Le Col d’Ornon, whose alpine and Nordic ski resort bears its name, is located at 1 m. It links Oisans to Matheysine, via a magnificent and winding crossing of the Lignarre valley, nestled between the rugged Taillefer and the legendary Écrins
The history of Col d’Ornon
Formerly, the col d’Ornon was a very busy passage as a crossing point between the different Alpine valleys. During Antiquity, a passable path linked Matheysine to Oisans, then to the Lautaret and Montgenèvre passes, thus bypassing Lake Saint-Laurent (today the Bourg-d'Oisans plain) and the Romanche gorges.
It continued to play a strategic role in the Middle Ages for commercial and agricultural exchanges. With the rise of tourism in the Alps in the 19th century, the pass saw its importance strengthened as a communication route between Grenoble and the Écrins massif.
Le Col d’Ornon By Bike
Le Col d’Ornon, although less renowned than its neighbors Lautaret or Croix de Fer, offers an experience where the pleasure of cycling is intertwined with the beauty of the landscapes. One of its particularities is its relatively gradual slope, except for the last few kilometers which are a little steeper. With an average incline of 5%, the Col d’Ornon does not feature any steep sections that would terrify the amateur cyclist. This climb, approximately 14 km from Le Bourg-d'Oisans, is perfect for beginners looking to test themselves on an Alpine pass, while remaining quite interesting for experienced cyclists looking for a sustained pace.
Le Col d’Ornon Strolling along
The ascent to the Col d’Ornon can also be done by paths. The most direct and best known follows the Lignarre torrent, through the Oisans national forest. This route, very fresh, will take you to visit the typical hamlets ofOrnon, under the gaze of the fascinating Taillefer massif.
Le Col d’Ornon on a motorcycle
Leaving Bourg-d'Oisans, the climb to the pass begins gently, following rivers and alpine meadows. On the bike, the first few kilometres are perfect for warming up: a flowing road with wide curves and green panoramas. Gradually, the slope increases and the road becomes more technical, revealing tight bends close to the cliff. This road is appreciated for its practicality: it is neither too long nor too difficult, which makes it accessible to the majority of bikers, whether beginners or experienced. In addition, it is generally less busy than other alpine passes, offering a more intimate and serene experience.
