Pla de Beret

Start Town	Altitude	Elevation Gain	Length	Gradient	Difficulty	Rating
Vielha	1,904m	884m	21.7 km	4.1%	444	****

Climb Description

Pla de Beret is a high mountain cycling climb in the Catalan Pyrenees. The climb is steady, with few steep gradients and ascends to a small ski resort near to the border with France. The gradient very rarely exceeds 10% and it is easy to get into a nice rhythm throughout the climb.

The lower part of the climb (as far as Baqueira) is the same as La Bonaigua, but here you turn off 8km from the pass. These last 8km are some of the most spectacular and scenic in the Catalan Pyrenees - and if this was the whole climb then it would certainly deserve a ***** rating. The scenery is much more picturesque than the Bonaigua as you climb into the high mountains that form the border between France and Spain.

The upper section begins with a series of short hairpin bends before opening to provide the most glorious mountain views. Don't forget to look behind you from time to time, for splendid views of the two highest peaks in the entire Pyrenees chain - Maladeta and Aneto. If you are in the area, this is certainly a climb that you should look to do - even if it is just the final 8km.

Pla de Beret is open throughout the year to allow access to the ski area; however, short term closures are possible in winter when the road needs to be cleared of fresh snow.

Roads & Traffic

The road surface is in good condition throughout the climb.

The first part of the climb, heading out of Vielha follows a fairly busy road. However, it is wide and has a significant hard shoulder which can effectively be used as a cycle lane - keeping you out of the traffic. After turning off at Baqueira the traffic reduces considerably - though without disappearing completely. The climb is busier during the ski season - but this is not the time of year to be cycling here anyway!

Alternative Routes

This is the only way to climb to Pla de Beret.

Nearby Climbs

La Bonaigua

Port Aine

Col du Portillon

Cycling Holidays

We do not currently run any cycling holidays in this part of the Catalonia. However, if you would like to customize an itinerary in the region, please contact us and we would happy to organize a trip for you.

You may also be interested in some of our other tours below, both in the Pyrenees and elsewhere in Catalonia.