You know you’re in the midst of the rainy season when the first thing you see in your social feeds is excitement about the new Zwift expansion. And if you’re trapped inside on the trainer like us, then you too will probably be excited about the newest “level” in Zwift. Officially, it’s called the Alpe du Zwift, but you may know it as the famous climb up Alpe d’Huez.
Only open to Zwifters at level 12 or above, the actual climb includes 1036m or 3400 feet of ascent. Just like the real thing, the average gradient is 8.5% and there are the same number of switchbacks – 21.
The shortest way to get to the peak is the 12.4 mile Road To Sky route which starts you at one of the bridges just before the climb to the Jungle circuit. To get to the summit, you’ll actually ride half of the Jungle circuit then veer off to your right. From there, you’re in for the same 21 switchbacks on the famous Alpe d’ Huez, only on the Alpe Du Zwift.
Want more climbing and more punishment? The Tour of Fire and Ice is slightly longer at 15.6mi with 3827 feet of climbing, but if you really want to wreck yourself, the Four Horsemen is the way to go. Starting at the beach front in Watopia, the ride covers the entire map with 55.5 miles and 6929 feet of climbing.
All of the new routes are currently available with a quick download that starts automatically when you open Zwift. Time to get climbing.
