As a Cycling Destination, we like to cycle in beautiful places in Europe and beyond. Over the past two years, we have already made several beautiful tours in Crans-Montana and its surroundings. What a wonderful place this is. The views are phenomenal, and when you go cycling, you often have the roads to yourself. In the immediate vicinity, you’ll find beautiful climbs, and if you think a little wider, the Furkapass is also a do-able option. However, it helps to have some insider knowledge. We asked local Yves Caillet for his tips for cycling in this beautiful region. He knows the ropes, because with his company Swiss Mountain Sports, he offers cycling tours in the area. A true local, so to speak. Five questions for him with five beautiful answers and tips to discover Crans-Montana by bike yourself.
Back in time
In 2021, we were with Cycling Destination in Crans-Montana. Let’s say that the weather wasn’t very favorable at some points. When we stepped outside on a rainy Thursday, we actually said: ‘We’re not going cycling’. It was chilly, it was raining, and a cold descent didn’t seem like a good idea. You never get warm again after that. But there was Yves. He was up for it, together with his partner. The battle plan was simple. We were going cycling. No matter what. Packaged and down we went, and in the end we enjoyed it. A little rain, but soon there was sunshine. We enjoyed it, and that’s why we asked Yves for his opinion about Crans-Montana.
What is your favorite activity to do on a free afternoon?
I’m a fan of ‘loops’ (or tours). This allows me to do the same loop several times. The advantage of this is that if I have a technical problem or a flat tire, I don’t have to go too far. My routes vary throughout the season, depending on my form and training level. So at the beginning of the season, I prefer flat rides and low intensity with a few hills.
After that, I multiply the number of elevation meters and the intensity with which I approach them to end up with real climbs from the Rhone valley to Crans-Montana (+1000m difference in altitude). A trip that I really appreciate is leaving the ski resort, descending to Sierre for the flat part to Sion (…with a few small hills in the middle – La Crettaz (Bramois)) / St-Leonard for example) and then up via the route du Sanetsch/Route de Savièse, to Icogne, Lens and Crans-Montana. You also have the option to vary the climb a little. Enjoy that, then.
What is the climb that everyone faces when they visit Crans-Montana?
First of all, you should know that Crans-Montana is an incredibly beautiful base for cycling. You can ride there with a road bike, an (E-)MTB, a downhill bike, and even a gravel bike. I think everyone should have done the climb to Crans-Montana at least once, but then they should follow the route I mentioned in the previous point. That, in my opinion, is the best option.
Hidden Gem: Which hidden gem would be your favorite?
There are plenty of them, even short routes with varying difficulties, but they have their own importance, depending on what you want to train. Often off the beaten track, which also means you’re taking short, nerve-wracking drives rather than long ones with a monotonous intensity. The route to Salgesch, then up a small road without much traffic to Varen, then Loèche-les-Bains and the crossing over to the other side to Albinen and back, suits me just fine. As you have understood, I try to avoid the main roads or roads with a lot of traffic as much as possible.
What is your favorite ‘Barrage’ like, for example Grand-Dixence, Lac de Tseuzier etc?
I am a total fan of climbing to Lac de Moiry! The view is fantastic, the photos speak for themselves.
Crans Montana at its best, where can we find that?
The ‘Col de Crans-Montana’ above Aminona, especially for the unobstructed view that works – as a starting point. For the rest, there are routes for everyone, to be honest. The valley for the ‘rouleurs’ (to Martigny without passing cars, or almost), ‘mixed’ routes and of course the big climbs that make us sweat and sometimes hate the bike, until we, once back, change our minds!
What is the perfect route for photos?
Route du Sanetsch / Col du Sanetsch… Go there properly trained, otherwise you’ll look like death on the photo!
Read also:
5 tips for Crans Montana in the summer
Would you like to go to Crans-Montana on a cycling holiday as well? Then check the website of the tourism office of Crans-Montana for the latest information. We stayed ourselves in Alaia Lodge in 2022 and that was an absolute must-see!
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.