Courchevel: Cycling Climb

The climb · France

About Courchevel

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

Courchevel is Alpine elegance. The climb twists through pine forests, open meadows, and high slopes, offering varied gradients and constant visual reward. Hairpins come in predictable sequences, allowing rhythm while still demanding concentration.

The gradient is consistent, but there are sharper sections that punctuate the climb, forcing you to dig in. Alpine air cools the effort, making long sections sustainable yet testing.

At the summit, the view of the valley below and surrounding peaks is a perfect payoff. A climb for riders who enjoy a long, flowing Alpine ascent with character and style.

01 / The ascent

Elevation profile

Start 914 m · Summit 1,731 m

Gradient by distance12.42 km / 822 m gain

0 km2.5 km5 km7.4 km9.9 km12.4 km

02 / The crux

Where it gets difficult

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

Steepest 500 m average

9.5%

Where to find it

6.20–6.70 km from start

Net height gained: 47 m
Section length: 500 m

The whole climb12.42 km

0 kmFinish

03 / The numbers

Climb statistics

Distance: 12.42 km
Elevation gain: 822 m
Average gradient: 6.6%
Climb category: HC
Start elevation: 914 m
Summit elevation: 1,731 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

57 min

Power throughout: 225 W
Average speed: 13.0 km/h

Based on the 12.42 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