Val Thorens
By Will • Oct 18th, 2008 • Category: Climbs, Cycling
One of the longest and biggest climbs in France. Val Thorens is the highest resort in the world famous Trois Vallées ski area (Courchevel, Méribel, etc).
Summit: 2,340 metres (7,680 feet)
The Climb: 38.2 kms (23.7 miles); Ascent: 2,000 metres (6,560 feet)
Back in January 2008, To help winter pass, I wrote about 5 big climbs - that I had never cycled - all above 2000 metres. Val Thorens was the 4th to be completed …. Col Agnel next year?
I used my second and final “Car Support” birthday coupon from Doreen. So another super fun day with filled water bottle hand-offs, bum pushes, enthusiastic cheering, cookies, and a lovely photographer.
The climb starts on the exit ramp of the Auto-route - or 30 seconds away in Moutiers - so we stopped at the 1st hairpin and unloaded the bike. 38 kms is an awfully long way to go uphill - but the route isn’t “too” steep and a couple of small downhills provide breaks.
Tour de France: Obviously rated Hors Categorie, this climb has appeared only once in 1994, stage 17.
With several towns along the route - there is light but fast traffic on the first half of the route. After Saint-Martin it gets much quieter and the scenery ever more savage. Can you find me in the photos below?
I rode another kilometre or so past the town sign to reach the high point at 2340 metres. Once at the top, I was thrilled to get in the car and drive down. It would have been a terrifyingly cold and long descent. Thanks again to Doreen for such a fun birthday present.
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Will is Happiest while cycling uphill. More enthusiastic than talented, his 2009 Challenge is to cycle a 100 Cols (mountain passes) and lose a couple of pounds.
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[...] Update: Climbed October 2008 - details here. [...]
Congratulations on living the life! I have been following your blog for the last month or so - fantastic rides you are doing!! When you post your blogs, i love the pictures but it would be great if you could provide more details - we want to hear more about these adventures!!
Impressive (very) and it is also clear that Doreen’s BD present idea for you was 100% on target. A cyclist’s dream spouse.