25.1
PDI
10.1 mi
DISTANCE
3,795 ft
GAINED
7.1 %
AVG. GRADE
FULL CLIMB STATS
INTRO
Isola 2000 is the ski-resort climb above the village of Isola in the Tinée valley, Alpes-Maritimes - 16.2 km (10.1 mi) and 1157 m (3,795 ft) of gain at a 7.1% average, topping out at the resort itself at 2008 m (6,586 ft). The road is the same one that continues on to the Col de la Lombarde, but this climb captures its own distinct, self-contained finish at the resort rather than the pass above it.
The route switches back more than 30 times through a narrowing canyon before breaking into the open above the tree line, where the ski station's lifts and buildings come into view against the Mercantour National Park peaks. It's exposed and can be windy in the upper kilometers, with the steepest kilometer averaging 10.7% and a 21.6% ramp on one of the tighter hairpins.
This exact finish line has real Tour de France pedigree: Tony Rominger won here in 1993 on the stage from Serre Chevalier, and in 2024 it hosted one of the defining moments of that year's race, when Tadej Pogačar soloed away from the breakaway in the final two kilometers to win stage 19 from Embrun, all but sealing the yellow jersey. The Tinée valley below was badly damaged by Storm Alex in October 2020, with reconstruction still ongoing into 2026 - worth a quick status check before a trip, though the Isola-to-resort section itself has no reported closures.
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. From Isola, this climb runs 16.2 km (10.1 mi) and gains 1,157 m (3,795 ft) at an average grade of 7.1%. The road starts at 858 m (2,816 ft) in the village and finishes at 2,008 m (6,586 ft) at the Isola 2000 resort.
The lower kilometers through the canyon are the steadiest part of the climb; the grade picks up through the switchbacks in the upper half, with the steepest kilometer averaging 10.7% and one hairpin ramping briefly to 21.6%. There's no flat section to recover on once you're above the resort's lower parking areas.
World rank: 547.
Roadway: The road is fully paved and well maintained the entire way - it's the primary access road for a year-round ski resort as well as a road the Tour de France has finished on twice, so it gets regular upkeep. The Tinée valley below suffered serious damage from Storm Alex in October 2020, and reconstruction work continues in the valley into 2026, but the Isola-to-resort section itself has no reported closures or construction as of this writing.
Traffic: Traffic is light in the lower canyon and builds noticeably in the final few kilometers into the resort, especially on summer weekends when day-trippers drive up for hiking, mountain biking, and the lifts. Winter brings ski traffic and a legal requirement for snow tires or chains in the region from November through March.
Parking: Isola 2000 is a genuine ski resort at the top of this climb, with multiple large parking areas serving its lift base and village center - if you're finishing here rather than continuing on toward the Col de la Lombarde, there's no shortage of places to regroup, refill water, or grab food. Isola village at the base has informal street parking if you'd rather start from the valley floor.
Isola 2000 is a full ski resort at the top of the climb, with cafes, restaurants, and shops open through the summer season as well as winter - a real advantage over most high-mountain finishes, where the summit is bare. The village of Isola at the base also has a handful of shops for a pre-ride stop.
The exposed upper switchbacks can be noticeably colder and windier than the valley floor even in summer, so pack a light jacket for the resort and the descent.
Standard road gearing is fine for the 7.1% average, but keep something in reserve for the double-digit ramps in the switchbacks below the resort.
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.
Isola 2000 earned a permanent place in Tour de France history in July 2024, when Tadej Pogačar's solo win on stage 19 from Embrun became one of the defining images of that Tour - the finish line and the final ramps into the resort are the same ones you'll ride. It's worth a photo stop if you're a fan of that stage.
If you want to extend the ride past the resort, the road continues up to the Col de la Lombarde and the Italian border - or use our Routes in the Area tool to see other Mercantour climbs nearby, including Cime de la Bonette and Col de la Couillole.
As a working ski resort rather than a historic village, Isola 2000 has the practical advantages that come with it: reliable food and lodging options at the top of a genuine mountain climb, open through the summer cycling season.
If you want to extend the ride past the resort, the road continues up to the Col de la Lombarde and the Italian border - or use our Routes in the Area tool to see other Mercantour climbs nearby, including Cime de la Bonette and Col de la Couillole.
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carlinguernsey
Most of the work is in the first half of this climb. If you make it this far, you should continue on to the Col de la Lombarde. It is only a few more k, but it has some good switch backs and lovely scenery.
