29.8
PDI
10.8 mi
DISTANCE
4,313 ft
GAINED
7.6 %
AVG. GRADE
FULL CLIMB STATS
INTRO
Moosalp climbs 17.3 km (10.8 mi) out of Stalden in the Valais, gaining 1,315 m (4,313 ft) at a 7.6% average grade to a high alpine plateau at roughly 2036m (6,681 ft). It's one of two paved routes to the same summit meadow - the other climbs from Visp via Burchen - and it's rated Hors Categorie, one of the tougher regularly-ridden climbs in the canton.
The Stalden side is defined by its switchbacks - roughly sixteen of them by the time the road reaches Torbel at the halfway point, a small mountain village perched above the valley. Beyond Torbel, the larch forest thickens, then opens onto the same high plateau shared with the Moosalp - Visp climb on the far side, with its wall of 4,000 m Mischabel and Bietschhorn peaks. The real character of this side, though, is the climb itself - one quiet switchback after another, with almost no traffic, through one of the more overlooked pretty stretches of road in the Upper Valais.
Every May, this exact route - Stalden to Torbel to Moosalp - closes to cars for the Ride the Alps Moosalp cyclosportive, which has drawn 850-plus riders in recent editions; outside race day it's a normal, quiet public road.
Like the rest of the high roads in this part of Valais, the upper section closes under snow each winter and reopens by late spring - confirm current conditions before an early-season ride.
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. The climb averages 7.6% over 17.3 km (10.8 mi), gaining 1,315 m (4,313 ft) from Stalden (722 m/2,369 ft) to the Moosalp plateau (2,036 m/6,681 ft). It starts hardest and eases gradually: the opening quarter-mile averages 10.1%, down to 9.4% by the first mile, 9.0% by 2.5 miles, and 8.6% by 5 miles. The switchback-heavy section up to Torbel carries most of the steepest pitches; the back half, through the forest and onto the plateau, is a steadier, more moderate grind by comparison.
Roadway: Narrow, paved the entire way, and in good condition - local rider reports through 2026 describe smooth asphalt with no rough patches from Stalden all the way to the plateau. Like other high roads in this part of Valais, the section above Torbel closes under snow each winter and reopens by late spring - check the Moosalpregion website's road-status page before an early- or late-season ride.
Traffic: Light throughout. This is a quieter alternative to the Visp-Burchen approach to the same plateau - mostly local and farm traffic through Torbel, thinning further above the village. Once a year, in May, the road closes to cars entirely from 10am-3pm for the Ride the Alps Moosalp cyclosportive, which runs this exact route.
Parking: Stalden-Saas station, on the narrow-gauge line between Visp and Zermatt, sits at the village center with street parking nearby - a practical spot to leave a car or arrive by train, since Stalden is a real junction town rather than a dedicated trailhead lot. The neighboring Moosalp - Visp approach climbs the same plateau from the opposite valley, so pairing the two with a car shuttle or a Postbus return makes a natural loop for a multi-day visit.
Provisions: Torbel, at the halfway point, has a village shop and a couple of small guesthouses if you need a break. At the top, Restaurant Moosalp and Bergrestaurant Dorbia both sit right on the plateau - Restaurant Moosalp has been recognized as one of Switzerland's best mountain restaurants, with its own raclette chalet and a big sun terrace, so it's worth timing the ride to arrive hungry.
Gear: Hors Categorie, with the steepest pitches concentrated in the switchbacks below Torbel (over 10% at the base), so a compact crank and a wide-range cassette are worth having. The plateau at the top sits over 2,000 m and stays noticeably cooler and windier than Stalden even in summer - pack a light jacket for the descent.
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.
Stalden makes an efficient base if you're also riding in the Mattertal or Saastal - it sits at the junction of both valleys, with Zermatt and Saas-Fee each roughly a 30-45 minute drive or train ride away.
If you're building a multi-day trip around the Moosalp plateau, the Moosalp - Visp climb reaches the same summit meadow from the opposite valley - pairing the two with a car shuttle, or a Postbus back to your start, makes a natural loop rather than riding the same road twice. See other climbs nearby with our Routes in the Area tool if you're planning a longer Valais itinerary.
ROUTE MAP
MEMBER RATING
CURRENT WEATHER
PJAMM TRIPS ADVENTURE STARTER BUNDLES
Check out PJAMM Adventure's prepackaged (self-guided) cycling trips. They will help you plan, document and conquer your next adventure.
NEARBY CLIMBS (0) RADIAL PROXIMITY
FROM No Climbs Found
MEMBER REVIEWS & COMMENTS
Let us know what you thought of this climb. Signup for our FREE membership to write a review or post a comment.
Already have an account?
LOG IN HERE
