Col de Spandelles (Argèles-Gazost)

Start Town	Altitude	Elevation Gain	Length	Gradient	Difficulty	Rating
Argèles-Gazost	1,378m	889m	15.0 km	5.9%	696	***

Climb Description

Col de Spandelles is a relatively unknown climb in the High Pyrenees region. It runs parallel to - and is overshadowed by the Col du Soulor (which itself is overshadowed by the Aubisque!) In truth, the Col de Spandelles is not as enjoyable to ride as any of the three main sides of Soulor/Aubisque. The views are mostly obscured by forest and the road surface is not ideal at times.

However, if you have already tackled the Soulor, then this is not a bad alternative. The ascent from Argeles-Gazost is the easier side and can be used to from a nice loop when combined with the Col du Solur ascent from Ferrieres.

Col de Spandelles can be open throughout the year, although closures are possible due to snow in the winter. The pass is not routinely cleared.

Roads & Traffic

The road surface is in fairly good condition for the most part, although there are some areas with potholes where it has deteriorated, but it is all easily rideable on a road bike.

The first kilometre of the climb, immediately leaving Argeles-Gazost, carries some traffic, but not enough to be bothersome. After turning right onto the D102 it is very quiet throughout.

Alternative Routes

Col de Spandelles can also be climbed from Ferrieres in the west.

Nearby Climbs

Col d'Aubisque (Soulor)

Col des Borderes

Col de Couraduque

Hautacam

Cauterets-Cambasque

Pont d'Espagne

Luz Ardiden

Cycling Holidays

Col de Spandelles can be climbed on our Pyrenees Coast to Coast and Best Of The Pyrenees cycling holidays, as a more challenging alternative to descending the Col d'Aubisque.

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