Introduced in July 2023, Climb Portals have been added to the game to allow a quick release of various iconic GPS accurate climbs with minimalized graphics. The most noticeable quality is the “gamified” appearance of the roads, which are colored to match the gradient, with no surrounding real-life environmental visuals. Inside the portals, Zwifters will see a road surface that floats in a vast, colorful expanse. Zwifters will be able to see the challenge ahead, illustrated by a colorful ribbon climbing into the distance, changing color to mimic the gradient variations of the climb. The pitch and direction of the climbs perfectly match their real world inspirations, giving Zwifters the realistic challenge of these climbs, as well as a completely new visual experience.
Climb Portal Schedule[]
Climb Portals are rotated throughout the month with a new one available approximately every 3 days. New portals are introduced as a 'Climb Portal of the Month' and then added to the monthly rotation. View the Climb Portal schedule or visit the Course Schedule page. A full list of all the Climb Portals is available on the Master Routes List.
Accessing The Climb Portal[]
There are two access points to the Climb Portals, one in Watopia near the volcano and one in France by taking a left by Mont Saint-Michel when you’re going around the main loop. There are 3 methods of accessing the portals:
- You can access the portals by just free riding up to their entrance and starting the climb
- You can select the Climb Portal of the day by selecting it from the Watopia or France route list on the main menu
- You can select the Climb Portal of the month by selecting it from the 'Just Ride' option in the main menu.
Climb Portal Scaling[]
Once you select a climb portal, you will ne presented with a scaling screen choice. This allows you to select the gradient scale of the climb. You can chose between 50%, 75%, 100% and 125%. The elevation of the climb will be adjusted in difficulty based on your choice. The length remains the same, only the elevation is adjusted. If you want to select the 125% option, you must have completed the 100% option first. Additionally, when you select any climb portal, this screen will also display which elevation gradients that you have previously completed.
If you happen to free ride up to a climb portal, you will get the option of selecting a gradient choice prior to entering the portal. This will appear at the bottom of the ride screen similar to direction choices at forks in the road. As you ride up the climb portal, you will see a marker on the back of other riders. This marker indicates the elevation gradient that they have chosen: Blue Mound=50%, Yellow Mountain=75%, Orange Mountain=100%, Red Mountain=125%.The Climb Portal route starts off with a brief flat stretch, around half a mile long, just to get you warmed up before you hit the climb. When you approach the start of the climb, you’ll notice a vivid rainbow arch marking the entrance, complete with the climb’s name. Cross that line and your avatar enters a game-like world where the roads appear to be floating and changing colors, reflecting the varying gradients of your climb. Floating text and geometric shapes help fill the air and give you a feeling of movement, while the 10 equidistant portal section arches give you a goal up the road to work toward. Even the background noise shifts to suit the ambiance. You’ll also notice other riders sharing the climb with you. You’ll see everyone who’s currently making the climb, regardless of whether they started from France or Watopia.
Once you reach the top, a summary of your climb will show on screen as you ride the small ring road that loops you around to start your descent. Ride through the finishing arch and begin your descent, and the environment changes. While descending, the sky and road turn to cooler colors, encouraging you to spin those legs out as you enjoy the descent and the animated constellations above. Ride through the Portal at the bottom of your descent and you’ll find yourself back in your starting world.
Customized Climb Portal Screen[]
Zwift has implemented Climb Portal-specific HUD elements which you’ll see as long as you’re climbing within the portal. These elements include:
- Portal Sections: The climb is divided into 10 equidistance sections, and your data (average HR, average power, and section time) is tracked for each. If you’ve already ridden that section before, your PR time will be displayed as you ride each section, so you can compete with your previous effort.
- Progress Meter: At the bottom-left, just below the Portal Sections box, sits this new element which displays an overall progress % meter for the climb, as well as how far you’ve ridden and how far you’ve climbed compared to the climb’s overall distance and elevation.
- Map: The right side of your screen is mostly taken up by a map element which includes a profile and overhead view. These views don’t display the entire climb – just the nearby portions.
- ETA: At the top-center you’ve got your distance remaining, climb remaining, ETA, and the name of the closest rider whose time you could possibly beat.
There are 3 additional achievement badges available by completing Climb Portals. You'll receive a badge for completing your first Climb Portal (any one of them). You'll receive a badge for completing 10 portals in any combination and a badge for completing 25 portals in any combination.