One of the classic high Alpine passes, Col du Grand-Saint-Bernard is a long, steady climb reaching over 2,400 meters. The road winds through mountain valleys, past traditional Swiss chalets, and alongside rushing streams.
The average gradient of 6.1% keeps the climb challenging but manageable for experienced riders. The summit provides spectacular views of surrounding peaks and the famous hospice at the top, a historic landmark that adds to the climb’s iconic status.
01 / The ascent
Elevation profile
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
24.10–24.60 km from start
- Net height gained
- 52 m
- Section length
- 500 m
03 / The numbers
Climb statistics
- Distance
- 25.36 km
- Elevation gain
- 1,547 m
- Average gradient
- 6.1%
- Climb category
- HC
- Start elevation
- 904 m
- Summit elevation
- 2,451 m
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.
Use your intended climbing effort, rather than FTP unless you can hold it for the predicted duration.
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.
Modelled moving time
1 h 49 min
- Power throughout
- 225 W
- Average speed
- 13.9 km/h
Based on the 25.36 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
Route map
Route overview
Col du Grand-Saint-Bernard
Orsières, Valais, Switzerland
- Route length
- 25.36 km
- Total ascent
- 1,547 m
- Average gradient
- 6.1%
06 / Take it home
The climb, as artwork
Turn the route into a personalised topographic print. Choose your colours and composition, then download your artwork.
07 / Keep exploring
Nearby climbs
Côte de Domancy
2.4 km · 10.1% · 257 m gain
Domancy, Rhône-Alpes, France
40.4 km away · Explore climb →
Vercorin
9.3 km · 8.4% · 788 m gain
Chippis, Valais, Switzerland
41.0 km away · Explore climb →
Côte d'Araches
2.6 km · 7.3% · 195 m gain
Magland, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France
41.2 km away · Explore climb →
Col de la Colombière
14.2 km · 7.0% · 1000 m gain
Marnaz, Rhône-Alpes, France
47.8 km away · Explore climb →
Col de la Croix Fry
3.9 km · 6.4% · 252 m gain
La Clusaz, Rhône-Alpes, France
57.5 km away · Explore climb →