Alpe du Zwift is Zwift's virtual recreation of the legendary Alpe d'Huez climb—12.2 kilometres of challenging gradients with 21 famous hairpin bends and 1,036 metres of elevation gain. Use this calculator to predict your climb time, find the power you need for your goal time, plan your pacing strategy for each segment, and compare different scenarios to see how weight or power changes affect your result.
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What is Alpe du Zwift?
Alpe du Zwift is one of the most iconic and challenging climbs in the Zwift virtual cycling world. It is a faithful recreation of the legendary Alpe d'Huez in the French Alps, featuring the same 21 hairpin bends that have made the real climb famous in professional cycling, particularly in the Tour de France.
The virtual Alpe d'Huez climb covers approximately 12.2 kilometres with a total elevation gain of 1,036 metres. The average gradient is around 8.5%, though individual segments range from about 6% to over 12% in the steepest sections. The climb is accessed via the "Road to Sky" route in Zwift's Watopia world.
Completing Alpe du Zwift is a significant achievement for any cyclist. Depending on your fitness level and power output, the climb typically takes between 40 minutes for elite riders to over 90 minutes for beginners. Many UK Zwift riders set the sub-60-minute climb as a key training goal.
How This Alpe du Zwift Time Calculator Works
This Alpe du Zwift calculator uses a physics-based model to predict your climbing time. The calculation considers the fundamental forces that affect a cyclist on a climb: gravity, rolling resistance, and aerodynamic drag.
When you enter your weight and power output, the calculator determines how much of your power goes towards overcoming gravity (the main factor on steep climbs), rolling resistance from your tyres on the virtual road, and air resistance as you move through the virtual atmosphere.
In simple mode, we use sensible default values for your bike weight and aerodynamic profile. Advanced mode lets you fine-tune these parameters if you know your specific setup. The calculator also accounts for Zwift-specific factors like bike selection.
The result is a Zwift climbing time estimate that closely matches real-world Alpe du Zwift times. While no calculator is perfect—your actual time depends on pacing, fatigue, and how steadily you hold your power—this gives you a reliable target to work towards.
How to Use This Alpe du Zwift Time Calculator Step by Step
- Choose your mode: Select "Estimate Climb Time" if you know your power and want to see how long you'll take. Choose "Find Required Power" if you have a goal time and want to know what watts you need. Use "Compare Scenarios" to see how changes in weight or power affect your time.
- Enter your weight: Input your body weight in kilograms. This is the single most important factor in climbing performance.
- Enter your power: Use either your planned average power in watts, or enter your FTP and select the percentage you plan to ride at (typically 85–95% for a long climb).
- Click Calculate: Your estimated time, average speed, watts per kilogram, VAM, and other metrics will appear instantly.
- Review your pacing table: Scroll down to see a breakdown of all 21 hairpin bends with target times for each segment.
- Experiment: Try different values to see how losing weight, gaining fitness, or changing your power target affects your climbing time.
What is a Good Time Up Alpe du Zwift?
Your Alpe du Zwift time depends primarily on your power-to-weight ratio, measured in watts per kilogram (W/kg). Here is a general guide to help you understand where you stand:
- Beginner (under 2.0 W/kg): Expect times of 75–90+ minutes. This is perfectly normal for new cyclists or those returning to the sport.
- Intermediate (2.0–3.0 W/kg): Times typically range from 55–75 minutes. Many recreational cyclists fall into this category.
- Advanced (3.0–4.0 W/kg): Times of 45–55 minutes. This requires consistent training and good fitness.
- Elite (4.0+ W/kg): Sub-45 minute times are achieved by highly trained cyclists. The fastest times are under 35 minutes.
The famous sub-60-minute Alpe du Zwift milestone typically requires around 3.2–3.5 W/kg, depending on your total weight and bike setup. For a 75kg rider, this means sustaining approximately 240–260 watts for the entire climb.
Remember, a "good" time is personal. Improving your own personal best is the most rewarding goal.
Tips to Improve Your Alpe du Zwift Time
Whether you are chasing a sub-60 minute climb or simply want to beat your personal best, here are proven strategies to climb faster:
Training Tips
- Build your FTP: A structured Zwift training plan for climbing that includes sweet spot and threshold work will increase your sustainable power.
- Practice pacing: Learn to hold a steady effort rather than starting too hard and fading. Use the pacing table above to plan your effort.
- Do hill repeats: Shorter, repeated climbs help build climbing-specific fitness and mental toughness.
Pacing Strategy
- Start conservatively: The first few bends can feel easy—resist the temptation to go too hard. Save energy for the steeper middle sections.
- Negative split if possible: Try to ride the second half slightly faster than the first. This is a sign of good pacing.
- Know the tough sections: Segments 8–16 contain some of the steepest gradients. Be prepared to dig deep here.
Weight and Equipment
- Optimise body weight: Losing 1–2 kg can shave minutes off your time—but only if done healthily and sustainably.
- Choose the right bike: In Zwift, the Tron bike or a lightweight climbing frame offers small but measurable advantages on Alpe du Zwift.
- Trainer difficulty: This setting affects how gears feel but does not change your speed—choose what feels most comfortable.
On the Day
- Fuel properly: Eat a good meal 2–3 hours before. Have a drink and snack ready for the climb.
- Warm up: Do 10–15 minutes of easy spinning before starting the Road to Sky route.
- Stay focused: Break the climb into sections. Celebrate each hairpin bend as progress.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alpe du Zwift
How accurate are these Alpe du Zwift time predictions?
This calculator uses a physics-based model that closely matches real Zwift times. Most riders find predictions accurate to within 2–5 minutes. Factors like pacing consistency, fatigue, and power fluctuations can cause variations. Use the estimate as a realistic target rather than an exact prediction.
Should I use FTP percentage or average watts?
Both work well. If you have a recent FTP test, using FTP with a percentage (typically 85–95%) is convenient. Most riders can sustain around 90% of FTP for a climb lasting 45–60 minutes. If you know from experience what power you can hold, entering average watts directly may be more accurate.
Does trainer difficulty affect my Alpe du Zwift time?
No, trainer difficulty does not affect your speed or time in Zwift. It only changes how the gradient feels through your trainer's resistance. A higher setting makes climbs feel steeper and requires gear changes; a lower setting feels flatter. Choose whatever is most comfortable for you—your time will be the same either way.
How much difference does losing 1–2 kg make?
On a climb like Alpe du Zwift, weight matters significantly. Losing 1 kg typically saves 1–2 minutes for an average rider. Losing 2 kg could mean 2–4 minutes faster. Use the Compare Scenarios feature to see exactly how weight changes would affect your personal time.
What W/kg do I need for a sub-60-minute Alpe du Zwift?
To complete Alpe du Zwift in under 60 minutes, you typically need around 3.2–3.5 W/kg sustained for the entire climb. For a 75 kg rider, this means holding approximately 240–260 watts. Lighter riders need fewer absolute watts; heavier riders need more. Use the "Find Required Power" mode to calculate your exact requirement.
How does virtual Alpe du Zwift compare to real-world Alpe d'Huez?
Zwift's Alpe du Zwift closely mirrors the real Alpe d'Huez in terms of distance, elevation, and gradient profile. The 21 hairpin bends are recreated faithfully. However, real-world factors like weather, altitude, road surface, and variable winds mean outdoor times can differ. Most riders find their Zwift times are a reasonable predictor of real-world performance, though outdoor times are often slightly slower due to these additional challenges.
What is VAM and why does it matter?
VAM stands for "Velocità Ascensionale Media" (average ascent velocity) and measures how many vertical metres you climb per hour. It is a useful metric for comparing climbing performance independent of gradient. On Alpe du Zwift, a VAM of 800–1000 m/h is typical for recreational riders, while elite climbers exceed 1400 m/h.
How long does Alpe du Zwift take on average?
The average Alpe du Zwift time for recreational cyclists is around 60–75 minutes. Beginners often take 80–100 minutes, while trained cyclists complete it in 45–55 minutes. The fastest riders can climb in under 35 minutes. Your time depends primarily on your power-to-weight ratio.
Does the bike I choose in Zwift affect my climb time?
Yes, but the effect is relatively small—typically a few seconds to a couple of minutes at most. Lightweight frames like the Tron bike (Zwift Concept Z1) or climbing-specific setups offer slight advantages on steep climbs. For most riders, the fitness gains from training matter far more than equipment choices.
Can I use this calculator for other Zwift climbs?
This calculator is specifically calibrated for Alpe du Zwift and its unique gradient profile. While the physics principles apply to any climb, the segment data and total climb parameters are specific to Alpe du Zwift. For other Zwift routes, consider using a general Zwift route time calculator.
What is the best pacing strategy for Alpe du Zwift?
Most experienced cyclists recommend even pacing or a slight negative split (starting conservatively and finishing stronger). Avoid the common mistake of going too hard on the first few bends—save energy for the steeper middle sections. Use the pacing table above to plan your effort for each segment of the Alpe du Zwift hairpin bends.
How do I access the Alpe du Zwift climb in Zwift?
Alpe du Zwift is reached via the "Road to Sky" route in Watopia. You can select this route from the route selection screen when starting a ride. The route includes a flat lead-in before the climb begins. The climb itself starts when you see the first hairpin bend and the Alpe du Zwift banner.