The climb offers spectacular views of the grand peaks of Haute Pyrénées, it is mostly wooded until 4km to go where it opens up and you can see the ski station. Remember to keep left at the junction 1.5km from the summit. From the ski station you can look back down at the hairpins you have just climbed and wonder at you own awesomeness (that's what I do anyway). You can also see Hautacam and Col du Tourmalet.
View our photo gallery of Luz Ardiden.
It can also be climbed from Gorge de luz via Viscos, this route is substantially harder to climb, being longer, steeper and with a poorer road surface. It is not recommended to descend this way.
View from the ski station car-park in March 2012.
Spring 2012, 8km up the climb. The town down in the valley is Luz-Saint Sauveur.
Luz Ardiden in summer 2011.
Anthony Charteau, Tour de France, 14th July 2011.
