was the scene of one of the most infamous stages in the Tour's history. Bjarne Riis won the day in emphatic fashion - putting pressure on the previously unbeatable Miguel Induraín. It was, however, the style and manner of Riis' victory which live long in the memory - a performance often held up as one of the most extreme examples of the benefits that could be achieved through doping.

Although Hautacam is undoubtedly a tough climb, fortunately you do not have to dope to have fun climbing it. The gradients are consistently steep, but not so steep that it becomes impossible to ride at a comfortable cadence (assuming you have fitted a largish cassette!). Where Hautacam really shines though is in its beautiful green scenery. The climb begins in the fairly busy Pau valley, but quickly ascends into tranquil countryside. By the top of the climb it appears as though you have transformed into a different land - as the scenery becomes increasingly rural and more like the National Park which lies to the south.


Hautacam Cycling Summit

The top offers stunning views looking across towards Col d'Aubisque and Cauterets


The tranquility and scenery is spoilt slightly by the vast car park and ski station which greets you at the top of the climb, but the ride up more than compensates for that. From Hautacam it is possible to continue climbing slighlty higher to La Tramassel - another car park situated 100m above the main one.

In theory Hautacam is open throughout the year to enable access to the ski resort. However, in reality it is often closed in the middle of spring between the end of the ski season and the start of summer. Short term closures are also possible in winter while snow is cleared, and it is a bad time to be climbing it anyway due to the cold. We recommend climbing Hautacam from June to October.


Hautacam (Pyrenees)

Hautacam is one of the great climbs of the Tour de France






Roads & Traffic

The road surface is in very good condition throughout and there is very little traffic on Hautacam.





Alternative Routes

This is the only way to climb to Hautacam.




Nearby Climbs


Col d'Aubisque

Pont d'Espagne

Cauterets-Cambasque

Luz Ardiden

Col du Tourmalet

Cirque de Gavarnie

Hautacam

Col de Spandelles






Cycling Holidays

Hautacam is a highlight on our Best Of The Pyrenees cycling holiday and is an optional extension on our Pyrenees Coast to Coast tour.

Check out the information below for details of these and some of the other tours that we run in high mountains.





Port de Pailheres Cycling
French FlagFrance

Guided Cycling Holiday
Length: 9 Days
Level: Difficulty Hard
Price: €1,980 EUR
*Bike Hire Included

French FlagFrance

Guided Cycling Holiday
Length: 8 Days
Level: Difficulty Challenging-Hard
Price: €1,630 EUR
*Bike Hire Included

Picos de Europa National Park
Spanish FlagSpain

Self-Guided Cycling Holiday
Length: 8 Days
Level: Difficulty Medium to Challenging
Price: from €1,490 EUR