Col de Vars: Cycling Climb

The climb · France

About Col de Vars

Collections

Simon Warren’s 100 Greatest Cycling Climbs of the Tour de France

Col de Vars is a classic Alpine climb, stretching high into the southern French Alps. The early sections wind through valleys, gradually increasing in gradient as the road navigates hairpins and open slopes.

Midway, the climb offers a mix of steady gradients and short, steeper ramps, testing pacing and leg strength. Alpine scenery dominates, with jagged peaks and deep valleys enhancing the sense of effort and achievement.

The summit is dramatic and rewarding, with sweeping views and alpine air that make every pedal stroke worthwhile. Col de Vars is a climb that blends challenge, scenery, and the joy of long alpine riding.

01 / The ascent

Elevation profile

Start 1,287 m · Summit 2,064 m

Gradient by distance14.21 km / 787 m gain

0 km2.8 km5.7 km8.5 km11.4 km14.2 km

02 / The crux

Where it gets difficult

Choose a distance to find the steepest continuous section of the climb.

Steepest 500 m average

10.5%

Where to find it

9.80–10.30 km from start

Net height gained: 52 m
Section length: 500 m

The whole climb14.21 km

0 kmFinish

03 / The numbers

Climb statistics

Distance: 14.21 km
Elevation gain: 787 m
Average gradient: 5.5%
Climb category: 1
Start elevation: 1,287 m
Summit elevation: 2,064 m

Current weather

At the climb start

Loading weather…

Weather data: MET Norway

04 / Your effort

How long would it take?

Enter the power you could hold for the whole climb. We calculate a moving time from the elevation profile and the forces you ride against.

Sustained power

W/kg

Use your intended climbing effort, rather than FTP unless you can hold it for the predicted duration.

Rider weight (kg)

Bike + kit weight (kg)

Bike + kit includes clothing, bottles and luggage.

Advanced settings

Defaults represent a road-bike scenario. Adjust these settings to match your tyres, drivetrain and riding position.

Effective drag area (CdA) (m²)

Rolling resistance (Crr)

Drivetrain efficiency (%)

Modelled moving time

58 min

Power throughout: 225 W
Average speed: 14.7 km/h

Based on the 14.21 km elevation profile. Assumes steady power, with no stops, braking or drafting. Rounded to the nearest minute.

The science behind the calculation

For each part of the stored profile, we solve the steady-state cycling power equation for speed, then add distance ÷ speed across the climb. Gravity uses rider + equipment weight; available power is W/kg × rider weight. This uses the profile’s distance and elevation together, without mixing in another route’s metrics.

Power × efficiency = gravity + rolling resistance + air resistance + bearing losses

The resistance equations are adapted from Martin et al. (1998), Validation of a Mathematical Model for Road Cycling Power. Air density changes with profile altitude using NASA’s standard-atmosphere model. This calculator’s adaptation has not been independently validated.

It predicts travel at the power you enter, including on descents. It does not model acceleration, cornering, braking, traffic, wind, changing weather or fatigue. At altitude, choose power you can sustain there: thinner air reduces drag, but this model does not predict its effect on your ability to produce power. Profile quality and assumed equipment settings also affect the result.

05 / On the ground