recommended route
Col de Portes de Culet – Legendary Mountain Passes
Cycling
· Valais
-
/ View on the Dents du MidiPhoto: Guy Rouiller, Valais
The Col des Portes de Culet rises to 1,787 metres and offers an exceptional view over the Dents du Midi. Leaving from Monthey, the first few kilometres take you up the road to the Pas de Morgins before turning right onto a small road criss-crossing the pastures.
moderate
Distance 23.2 km
3:00 h
1,400 m
39 m
Leaving from Monthey, the start of the climb leads to the right side of the "Illiez" valley. From the village of Troistorrents, several switchbacks help you gain some altitude to take a look at the magnificent church in this small village in the Val d’Illiez. The road then forks to the right and becomes more narrow. The road takes you to the summit of the Portes de Culet in the middle of alpine meadows typical of the region. The relaxing ambience of the area is simply magical!
Difficulty
moderate
Technique
Stamina
Experience
Landscape
Highest point
Col des Portes de Culet, 1,787 m
Lowest point
Monthey, 426 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
Monthey (426 m)
Coordinates:
SwissGrid
2'562'159E 1'122'144N
DD
46.249661, 6.947968
DMS
46°14'58.8"N 6°56'52.7"E
UTM
32T 341823 5123833
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Destination
Col de Portes de Culet
Turn-by-turn directions
The Col des Portes de Culet is not well-known in the region of the Bas-Valais but is worth the trip! The start of the climb is easy enough until Troistorrents where you will come across the little cog train of the valley. As you climb in the direction of Morgins, you will discover the Dents du Midi in all their glory right in front of you. This seven summit chain, dominated by the Haute Cime, is the iconic mountain of the region, and its steep face is the most impressive. Once you have left the main road, the route takes you through unspoiled nature until the summit of the pass. A journey of discovery that is absolutely worth doing!
Note
all notes on protected areas
Public transport
Public-transport-friendly
To reach Monthey, take the regional train running on the Simplon line between Brig and St-Gingolph.Getting there
Exit A9 motorway at Bex (exit 19) and follow signs to Monthey centre ville. Coming from Lausanne, take the exit 18 (St-Triphon) and don't continue through the tunnel to Collombey Valley but take the road direction to Monthey centre-ville.Parking
Different parking possibilities in Monthey, please follow the local car park routeing:
- Place Cardinale (Route du Simplon)
- Parking at AOMC train station (Avenue de France 6)
- Parking Municipal (Place de l'Hôtel de Ville)
Coordinates
SwissGrid
2'562'159E 1'122'144N
DD
46.249661, 6.947968
DMS
46°14'58.8"N 6°56'52.7"E
UTM
32T 341823 5123833
w3w
///caller.monk.spaceship
Arrival by train, car, foot or bike
Book recommendation by the author
Brochures: Road Cycling Map
Author’s map recommendations
SwissTopo Maps: 1284 Monthey / 1304 Val d’Illiez
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
moderate
Distance
23.2 km
Duration
3:00 h
Ascent
1,400 m
Descent
39 m
Statistics
2D
3D
Maps and trails
Duration
: h
Distance
km
Ascent
m
Descent
m
Highest point
m
Lowest point
m
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