19.2
PDI
10.8 mi
DISTANCE
3,278 ft
GAINED
5.7 %
AVG. GRADE
FULL CLIMB STATS
Page Contributor(s): Erwan Treguier, Brittany, France
INTRO
Port de Cabús climbs 17.4 km (10.8 mi) from La Massana to the Andorra-Spain border at 2304 m (7560 ft), gaining 999 m (3278 ft) at an average of 5.7%. It's one of the longest climbs in Andorra and, once you're past the ski area, one of the quietest. The asphalt stops at the col, and only a gravel track continues down the Spanish side toward Tor and Alins in Catalonia, so there's no through traffic at the top.
The first half builds steadily. You start with gentle grades through Erts and Xixerella, then the road firms up to 7-8% through the village of Pal and climbs through the forest to the Pal ski area. The Vuelta a España has finished at Pal five times, most recently in 2025 when Jay Vine soloed to the stage win. In June 2026 the Andorra MoraBanc Clàssica finished a little higher up at Coll de la Botella, where Tom Pidcock won by two seconds.
Past Botella the climb changes character. A nearly flat 2 km (1.2 mi) traverse curls around the head of a high, open valley, then the last 3 km (1.9 mi) roll up at 4-6% to the bare border col, with horses grazing and big Pyrenean views on every side. The upper road is usually open from about May to October.
PLAN YOUR ROUTE
We've partnered with Sherpa-Map.com to bring you the best route planning tool. With a PRO Membership you can use this climb as a reference when creating your route. Port de Cabús averages 5.7% over 17.4 km (10.8 mi), but most of the work comes in the middle. The first 3 km (1.9 mi) out of La Massana are an easy warm-up at around 4-5%. From roughly km 4 to Coll de la Botella at about km 12, the road holds 7-8% for long stretches. That's where you'll find the steepest kilometer (9.3%) and the steepest 2 km (8.2%), and the steepest 5 km average 7.7%.
After Botella you get a real break, about 2 km (1.2 mi) at under 3%. The final 3 km (1.9 mi) to the border at 2304 m (7560 ft) average a little over 4%. Short ramps top out around 10.4%.
Roadway: The CG-4 is paved all the way to the border, and riders consistently describe the surface as excellent and wide by Pyrenean standards, right up through the ski area and over Coll de la Botella. At the col the asphalt ends and a gravel track carries on down the Spanish side, so road riders turn around here. The upper road is generally open from about May to October and can close in bad weather, so check current road conditions before you go outside high summer.
Traffic: Moderate from La Massana up to Pal, where the road serves the villages, the ski area and the bike park. Above the Pal ski area traffic drops off sharply, and the stretch beyond Coll de la Botella is very quiet because there's no paved through route at the top.
Parking: La Massana's barrier-controlled communal car parks are among the cheapest in Andorra: the first 30 minutes are free and it's about €1.10 an hour after that. For a shorter ride that skips the valley, the Pal Arinsal resort has free car parks at its Pal sector, which puts you at the start of the steeper upper section.
Gear: A standard compact crankset is plenty for most riders. The grades here are long rather than savage. You finish at 2304 m (7560 ft) on an exposed col where wind is common, so carry a windproof layer for the long descent.
Provisions: Stock up in La Massana, which has full shops and cafes. Pal is a small village with limited services. Riders report roadside fountains higher up the climb, but don't rely on them, and there's nothing at the summit.
Before heading out on any cycling adventure check out our Things to Bring on a Cycling Trip and use our interactive check list to ensure you don't forget anything.
Pal deserves more than a glance on the way past. Its church of Sant Climent dates to the 11th or 12th century, with part of the north side cut into the rock and a bell tower whose paired twin windows are unique in Andorra. Just up the road, Coll de la Botella is home to Dennis Oppenheim's sculpture Storm in a Teacup.
The Pal sector of the Pal Arinsal resort is also one of Europe's big mountain-bike venues. It hosted the 2026 Mountain Bike World Championships in July, and in summer its bike park is reachable by cable car from the center of La Massana.
For a bigger day, our Arcalis + Port de Cabús + Port d'Arinsal route links this climb with two of La Massana's other big ascents. Because you finish above 2300 m, conditions at the border can be very different from the valley - check current conditions before you go with our Weather tool.
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carlinguernsey
This is a lovely long climb up to the border with Spain. The lower slopes go through some villages and ski stations. After the last ski station with about 5k to go, the road circles around a very scenic valley. The upper part has little traffic. You can keep going into Spain, but the road turns to gravel.
