Col de Portet d'Aspet (Aspet)

Start Town	Altitude	Elevation Gain	Length	Gradient	Difficulty	Rating
Aspet	1,069m	594m	14.3 km	4.2%	645	***

Climb Description

Col de Portet d'Aspet is one of the classic Tour de France climbs in the Ariège Pyrenees, having been used over thirty times in the race. Since its first appearance in 1910, some of the greats of cycling have led the peloton over the summit, including Gino Bartali and Federico Bahamontes. Unfortunately, the Portet d'Aspet was also the scene of a cycling tragedy in 1995, when Italian rider Fabio Casartelli crashed heavily on a descent and lost his life. There is a large memorial 4km from the top of the climb on the Aspet side - featuing a bicycle wheel being borne away on giant wings.

The climb from Aspet is largely in forest, running alongside a river. It is very peaceful and enjoyable for riding, but there are no spectacular views here, even at the top. This is a great climb to include in a longer ride; although don't underestimate the power needed to get over some of the steep gradients towards the top of this side.

The last 4km are really tough, with several long sections well into double figure gradients!

Col de Portet d'Aspet is open throughout the year, subject to the weather.

Roads & Traffic

The road surface is generally in good condition, although it is frequently resurfaced in summer which can result in there being patches of loose gravel.

There is little traffic on the climb.

Alternative Routes

Col de Portet d'Aspet can also be climbed starting from Audressein.

Nearby Climbs

Col de Menté

Col de la Core

Guzet Neige

Col d'Agnes

Port de Lers

Col des Ares

Port de Balès

Cycling Holidays

We climb the Col de Portet d'Aspet on our Pyrenees Coast to Coast cycling holiday.

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