Skip to main content

Col d'Ornon Ride Review

Road biking to the Col d'Ornon from Bourg d'Oisans

featured in Activity Reviews Author Megan Wallwork, Accounts Manager Updated

If you’re after a shorter less committing bike ride than the infamous 21 bends up to Alpe D’Huez, the Col D’Ornon is a great option from the same starting point. The ride is easily done in less than two hours and there are certainly no compromises on the scenery!

Starting in the cycling hub of Bourg D’Oisans, head up the valley towards Grenoble . Rather than heading off to the right to the beginning of the Alpe D’Huez climb, carry on along the flat for about another 2 km until you reach a turning on the left signposted to Ornon.

From here you will climb steadily for 11.5 km on a leisurely average gradient of 5.7%. Although there are steeper sections, they are well balanced with flatter moments making this a very manageable ride.

The steep cliffs lining the road are incredibly impressive and you’ll also be rewarded with beautiful glimpses across the valley. The villages of Ornon and La Poutuire towards to the top of the hill are also very quaint and pretty - for me, passing through small clusters of chalets in the mountains like this is what road biking is all about!

The Col D’Ornon round trip from Bourg D’Oisans is around 28km in total with 690m of climbing and a maximum elevation of 1370m.

Allow 1.5 - 2 hours.

News

  • What's on in Alpe d'Huez summer 2019

    What's new this summer in Alpe d'Huez

  • Why Alpe d'Huez is great in summer 2019

    Why summer is great in Alpe d'Huez

  • Latest gear - best new clothing for spring 2019

    Hiking gear guide

  • Latest gear - Mountain running equipment for 2019

    Trail running gear guide

  • Latest gear - Camping equipment for summer 2019

    Mountain camping equipment guide

  • a mountain biker jumping in the air

    Mountain bike gear guide

Events

  • An image of a firework display

    Bastille Day

  • Oisans Col Series, Alpe d'Huez

    Oisans Col Series

  • Yoga at Pic Blanc

    Yoga at Pic Blanc

  • Classical music concert at Alpe d'Huez church and the organ

    Classical music concert

  • Oisans Trail Tour, Alpe d'Huez

    Oisans Trail Tour

  • Le Tour passing through Oisans

    Tour de France passes through Oisans