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Alsace

Colmar-Ribeauvillé

Sulzbach

Climbing the Col du Petit Ballon from Whir-au-Val

Discover

Places to see

France

Alsace

Colmar-Ribeauvillé

Sulzbach

Climbing the Col du Petit Ballon from Whir-au-Val

Recommended by 129 road cyclists out of 132

This Highlight goes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for: Parc naturel régional des Ballons des Vosges

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Location: Sulzbach, Colmar-Ribeauvillé, Alsace, France

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Tips

Nicolas Vergnaud

April 3, 2025

The ascent of the Col du Petit Ballon from Whir-au-Val starts in the Munster Valley, just like the climb from Luttenbach-près-Munster, but the route is extended to make the slope less steep. After an initial section in the forest, the arrival at the summit is superb, accompanied by several farm inns for resupply. In total, there are fourteen kilometers at a 6% gradient to climb.

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Volker236a

July 1, 2019

The Petit balloon is the little brother of the Grand Ballon, so to speak. You can combine both balloons well. From the Grand Ballon you drive over the Col du Breitfirst and the Col du Platzerwasel. In the valley then follows directly the branch to Petit balloon (driveway from Sondernach). This driveway is much better than driveway, because the surface is much worse. The driveway of Soultzbach les Bains is much steeper and has quite a few ramps. She is still nice to drive.

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Chris

July 23, 2018

The Petit balloon is by name the little brother of the "Grand Ballon". However, the mountains are by no means comparable. The Grand Ballon is more or less even of all the ascents that I've driven, in terms of percentage of elevation, and rarely goes above the 10%. The Petit balloon, however, is a lousy bastard. I drove the driveway for the first time as part of the "L'Alsacienne", where he was on the plan after the Grand Ballon, the Bannstein and the Firstplan. Coming down in Wasserbourg, the mountain rises to a few hundred meters to over 14%, then about 4km to stay above 10%. Especially depressing are the long straights, which make the whole thing a mental challenge. The total journey is 12.43k with 757Hm, which leads to a cut of 6%. But that should not be fooled. To Wasserbourg you have already more than 4km away, but only 150 meters in altitude. The vertical meters are made over and over again on ramps that lead through a forest, the view can rarely wander. Only after you come out after 10km from the forest, you have a wonderful view, as well as on the pass itself. Just below the pass are located on both sides hostels. So my tip: use any shorter flat passage!

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Details

Informations

Distance 14.5 km

Uphill 940 m

Downhill 80 m

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Tuesday 23 September

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Location: Sulzbach, Colmar-Ribeauvillé, Alsace, France

Climbing the Col du Petit Ballon from Whir-au-Val

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