The Alpe du Zwift is a virtual recreation of the legendary Alpe d'Huez climb within Zwift. Spanning 12.2 kilometres with 1,036 metres of elevation gain across 21 iconic hairpin bends, this climb averages an 8.5% gradient and stands as one of cycling's most celebrated challenges. Whether you're aiming for a personal record or planning your pacing strategy, this calculator uses physics-based modelling to provide accurate time estimates and segment-by-segment guidance for your ascent.
Results
Climb Time
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Average Speed
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km/h
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mph
Power-to-Weight
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W/kg
Hairpin-by-Hairpin Pacing
| Hairpin | Grade | Speed (km/h / mph) | Segment Time | Cumulative |
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Frequently Asked Questions
For the most accurate results, use your actual average power (watts) from recent climbs and your current weight. If you know your FTP, using a percentage (typically 85-95% for a sustained climb) provides a good estimate. The Advanced mode allows fine-tuning with equipment choices, rider height, and aerodynamic values for even greater precision.
No. Your ascent time on Alpe du Zwift is determined entirely by your power output and weight. Trainer difficulty only affects how the gradient feels on your smart trainer—it changes the resistance but not your speed or time. Similarly, gearing only affects your cadence and feel; shifting doesn't make you faster if your power stays the same.
Times vary widely based on fitness level. Beginners (2.0-2.5 W/kg) typically finish in 75-90 minutes. Intermediate riders (2.5-3.5 W/kg) complete it in 55-75 minutes. Advanced cyclists (3.5-4.5 W/kg) finish in 45-55 minutes, whilst elite riders (4.5+ W/kg) can break 40 minutes. The prestigious sub-hour mark is a popular goal for recreational cyclists.
Alpe du Zwift closely mirrors the real Alpe d'Huez climb in France with matching length (12.2 km), elevation gain (1,036 m), and 21 hairpin bends. However, Zwift's physics simplification means times may differ slightly from outdoors. Real-world factors like wind, road surface, temperature extremes, and fatigue management can add 5-15% to outdoor times compared to virtual ascents.
If you have a recent FTP test, using a percentage (typically 85-95%) is convenient and accounts for sustainable effort. However, if you know your target average power from previous climbs or training plans, entering watts directly is more accurate. The calculator accepts both methods—enter FTP and adjust the slider, or simply input your target average power.
Weight significantly impacts climbing performance. The sensitivity analysis shows that losing 2 kg typically saves 2-3 minutes, whilst gaining 2 kg adds a similar amount. This is because climbing is primarily about overcoming gravity. The calculator's sensitivity section quantifies exactly how weight changes affect your specific scenario.
VAM (Vertical Ascent in Metres) per hour measures your climbing rate in metres of elevation gained per hour. It's calculated by dividing the total elevation (1,036 m) by your climb time in hours. VAM is a useful metric for comparing climbing performance across different gradients and lengths. Typical VAM values range from 800-1,200 m/h for recreational riders to 1,400-1,800 m/h for elite climbers.
On steep climbs like Alpe du Zwift, equipment choices have minimal impact (typically seconds, not minutes) because aerodynamics matter less at low speeds. Weight is the primary factor. The lightest bike and wheel combinations (like Lightweight Meilenstein) save roughly 20-40 seconds compared to heavier setups. For comparison, increasing your power by 10 watts saves 2-3 minutes—far more significant than equipment changes.
Unofficial fan tool, not affiliated with Zwift.