Valais Alpine Bike

Sierre (Chandolin)

The Valais Alpine Bike route is shaped by typical Valais mountain villages, perched high above the valley floor or in deep side valleys. The first section is the same as the legendary "Grand-Raid" bike race from Verbier to Grimentz. This bike marathon is not only the oldest and one of the most impressive bike races in the Alps, but also indisputably one of the most prestigious. The route repeatedly travels far into the long side valleys. High above the Rhone Valley, you seem to travel along a huge vantage terrace with views into the main valley and over to impressive peaks. The stretch constantly offers broad views of Switzerland’s most famous 4,000-metre peaks, the silhouettes of the Grand Combin, Dent Blanche, Zinalrothorn, Weisshorn and Matterhorn tower into a steel-blue sky. On the other side of the Rohne Valley, you can make out the glaciers of Les Diablerets, the Wildhorn and the Wildstrubel. The route is edged with traditional sun-kissed Valais barns, with their typical stone slabs to protect against mice, almost a picture-postcard scene. Most of the quaint villages are well-kept and often offer culinary treats.