That we are fans of Crans-Montana As a cycling destination, that should now be clear. We have already visited this beautiful location in the Valais-Wallis region twice before. Switzerland. Not only do you find the most beautiful routes for cycling here, in the ski village you have beautiful views and you can eat and drink very well. The only downside from a Dutch perspective is the relatively high price level. If we were to base our choice solely on that, everyone would ride an entry-level aluminum racer with Shimano Sora. Crans-Montana = cycling in 2023 and below you find at least five (5) reasons to go to Crans-Montana this year.
Giro stage finish – May 19
Steve Morabito, a former professional cyclist and now ambassador for cycling in Valais-Wallis, is the driving force behind the Giro finish in Crans-Montana. The 13th stage arrives via the Col du Grand Saint Bernard and finally the stage is finished on the Col de Crans-Montana. What a blast that will be. The riders will have little time to enjoy the view and the ride through the vineyards. If you are in the area anyway, it is a must to go and have a look and then do a round yourself. Because there is cycling fun for everyone! Even if you don’t want to climb, you can drive along the valley along the river and eventually take the funicular back up.
Read also: Crans-Montana by bike with insider tips from local Yves
Haute Route Crans-Montana – June 9-11
The events of High Route They are known for their high-quality service, beautiful routes and top-notch organization. This year you can enjoy three days of heart-warming experiences around Crans-Montana. With this event, you can ride the stunning and painful Col du Sanetsch and the Col de Crans-Montana if everything goes well. The Sanetsch is perhaps the best-kept secret in Switzerland. Take a quick look at the organization’s website and book your three-day cycling challenge in Crans-Montana. Maybe we’ll see you there.
Tour of Switzerland – June 14
The fumes from Haute Route have not yet risen or the Tour of Switzerland, traditionally one of the qualifying races for the Tour de France, is taking place in Crans-Montana. This stage of the tour runs via Crans-Montana to the climb towards Leukerbad. Here too, the hand of Steve Morabito is clearly visible, as he himself lives in Monthey. Would he be responsible for the start? The riders naturally head up to Crans-Montana, over one of the many variants of the Col de Crans-Montana. They eventually descend back down into the valley and then finish via the climb to Leukerbad.
Nova Eroica Switzerland – June 17th
This event is for the ‘real’ enthusiasts. A grain event It’s something everyone can take part in. It’s a nod to the ‘Eroica’ events, where you can only participate with a classic bike. In this case, it’s different. You can start the two longest distances with any gravel/cross bike. Only the Eroica events, which are a lot shorter and located more around Sion, are done on a classic bike. The routes are beautiful and the Via Alpina really runs through Crans-Montana. See the route and some highlight photos below!
Tour des Stations – August 1-6
If you think, I’m a bit crazy and I have nothing to do, what are you going to do? Of course, ‘everesting’, that is, doing the number of vertical meters of Mount Everest in one day. 8848 meters. That in itself is already a feat. If you do that in the setting in Switzerland, where you get alpine climbing along a 242-kilometer course, then you have a good day ahead of you. This year the Tour des Station comes, at least if you ride the Ultrafondo, the Ultimate 555 or Ultimate 1000 (1000km!!!), through Crans-Montana. It’s really an event for cycling enthusiasts, but also a bit for crazy people. Because even though it takes place in early August, it’s been a bit iffy in recent years. Rain, snow, wind. Everything was or is in it. But at the finish you’re absolutely happy.
Crans-Montana = cycling
If you are still not convinced about the possibilities of cycling in Crans-Montana, we have a few more great articles for you that are sure to convince you. From June 15th to 18th, 2023, we will be back at the Alaïa Lodge and will explore the area. It will definitely be a pleasure. You can still join us if you want!
Questions & tips
Do you have any questions about this route, or have you been there yourself? Share them here. We read everything and usually respond within a few days.