21.3
PDI
6.3 mi
DISTANCE
2,876 ft
GAINED
8.7 %
AVG. GRADE
FULL CLIMB STATS
INTRO
The Col des Planches climbs 10.1 km (6.3 mi) out of Martigny, in Switzerland's Valais canton, gaining 877 m (2,876 ft) at an 8.7% average grade to the 1411 m (4,629 ft) pass between Martigny and Sembrancher. It is steep from the first pedal stroke, with the opening kilometer averaging 10.8%, and the gradient stays in the double digits for long stretches.
The road passes through the small village of Chemin-Dessus and then climbs through forest and alpine pasture in a series of hairpins, with views back over Martigny and the Rhône valley. Most drivers use the motorway toward the Grand St. Bernard instead, so traffic is very light, especially above Chemin-Dessus. The summit is modest, marked by a pass sign, with an unpaved track continuing east toward the Col du Tronc and Col du Lein.
It is a quieter, steeper alternative to the busier Col de la Forclaz next door, and well suited to riders who want a hard Valais climb without the through traffic.
PLAN YOUR ROUTE
We've partnered with Sherpa-Map.com to bring you the best route planning tool. With a PRO Membership you can use this climb as a reference when creating your route. Our route covers 10.1 km (6.3 mi) from 530 m (1,740 ft) to 1,407 m (4,615 ft), a gain of 877 m (2,876 ft) at 8.7% on average. The first kilometer (0.6 mi) averages 10.8%, and the climb stays near 9-11% through the first 5 km (3.1 mi), with the 2-3 km (1.2-1.9 mi) section back up at 11.0%.
The steepest 100 yards (91 m) reach 14.7%, the steepest quarter-mile (0.4 km) averages 12.7%, and the steepest 1 km (0.6 mi) averages 11.0%. The hardest 5 km (3.1 mi) average 9.9%. The grade eases in the upper part, dropping to about 5% between 8 and 9 km (5.0-5.6 mi) before a last ramp to the pass.
Roadway: The road is paved but narrow and somewhat worn, particularly in the upper sections. The lower part has good asphalt, while higher up it narrows and the pavement is less well kept, especially in the final kilometer. Riders also report poorer pavement on the first stretch of the far-side descent toward Sembrancher, which improves further down. The col itself is inconspicuous, and an unpaved track continues east toward the Col du Tronc and Col du Lein, which is not part of this climb. Most riding here happens from June to September.
Traffic: Traffic is light throughout and very light above Chemin-Dessus, since most drivers take the motorway toward the Grand St. Bernard. Weekday mornings are especially quiet.
Parking: Our route starts on the Route de Chemin at Les Escotteaux, about 2 km (1.2 mi) south-west of Martigny's center, so most riders park in town and roll out to the start. Valais Tourism's own route description for this climb points to parking near the Porte d'Octodure; our Col de la Forclaz page covers the station-side parking.
With 8.7% on average and double-digit pitches from the start, low gearing earns its place here, and a compact crankset with a wide cassette is a sensible choice. Warm up before the climb, because there is no gentle opening.
Fill bottles in Martigny. In summer the alpine buvette near the pass serves food and drinks, but it keeps seasonal hours (in 2026 it was open daily 9:00-19:00 from June 6 to September 13, weather permitting, cash and Twint only). Livestock and herding dogs share the pasture, so slow down near them. Bring a layer for the descent, which is fast and steep.
Before heading out on any cycling adventure check out our Things to Bring on a Cycling Trip and use our interactive check list to ensure you don't forget anything.
Chemin-Dessus is the one village on the climb, and the Buvette d'Alpage du Col des Planches near the pass is the reward: it makes cheese, serac and a range of tommes on site over a wood fire, with a terrace and mountain views. It runs only in the summer season, so check before relying on it.
The pass is a crossroads of sorts. Descending the far side takes you to Sembrancher (see our Col des Planches (Sembrancher) page for that approach), and the unpaved track east connects toward the Col du Tronc and Col du Lein for gravel or mountain-bike riders. Back in Martigny, the Fondation Pierre Gianadda and Barryland, a museum devoted to St. Bernard dogs, are both worth a stop after the ride.
Martigny sits at the junction of several big climbs, and our Routes in the Area tool is a quick way to see which others are within reach of the same base.
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