That we are fans of Crans-Montana as a cycling destination, that should be obvious by now. Twice before, we visited this beautiful location in the Valais-Wallis region in Switzerland. Not only do you find the most beautiful routes for cycling here, in the ski village you have great 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 aluminium racer with Shimano Sora. Crans-Montana = cycling in 2023 and below you will find at least five (5) reasons to go to Crans-Montana this year.
Giro stage finish - 19 May
Steve Morabito, former pro and now ambassador for cycling in Valais-Wallis, is the big engine behind the Giro finish in Crans-Montana. The 13th stage enters via the Col du Grand Saint Bernard and eventually finish the stage at the Col de Crans-Montana. What a blast that will be. The riders will have little time to enjoy the views and the ride through the vineyards. If you are in the area anyway, it is highly recommended to go and watch and then do a lap yourself. Because there is cycling fun for everyone! Even if you don't want to climb, you can ride along the river in the valley and eventually catch the funicular back up.
Read also: Crans-Montana by bike with insider tips from local Yves
Haute Route Crans-Montana - 9-11 June
The events of Haute Route are known for their high-quality service, beautiful routes and top-notch organisation. This year, you can indulge in three days around Crans-Montana. With this event, if all goes well, you will ride the beautifully painful Col du Sanetsch and the Col de Crans-Montana. The Sanetsch is perhaps Switzerland's best-kept secret. Take a quick look at the organisers' site and book your three-day cycling challenge in Crans-Montana. Maybe we'll see you there.
Tour of Switzerland - 14 June
The powder fumes of Haute Route have not yet lifted or the Tour of Switzerland, traditionally one of the preparation races for the Tour de France is calling at Crans-Montana. This stage, the tour will ride through Crans-Montana to the climb towards Leukerbad. Again, Steve Morabito's hand is visible, as he himself lives in Monthey. Would he provide the starting signal? The riders ride up to Crans-Montana, of course, over one of the many variations of the Col de Crans-Montana. Eventually, they will descend back into the valley and then finish via the climb to Leukerbad.
Nova Eroica Switzerland - 17 June
This event is for the 'real' enthusiasts. A gravelevent which anyone can participate in. It is a nod to the 'Eroica' events, where you can only participate with a classic bike. In this case, things are different. You can tackle the two longest distances with any gravel/cross bike. Only the Eroica events, which are a lot shorter, and situated more around Sion, you ride the classic bike. The routes are beautiful and the Via Alpina also really pulls through Crans-Montana. See the route and some highlight photos below!
Tour des Stations - August 1-6
ALs you think, I'm a bit crazy in the head and I have nothing to do, what are you going to do? Of course, 'everesting', or doing the number of altimeters of Mount Everest in a day. 8848 metres. That in itself is an achievement. If you do it in the setting in Switzerland, where you are presented with Alpine climbs over a 242-kilometre course, you have a good day ahead of you. This year, the Tour des Station, at least if you ride the Ultrafondo, the Ultimate 555 or Ultimate 1000 (1000km!!!), comes through Crans-Montana. It's really an event for cycling enthusiasts, but also a bit for madmen. Because even though it takes place in early August, in recent years it has been off-putting. Rain, snow, wind. Everything was or is in it. But then, at the finish, you are completely happy.
Crans-Montana = cycling
If you are not yet convinced about the possibilities of cycling in Crans-Montana, we have a few more great articles for you, which are sure to convince you. From 15-18 June 2023, we will again be at the Alaïa Lodge and will explore the area. It will surely be enjoyable. You can still join us if you want!
