Col’Attitude 2026: Everything you need to know about car-free mountain biking
Want to climb a Vosges mountain pass without a car? That's the Col'Attitude 2026 concept! Take advantage of 11 free dates between June and September to climb the peaks of Alsace and the Vosges at your own pace, by road bike or VAE. Here's the full calendar and my tips for this unmissable "slow tourism" event.
Summary
- What is the Col'Attitude event in the Vosges?
- Calendar 2026: dates and difficulties of the 11 mountain passes (14 climbs)
- Col'Attitude Challenge: digital credentials and prizes to be won
- My opinion of Col'Attitude: why I love this event
- FAQ : Practical tips for a successful Col'Attitude 2026
- Ready to take on the Col'Attitude 2026 challenge?
What is the Col’Attitude event in the Vosges?
The Col’Attitude concept is simple: allow everyone to enjoy the beauty of a climb up a Vosges pass by bike, in complete safety, as traffic is closed to cars for the entire morning. The event is free of charge and requires no prior registration.
I say to all, because this is not a question of sporting achievement. Well, you can look at it that way if you feel like it, but the idea is more to have a friendly event that allows everyone to enjoy the winding roads of the mountain passes at their own pace: slow tourism, to enjoy the peace and quiet of the mountains and the beauty of the scenery at your own pace! There is no timer, you can set the time you want.
You don’t have to be a great cyclist to participate in Col’Attitude. Firstly, because you can choose a pass that suits your level from among those on offer, but also because you can choose to ride it on an electric bike. There is no “right” way to participate in Col’Attitude, the rule is to just enjoy it!
It is possible to rent bicycles (including electric bikes) in some villages: go to the website Col’Attitude for all the information on each pass.
Calendar 2026: dates and difficulties of the 11 mountain passes (14 climbs)
| Date (2026) | Name of pass / summit | Start Village | Distance / Elevation gain | Difficulty |
| June 7 | Lac Blanc / Calvaire / Louschbach | Orbey or Plainfaing | 9 km / 580 m D+ or 7.6 km / 439m | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| June 28 | Loosthal | Neuwiller-lès-Saverne | 7.9 km / 205 m D+ (gradient) | ⭐ |
| July 5 | Planche-des-Belles-Filles | Plancher-les-Mines | 7.7 km / 539 m D+ climb | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| July 19 | Col des Pandours | Oberhaslach or Wangenbourg | 6.1 km / 223 m D+ or 4 km / 219m | ⭐⭐ |
| August 9 | Col du Haag | Moosch | 11 km / 826 m D+ climb | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| August 16 | Firstplan pass | Osenbach or Soultzbach | 5.4 km / 322 m D+ or 5.2 km / 357 m | ⭐⭐ |
| August 23 | Ballon d’Alsace | St-Maurice-sur-Moselle | 8.9 km / 619 m D+ (gradient) | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| August 30 | Wintersberg Pass | Niederbronn-les-Bains | 5.6 km / 316 m D+ (gradient) | ⭐⭐ |
| Sept. 5 | Hartmannswillerkopf (Vieil Armand) | Uffholtz | 10.4 km / 593 m D+ climb | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Sept. 13 | Col Amic | Soultz (Lieu-dit Gros Chêne) | 8.8 km / 414 m D+ climb | ⭐⭐ |
| Sept. 27 | Col du Petit Ballon | Sondernach | 9.2 km / 544 m D+ climb | ⭐⭐⭐ |
1. Lac Blanc / Col du Calvaire / Col du Louschbach (June 7, 2026)
- June 7, 2026 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- 9km and 580m ascent from Orbey, or 7.6km and 439m ascent from Plainfaing
- Difficulty ⭐⭐⭐
2. Loosthal (June 28, 2026)
- June 28, 2026 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- 7.9km and 205m ascent from Neuwiller-lès-Saverne
- Difficulty ⭐
3. The mythical Planche-des-belles-Filles by bike (July 5, 2026)
- July 5, 2026 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- 7.7km and 539m ascent from Plancher-les-Mines
- Difficulty ⭐⭐⭐⭐
4. Col des Pandours (July 19, 2026)
- July 19, 2026 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- 6.1km and 223m ascent from Oberhaslach or 4km and 219m ascent from Wangenbourg-Engenthal
- Difficulty ⭐⭐
5. Col du Haag (August 9, 2026)
- August 9, 2026 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- 11km and 826m ascent from Moosch
- Difficulty ⭐⭐⭐⭐
6. Col du Firstplan (August 16, 2026)
- August 16, 2026 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- 5.4km and 322m ascent from Osenbach or 5.2km and 357m ascent from Soultzbach-les-Bains
- Difficulty ⭐⭐
7. Ballon d’Alsace (August 23, 2026)
- August 23, 2026 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- 8.9km and 619m ascent from Saint-Maurice-sur-Moselle
- Difficulty ⭐⭐⭐
8. Col du Wintersberg (August 30, 2026)
- August 30, 2026 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- 5.6km and 316m ascent from Niederbronn-les-Bains
- Difficulty ⭐⭐
9. Hartmannswillerkopf by bike (September 5, 2026)
- September 5, 2026 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- 10.4km and 593m ascent from Uffholtz
- Difficulty ⭐⭐⭐
10. Col Amic (September 13, 2026)
- September 13, 2026 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- 8.8km and 414m ascent from Soultz – Lieu-dit Gros Chêne
- Difficulty ⭐⭐
11. Col du Petit Ballon ascent (September 27, 2026)
- September 27 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- 9.2km and 544m ascent from Sondernach
- Chemin du Querben
- Difficulty ⭐⭐⭐
Col’Attitude Challenge: digital credentials and prizes to be won
A digital credential allows you to win gifts. Validate your passage by scanning the QR code at the top of each pass to collect points and participate:
- the 10 participants with the most points receive the Col’Attitude polka-dot jersey.
- 50 winners are drawn to win a Col’attitude technical cap.
A little extra motivation to pedal (even) more! 😉
My opinion of Col’Attitude: why I love this event
I liked
- Climbing a mountain pass by bike without a car
- Discover a beautiful place
- Good atmosphere with the other participants
- No pressure, everyone does it at their own pace and with the bike they want!
I liked a little less
- Nothing!
I’ve tested Col’Attitude in previous editions at Col du Hundsruck and Planche des Belles Filles. In both cases, it was a really great experience!
I really liked the fact that I could climb the pass without having to worry about cars. We are more relaxed and we benefit from a quiet environment, it’s very pleasant… We pedal while enjoying the beauty of the landscape and the serenity of the Vosges mountains.
When arriving at the pass, there were some stands to get information aboutAlsace by bike and the Vosges Massif, and possibility to eat as well. As an added bonus, most events offer a variety of entertainment throughout the morning (concerts, competitions, exhibitions, etc.), making the event even more fun and enjoyable.
FAQ : Practical tips for a successful Col’Attitude 2026
Do I have to register in advance to take part?
No, the event is totally free and requires no prior registration. Just turn up at the starting point (at the bottom of the pass) at the times indicated, and enjoy the closed road.
Can I take part with an electrically-assisted bicycle (EAB)?
Absolutely! Col’Attitude is all about slow tourism and accessibility. Whether you’re on a road bike, mountain bike, gravel bike or VAE, everyone is welcome. It’s the perfect opportunity to test your mettle on a Vosges pass, with no pressure to perform.
Are roads really 100% car-free?
Yes, that’s the whole point of Col’Attitude! During the event, the road is completely closed to motorized traffic. Only emergency vehicles are authorized to circulate if necessary.
Is the event suitable for families and children?
Yes, that’s one of the highlights. Cars and motorcycles are prohibited, so safety is paramount. Be careful, however, to choose your pass carefully, depending on the difficulty and length of the slope for younger children.
What equipment do you need to climb a Vosges pass?
Here’s what you need to bring:
– A helmet (mandatory for your safety).
– Sunscreen
– Enough water and a few snacks.
– A windbreaker or small jacket for the descent (it gets cold fast!).
– Your smartphone to scan the QR Code for the Digital Credential at the summit.
– A repair kit for your bike.
Are there any refuelling points?
There are no official refreshment stands along the climbing routes. However, most of the passes have welcome stands at the summit with water and tourist information. To eat, there are many farm inns and restaurants close to the Vosges summits.
Where can I park to get to the start?
Parking is generally available in the departure villages.
Ready to take on the Col’Attitude 2026 challenge?
Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a slow-touring family enthusiast, Col’Attitude is undoubtedly one of the best ways to discover the Massif des Vosges. All you have to do is choose your dates in the calendar, check your tire pressure and set off to conquer these mythical peaks!