{"id":20108,"date":"2024-11-29T08:51:44","date_gmt":"2024-11-29T07:51:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cyclingdestination.cc\/?p=20108"},"modified":"2026-10-05T07:44:37","modified_gmt":"2026-10-05T07:44:37","slug":"epic-rides-from-crans-montana-a-swiss-adventure-on-a-bike","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cyclingdestination.cc\/en\/verhalen\/epische-ritten-vanuit-crans-montana-een-zwitsers-avontuur-op-de-fiets","title":{"rendered":"Epic rides from Crans-Montana: A Swiss adventure on the bike"},"content":{"rendered":"

We leave early from Andermatt, a mountain village in the heart of Switzerland, with a destination Crans Montana<\/a>. The route leads us through the iconic Furkatunnel and then past picturesque valleys, deeper and deeper into the mountains. The weather is initially grey, but as we cycle through the tunnel, the sky slowly clears. The rain gives way to rays of sunlight that cast a mesmerizing light over the green valleys around us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Epic<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

As we leave the tunnel, we find ourselves in a beautiful green valley. The road winds past rustic villages, and we get a taste of the beauty that awaits us. Slowly but surely the mountains around us become higher and more imposing. Crans-Montana, our final destination, is at an altitude of almost 1500 meters, and after a long drive through this breathtaking landscape, we arrive in the hills of Wallis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"The
The green valley<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Valais
Valais and the surrounding area are truly beautiful<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Arrival in Crans-Montana<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

After two hours of driving we reach Crans-Montana and arrive at our accommodation: Hotel Alaia Lodge<\/a><\/strong>. The hotel is perfectly located, in the center of the village, and stands out for its stylish, modern design. The spacious lobby welcomes us, and the friendly staff greets us with a smile. What immediately stands out is the bicycle storage area, right next to the check-in desk. The lodge is clearly designed for cycling enthusiasts, with excellent facilities for both summer and winter sports enthusiasts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"The
The spacious rooms at Ala\u00efa Lodge <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Our room is a haven of peace and comfort. The bed is incredibly comfortable, and the view from the balcony is unforgettable. We overlook the surrounding mountain peaks, which take on beautiful colors in the afternoon sun. It is the perfect starting point for the adventures we will experience in the coming days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Day 1: The Col du Grand St. Bernard<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Today the legendary Col du Grand St. Bernard<\/a><\/strong> On the program, one of the toughest and most beautiful climbs in Switzerland. With 40 kilometers of elevation gain, it is the country\u2019s longest climb, taking us to 2743 meters above sea level on the Swiss-Italian border. We start in Martigny, a small town that quickly gives way to the more rugged mountain landscape. This is just a stone\u2019s throw from Crans-Montana. You can get here by car, or you take the funicular from Crans-Montana and then the train. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The climb starts along a busy road, but the elevation gain remains fairly constant. This way you can approach the route at a leisurely pace. It\u2019s early in the morning, the air is fresh, and the view is already breathtaking. We cycle past picturesque villages and encounter countless places for a coffee break.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Memories
Memories to dream about. On to the top!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Epic
At the top of the Grand Saint Bernard<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

From Bourg-Saint-Pierre<\/strong>, After about 28 kilometers, the road becomes much quieter. Traffic decreases and the nature becomes wilder. Meanwhile, the mountains seem to close in on us. A highlight is the long gallery with a view of a reservoir. The serene tranquility, the nature, and the soft morning light make it magical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Car tunnel to the top<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

At the car tunnel we turn off for the final stretch to the top. The road, with perfectly new asphalt, has gradients of between 7 and 8 percent. Each bend offers a new, breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains. The autumn colors add an extra dimension. At the top we are rewarded with a panoramic view over the Italian border, the More of the Great Saint Bernard<\/strong> and the historical Hospice of Saint Bernard<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"This
This new asphalt just demands it<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"At
At the famous Hospice of Saint Bernard<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"What
What a view!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Col du Grand-Saint-Bernard<\/a>, Martigny-Combe, Switzerland<\/p>\u2022 Distance: 40.9 km, Elevation difference: 1968 m, Average gradient: 4.9 %<\/blockquote>