{"id":23795,"date":"2025-09-11T11:13:03","date_gmt":"2025-09-11T09:13:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cyclingdestination.cc\/?p=23795"},"modified":"2025-09-11T14:43:49","modified_gmt":"2025-09-11T12:43:49","slug":"crans-montana-is-de-fietsbestemming-voor-klimgeiten-en-cyclo-rijders","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cyclingdestination.cc\/en\/verhalen\/zwitserland\/valais-wallis\/crans-montana\/crans-montana-is-de-fietsbestemming-voor-klimgeiten-en-cyclo-rijders","title":{"rendered":"Crans-Montana is the cycling destination for col chasers and granfondo riders"},"content":{"rendered":"

For Crans-Montana, the cycling hotspot in Switzerland's Valais\/Wallis region, we have been producing great articles for several years. More and more, we find out what the advantages of this destination at over 1,400 metres altitude are. It will not surprise you that Crans-Montana is the place where you as a col chaser will be in your element. Especially if you are also preparing for a GranFondo or Cyclosportive, Crans-Montana has more altimeters to climb than anywhere else. Every time we are surprised again and every time we say to each other: could it be better? This time we were blessed again, with beautiful climbing kilometres, new mountain lakes and a fresh rain shower. Crans-Montana? Absolutely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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View over the valley from Crans-Montana<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It is June when we are invited to stay and cycle in Crans-Montana for three nights. The weather looks good. On arrival, it is a little cloudy, but the temperature is nice. Short-short attire and plenty of sunshine ahead. On the programme at least two new climbs. Across the valley we head towards Thyon 2000 a well-known winter sports resort, but also a climb that is challenging. In addition, we (Paulien and I) got the tip to check out Lac de Derborence. The lake is completely hidden behind the mountains. The first photos look stunning. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

On arrival at Ala\u00efa Lodge, our now regular stay in Crans-Montana, I am well received. I have a spacious room on the third floor. Little balcony, enough room for all my junk and my bike can be neatly stored in the bike room at reception. Safe, and with that it's Switzerland. Your bike is just a bit safer there than in any other country in Europe. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sanetsch encore<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

On arrival, I have some time to spare for a first ride. My first introduction to Valais once led me to the Col du Sanetsch. According to many, the region's best-kept secret<\/a>. I decide to do the climb again. From Crans-Montana, you first descend towards Lens and Icogne before starting the climb via Saviese. It is a long killer, that Sanetsch, but one thing is for sure: it is well worth the suffering. During my climb, the weather is perfect. No quivering sun, but a cloud cover accompanying me. At the bottom, I soon notice the signs that the region has placed at many cols. If you were to do it all the way from Sion, it's 27 kilometres. I pick up from Savi\u00e8se and so it is 'only' 22km of climbing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Swiss blockhaus<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

According to CyclingCols, it is similar to the Blockhaus in Italy and quite early in the climb you also get the toughest part. One kilometre long at 10.9% average with an outlier to 13%. It's not an easy warmup with this monster. During my ride, I meet some other fellow riders. Everyone is enjoying themselves, but in their own way. The guys on the MTBs I overtake are running a coffee grinder. The lady I meet is picking up a fine rhythm. I myself am stumbling a bit. Oh well, who cares. At the top, I park the bike against the sign and take a photo. The views here are less spectacular, but on the way back, the winding road offers me beautiful panoramas and views over the valley. Sanetsch encore, mais oui! 87 kilometres and 2750 altimeters. Go figure. The pasta at Viva Voce, it goes down like a train.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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