recommended route
Col de Crans-Montana – Legendary Mountain Passes
Cycling
· Sierre
-
/ Crans-Montana view from abovePhoto: Olivier Maire , Valais
This climb in the heart of the central Valais from Sierre to the Mayen de Colombire will take you first on a journey to discover the sunny slopes of the right bank of the Rhone before heading up towards Aminona then the Col de Crans-Montana where a panoramic view will take your breath away.
difficult
Distance 16.7 km
2:30 h
1,281 m
2 m
1,804 m
523 m
Starting from Sierre – the sunniest city in Switzerland – the road climbs in the typical vineyards of the Rhone Valley. You pass through the small villages of Veyras then Venthône before gradually slipping into an environment more mountainous. The grade is very steady, leaving little respite, and the several shaded sections of the climb are refreshing and gladly welcomed in the summer when the sun floods the mountainside. After the resort of Aminona, the itinerary heads to the right and the road becomes more narrow. The final stretch brings you to the Col de Crans-Montana located in an area called Mayen de Colombire, providing you with a fantastic view of the Weisshorn.
Author’s recommendation
Visit the historical museaum at the "Hameau de Colombire" which is situated not far from the end of the tour in Aminona.
Difficulty
difficult
Technique
Stamina
Experience
Landscape
Highest point
Col de Crans-Montana, 1,804 m
Lowest point
Sierre, 523 m
Best time of year
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Safety information
Strictly respect the Swiss traffic rules. Please note that you are running the tour at your own risk and all liability is refused. Please be considerate to plants and animals. For your own safety, wear an helmet every time you ride a bike. Emergency numbers: 144 Ambulance / 117 Police / 1414 Helicopter Rescue (Rega).Tips and hints
More information :
Start
Sierre (525 m)
Coordinates:
SwissGrid
2'607'385E 1'126'726N
DD
46.291904, 7.534474
DMS
46°17'30.9"N 7°32'04.1"E
UTM
32T 387119 5127524
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Destination
Col de Crans-Montana
Turn-by-turn directions
The first kilometres of this long climb of 17 kilometres between Sierre and the Col de Crans-Montana take place in the middle of the vineyards, through small villages typical of the region. After Venthône, you enter into groves of deciduous trees and eventually pine and larch trees take over. From Aminona, the panorama before you is perhaps one of the most spectacular of the Valais. Five summits of more than 4,000 metres of altitude stand on the side of the Rhone Valley, forming the imperial crown of the Valais: the Weisshorn, the Zinalrothorn, the Ober Gabelhorn, the Matterhorn, and the Dent Blanche. This sumptuous view will accompany you all the way to the summit where the restaurant of the Mayen de Colombire provides a well-deserved break!
Note
all notes on protected areas
Public transport
Public-transport-friendly
Arrive in Sierre by train from all Swiss towns and cities (SBB) or by the regional trains running on the Simplon line between Brig and St. Gingolph.Getting there
From the A9 motorway from Lausanne or Sierre, take the Sierre Est (from Brig) or Sierre Ouest (from Lausanne) exit and access to the park + ride at the train station via Rue de la Plaine.Parking
Park + Ride at Sierre train station. Please follow the local car park routeing in Sierre.Coordinates
SwissGrid
2'607'385E 1'126'726N
DD
46.291904, 7.534474
DMS
46°17'30.9"N 7°32'04.1"E
UTM
32T 387119 5127524
w3w
///giggles.dent.overnight
Arrival by train, car, foot or bike
Book recommendation by the author
Brochures : Road cycling map
Author’s map recommendations
SwissTopo Maps 1:25000: 1287 Sierre
Equipment
We recommend: bike in excellent working order, helmet, gloves and bell, clothing suitable for the weather (always carry a waterproof), food and drink.Basic Equipment for Bike Riding
- Cycling helmet
- Cycling gloves
- Sturdy, comfortable and preferably waterproof footwear
- Layered, moisture wicking clothing
- Rucksack (with rain cover)
- Protection against sun, rain and wind (hat, sunscreen, water- and windproof jacket)
- Sunglasses
- Ample supply of drinking water and snacks
- Cell phone
- Cash
- Navigation equipment / map and compass
Technical Equipment for Bike Riding
- Air pump or CO2 pump including cartridges
- Puncture repair kit
- Replacement inner tube
- Tire levers
- Chain tool
- Hex keys
- Phone / device holder as required
- Bike lock as required
- Where applicable, the bike must meet requirements for road use by having a bell, front and rear lamps and spoke reflectors
- The 'basic' and 'technical' equipment lists are generated based on the selected activity. They are not exhaustive and only serve as suggestions for what you should consider packing.
- For your safety, you should carefully read all instructions on how to properly use and maintain your equipment.
- Please ensure that the equipment you bring complies with local laws and does not include restricted items.
Difficulty
difficult
Distance
16.7 km
Duration
2:30 h
Ascent
1,281 m
Descent
2 m
Highest point
1,804 m
Lowest point
523 m
Statistics
2D
3D
Maps and trails
Distance
km
Duration
: h
Ascent
m
Descent
m
Highest point
m
Lowest point
m
Questions and answers
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