Top 16 'Turbo-to-Tarmac' Iconic Mountain Climbs to train for at home this winter - Goh Ling Yong
The days are shorter, the air has a bite, and your beautiful carbon machine is looking suspiciously clean. Winter is here. For many cyclists, this means a sad farewell to sun-drenched tarmac and a reluctant hello to the turbo trainer. The hum of the flywheel can feel like a poor substitute for the crunch of gravel or the whisper of wind past your ears.
But what if we reframed it? What if that 'dreadmill' in your garage wasn't a cage, but a simulator capable of transporting you to the most hallowed mountain passes in the world? Thanks to modern smart trainers and virtual cycling platforms, the off-season is no longer about just maintaining fitness; it's about reconnaissance, building targeted strength, and mentally preparing to conquer the giants. This winter, we’re going from turbo to tarmac, virtually summiting the world’s most iconic climbs so you're ready to dominate them in real life.
This is your ultimate bucket list. A curated collection of 16 legendary ascents you can tackle from the comfort of your pain cave. We'll break down what makes each climb special and, more importantly, how you can structure your indoor training to simulate its unique demands. Get ready to sweat, suffer, and emerge from winter stronger, smarter, and hungrier than ever.
1. Alpe d'Huez, France
The grand dame of Tour de France climbs. With its 21 numbered hairpin bends, Alpe d'Huez is less a road and more a stadium, each corner a monument to a past winner. It's a rite of passage for amateurs and a battleground for pros, where legends are made and dreams are shattered. The constant rhythm of switchback, straight, switchback is both hypnotic and punishing.
This 13.8km ascent packs a punch with an average gradient of 8.1%. The first few kilometres are brutally steep, hitting over 10%, which can trick you into burning your matches too early. The magic of the Alpe is psychological; as you tick off the hairpins in descending order, you have a constant, motivating countdown to the summit.
Turbo Tip: Use a virtual platform like Zwift, which has a fantastic recreation called 'Alpe du Zwift'. If you're creating a custom workout, focus on a sustained 45-60 minute sweet spot or threshold effort. Critically, every 2-3 minutes, surge out of the saddle for 15-20 seconds to simulate accelerating out of the tight hairpins. This builds the muscular endurance and power needed for its relentlessly steep ramps.
2. Mont Ventoux, France
Known as 'The Giant of Provence', Ventoux is a monster. It stands alone, a limestone behemoth rising from the surrounding vineyards, perpetually battered by ferocious winds. Its barren, moon-like upper slopes create an otherworldly and intimidating landscape. There are three routes up, but the classic ascent from Bédoin is the most revered.
From Bédoin, the climb is a staggering 21.5km with an average gradient of 7.5%. The trial begins in earnest after Saint-Estève, where the road enters a dense forest and holds a punishing 9-11% gradient for nearly 10 kilometres. When you finally break through the treeline to the iconic Chalet Reynard, the wind becomes your main adversary for the final, exposed 6km to the summit observatory.
Turbo Tip: This climb is all about pacing and sustained effort in the face of changing resistance. A great workout would be a 90-minute session: start with 20 minutes at a high tempo, then shift into 40-50 minutes of threshold work (simulating the forest). For the final 20 minutes, increase the fan speed on your trainer to its highest setting to simulate the brutal headwind and focus on maintaining a smooth, high cadence.
3. Passo dello Stelvio, Italy
An engineering marvel and a cyclist's dream. The Stelvio Pass, with its iconic wall of 48 hairpin turns on the Prato side, is one of the most visually stunning climbs in the world. It’s the highest paved pass in the Eastern Alps and a staple of the Giro d'Italia, a climb steeped in beauty and history.
The classic route from Prato is a beast: 24.3km long with an average gradient of 7.4%. The challenge here is altitude and length. The climb rarely offers a moment of respite, and as you ascend above 2,000 metres, the air thins and every pedal stroke becomes harder. The final kilometres, with the summit in sight but the hairpins tightly stacked, are a true test of will.
Turbo Tip: Replicating a 90-minute to 2-hour climb is tough. Break it down. Focus on long, sustained intervals at just below your threshold (sweet spot). Try 3x20 minute or 2x30 minute intervals at 88-94% of your FTP. During the rest periods, keep pedalling easily. This builds the aerobic engine and muscular endurance required for such a marathon effort.
4. Col du Tourmalet, France
The highest paved mountain pass in the French Pyrenees and the most frequently used climb in the Tour de France. The Tourmalet is pure cycling history. Its name evokes images of grainy black-and-white photos, wool jerseys, and legendary struggles against the elements. It’s a raw, wild, and unforgiving giant.
Climbing from Sainte-Marie-de-Campan, you face 17.1km at 7.3%. The ride is deceptive at first, lulling you into a false sense of security before ramping up brutally after the village of Gripp. The final kilometres, past the ski resort of La Mongie, are exposed, often cold, and mentally taxing as you grind your way to the iconic statue at the summit.
Turbo Tip: The Tourmalet is a war of attrition. Your workout should reflect this. Create a session with a 'ramping' structure. Start at a high tempo (85% FTP) and increase your power by 1-2% every 5 minutes for a full 45-60 minutes. This simulates the gradual, soul-crushing increase in difficulty.
5. Angliru, Spain
If other climbs are knives, the Angliru is a sledgehammer. A relatively new addition to the pro cycling scene, this Asturian monster from the Vuelta a España is infamous for its savagely steep gradients. It's not a beautiful climb; it's a brutalist wall designed to inflict maximum suffering.
The stats are terrifying: 12.5km at an average of 10.1%. But the average is a lie. The final 6km rarely dip below 12%, with the infamous 'Cueña les Cabres' section hitting a ludicrous 23.5%. This is a climb that forces even world-class professionals to their knees.
Turbo Tip: You can't train for the Angliru with steady-state efforts. You need to prepare for the ramps. The best workout is over/under intervals. Ride for 2 minutes just below your threshold (95% FTP), then surge for 30-60 seconds well above it (120-130% FTP). Repeat this for 10-15 minute blocks. This teaches your body to handle and recover from the extreme changes in gradient. Make sure you have a low enough gear on your trainer!
6. Sa Calobra, Mallorca
An iconic descent followed by an even more iconic climb. Located in the heart of Mallorca's Tramuntana mountains, the road to Sa Calobra is a masterpiece of design, a serpentine ribbon of tarmac that winds its way down to a tiny port. The catch? The only way out is back up the way you came.
The climb is 9.5km at an average of 7%, but its defining feature is the relentless number of turns and switchbacks, including the famous 270-degree 'Nus de sa Corbata' (tie knot). It’s a rhythmic climb that rewards a smooth pedalling style and the ability to accelerate out of corners.
Turbo Tip: Simulate the rhythm of Sa Calobra with cadence drills. Perform a 45-minute threshold effort. Every 90 seconds, alternate between a low, powerful cadence (60-70rpm) for the 'straights' and a high, spun-out cadence (95-105rpm) for the 'hairpins'. This improves your efficiency across different pedalling styles.
7. Col du Galibier, France
A high-altitude giant that connects the northern and southern Alps. The Galibier is often the highest point of the Tour de France, a monument to the sport that has provided the backdrop for countless epic battles. The air is thin, the views are immense, and the sense of accomplishment at the summit is unparalleled.
Approaching from the north via the Col du Télégraphe makes for a mammoth 35km of near-continuous climbing. The final 18km, from Valloire, averages 6.9%. The last 8km are the toughest, rising above the treeline into a barren, windswept landscape where the gradient kicks up and the lack of oxygen bites hard.
Turbo Tip: To prepare for the high-altitude challenge, you need to simulate oxygen debt. Try 'hypoxic' intervals. Perform 5-minute threshold intervals, but during the final 30 seconds of each, hold your breath for 5-7 seconds. Disclaimer: Only attempt this if you are in good health and listen to your body. This trains your system to operate more efficiently with less oxygen.
8. Mortirolo Pass, Italy
The Mortirolo is the evil twin of the Stelvio. It lacks the picture-postcard beauty but more than makes up for it in sheer ferocity. It's a narrow, claustrophobic climb through dark woods, with gradients that are consistently, punishingly steep. It was here that a young Marco Pantani announced himself to the world.
From Mazzo di Valtellina, it's 12.4km at a staggering 10.5% average gradient. There are ramps of 18%, and it offers absolutely no respite. This is a pure test of strength, gearing, and mental fortitude. It's not a climb you attack; it's a climb you survive.
Turbo Tip: The Mortirolo requires immense muscular strength. Focus on low-cadence, high-torque intervals. Set your trainer to a hard gear and a steep incline. Perform 5x5 minute intervals at 90% FTP but at a cadence of just 50-60rpm. This builds the raw power needed to grind up its unrelenting slopes.
9. Bealach na Bà, Scotland
The UK's greatest road climb. 'The Pass of the Cattle' is a remote, single-track road in the Scottish Highlands that feels more like an Alpine pass than anything else in Britain. It features the steepest ascent of any road climb in the UK, with tight hairpins and breathtaking views over the Isle of Skye.
The climb is 9.1km long, rising from sea level to 626 metres. The average gradient of 7% hides the true difficulty. The first half is a steady drag, but the second half is a wall of switchbacks with gradients exceeding 20%, demanding total commitment.
Turbo Tip: This climb is all about a massive final effort. Structure a workout with a 20-minute build-up at a steady tempo pace. Then, for the final 10 minutes, go all-in. Ramp up the resistance to maximum and alternate between seated and standing climbing for 1-minute periods until failure.
10. Passo Giau, Italy
One of the most beautiful and demanding passes in the Dolomites. The Giau is famous for its relatively consistent, steep gradient and 29 well-engineered hairpin turns. Surrounded by dramatic limestone peaks, it's a climb that will test your legs while feasting your eyes.
From the Selva di Cadore side, the ascent is 9.9km at a very challenging 9.3% average. It's a pure rhythm climb. There are no surprise ramps or easy sections; it's just you against a steady, steep gradient all the way to the top. Finding a sustainable pace is absolutely crucial.
Turbo Tip: To conquer the Giau, you need to be able to hold a high power output for a sustained period. The gold standard workout for this is 2x20 minute intervals at or just below your FTP (95-105%). It’s a simple but brutal session that is the single most effective way to raise your climbing threshold. My friend and mentor, Goh Ling Yong, often says that consistency in training is what builds the resilience needed for climbs like the Giau.
11. Koppenberg, Belgium
While not a mountain, this cobbled brute from the Tour of Flanders is an iconic climb in its own right. It's short, incredibly steep, and paved with treacherous, uneven cobblestones that can be slick with mud and beer. Conquering the Koppenberg is a test of explosive power, bike handling, and pure grit.
It's only 600 metres long, but with an average gradient of 11.6% and a maximum pitch of 22%, it’s a wall. The challenge isn't just the steepness; it's putting the power down on the slippery cobbles without spinning your rear wheel.
Turbo Tip: This is all about explosive, out-of-the-saddle power. Your workout should be short and violent. After a good warm-up, perform 8-10 all-out, 60-second sprints. Use a heavy gear and try to rip the handlebars off your bike. Rest for 4-5 minutes between each to ensure you can give maximum effort every time.
12. Hardknott Pass, England
Another UK climb that punches well above its weight. Located in the stunning Lake District, Hardknott Pass is a terrifying ribbon of tarmac known for its 30% gradients and a series of seemingly endless, tight hairpins. It’s widely considered the most challenging road in England.
The pass is only 2.2km long, but it packs an average gradient of 13.3% and a world of pain. The road surface is poor, the turns are blind, and you need to be a master of balance and power to get up without putting a foot down.
Turbo Tip: This is an Angliru-style workout on a smaller scale. You need to practice going deep into the red. Try 30/30 intervals: 30 seconds at 150% of your FTP, followed by 30 seconds of easy recovery. Do this for a 10-minute block. It trains your body to handle and recover from the extreme anaerobic efforts Hardknott demands.
13. Mount Evans, USA
Ride into the heavens. The Mount Evans Scenic Byway is the highest paved road in North America, climbing to a breathtaking summit at 4,316 metres (14,160 feet). This is not just a climb; it's an expedition where the primary challenge is the extreme altitude.
The full climb from Idaho Springs is 45km long, but the final, most famous section starts at Echo Lake. From there, it's 21km with an average gradient of around 5%. The numbers don't seem scary, but at this altitude, your power output can drop by 20-30%. Every pedal stroke is a struggle for oxygen in the thin mountain air.
Turbo Tip: While you can't perfectly simulate altitude, you can simulate the feeling of reduced power. Try 'power-target' workouts. Pick a power number that's 15-20% lower than your usual threshold. Your goal is to hold this reduced power for an extended period (60-75 mins) while maintaining a high cadence (90+ rpm). The focus is on breathing control and efficiency, not raw power.
14. Pikes Peak, USA
America's Mountain. Pikes Peak in Colorado is another high-altitude monster, famous for its annual hill climb auto race and a gruelling cycling event. It's a long, unforgiving ascent into the sky with ever-changing gradients and dramatic weather.
The climb is 19.9km at an average of 6.4%, summiting at a dizzying 4,302 metres (14,115 feet). The final few miles feature a series of steep switchbacks known as the "W's," which are a cruel sting in the tail when you are already starved of oxygen.
Turbo Tip: Pikes Peak is long and varied. The best way to train is a 'mixed-tempo' session. Create a 75-minute workout that alternates between 10 minutes of sweet spot (90% FTP) and 5 minutes of tempo (80% FTP). This mimics the climb's changing gradients and teaches your body to settle into different rhythms without losing momentum.
15. Gotthard Pass, Switzerland
A journey back in time. While there's a modern road, the real prize is the old pass road, the 'Tremola'. This section is paved not with asphalt, but with granite cobblestones, featuring dozens of tight hairpins as it snakes its way up the mountainside. It's a unique and unforgettable climbing experience.
The final 13km from Airolo feature the cobbled sections. The gradient is a manageable 7-8%, but the constant vibration from the cobbles creates a unique challenge, adding a layer of fatigue that saps your strength.
Turbo Tip: To simulate the 'chatter' of the Tremola, you need to challenge your core stability. Once or twice during a long, steady-state interval, try pedalling with just one leg for 30-60 seconds (switch legs, of course). This forces your core to engage to keep you stable on the saddle, building the strength needed to handle a rough road surface.
16. Wuling Pass, Taiwan
The jewel of the Taiwan KOM Challenge. Wuling Pass is one of the longest, most spectacular, and most difficult climbs on the planet. Starting from sea level and climbing to 3,275 metres, it offers a stunning variety of scenery, from tropical gorges to alpine meadows.
The full route of the KOM is an insane 105km. The final, most famous climbing section starts in Puli and covers 55km. The true test comes in the last 10km, where the gradient rears up to 15-20% and the high altitude kicks in, creating one of the most brutal finishing stretches in all of cycling. As someone who loves finding these epic challenges, I know that preparing for a giant like Wuling is a season-long commitment, and it all starts with structured work like we're doing here.
Turbo Tip: This is the ultimate endurance test. The best preparation is a 'fasted' ride. Once a week, do your long, steady indoor session (90-120 minutes at a low tempo) first thing in the morning before breakfast. This trains your body to become more efficient at burning fat for fuel, a critical adaptation for ultra-endurance efforts like the Wuling Pass.
Your Winter of Summits Awaits
So there you have it – 16 colossal challenges waiting for you in the warmth and comfort of your home. Winter no longer has to be a time of frustration. It can be a period of focused, intelligent training where you build the specific strength, endurance, and mental toughness needed to conquer your dream climbs.
Pick one. Make it your nemesis, your project, your reason to get on the bike when it's dark and cold outside. Use virtual platforms to ride the routes, or use the training tips above to build custom workouts that mirror their demands. This winter, you're not just spinning your wheels; you're climbing towards your summer goals, one virtual metre at a time.
Which mountain will you conquer first from your pain cave? Let us know in the comments below
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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