39.7
PDI
8.1 mi
DISTANCE
4,531 ft
GAINED
10.5 %
AVG. GRADE
FULL CLIMB STATS
Page Contributor(s): Ard Oostra, Montreux, Switzerland
INTRO
This climb runs roughly 13 km from the village of Fully, in Switzerland's Valais canton, up to the parking area and hiking trailhead at L'Erié, above the Rhone valley at nearly 1,900 meters. It gains about 1,380 meters at a punishing average of 10.5%, and our data currently ranks it #107 in the world by difficulty.
Two things make this unusually demanding, even by Alpine standards. First, the opening kilometers out of Fully are among the steepest sustained pitches in the region - narrow, vineyard-lined roads with stretches near 20% and short ramps as steep as 25%, all in the first four kilometers. Second, the road's character changes partway up: pavement generally holds to the hamlet of Chiboz, around km 7, after which the route continues as an unpaved forest track to the summit.
A gravel or mountain bike suits that upper section; a road bike can reach Chiboz but shouldn't expect to continue comfortably beyond it.
Note for 2026: a rockfall above Fully closed the direct road to Chiboz in May 2026, and this season access to Chiboz is only possible via a long detour through Ovronnaz and Leytron. Confirm current road status before riding - the route out of Fully described above may not currently connect through.
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 10.5% average is deceptively moderate compared to what the road actually delivers. The first four kilometers out of Fully are the hardest: independent rider reports and PJAMM's segment data agree that this stretch includes roughly 1.8 km averaging near 20%, with short ramps hitting 25% in a straight line with no relief. Several riders have described walking sections of this opening block.
After that brutal start, the grade moderates into the high single digits and low double digits through the middle kilometers to Chiboz, then settles into a steadier climb on the unpaved track above it - still around 10% on average, but on a rougher surface that most riders find easier to manage than the lower pitches despite the loose footing.
Roadway: Paved from Fully to around the hamlet of Chiboz (roughly km 7), then an unpaved forest track for the remaining distance to the L'Erié parking area and trailhead - a gravel or mountain bike is recommended for the full ascent. Important 2026 update: a rockfall above Fully in May 2026 closed the direct road to Chiboz, and as of this season the only vehicle access to Chiboz is a long detour via Ovronnaz and Leytron. Confirm current conditions before attempting this climb from Fully, since the route described here may not currently connect through as a continuous ride.
Traffic: Light. This is a narrow, largely residential and vineyard access road out of Fully, not a through route, so traffic is minimal - mostly local residents and farm vehicles. From the village, look for the red circular "autorisé aux bordiers" signs marking the cyclist shortcut off the main road.
Parking: Park in Fully village before starting - there's no separate climb-specific lot, and the road begins climbing immediately from town with no flat lead-in.
This climb calls for two different toolkits. For the paved lower section, bring the lowest gearing you have - a compact crank with a 32-34 tooth low cog is the minimum for the sustained 20% pitches in the first four kilometers, and even that may not be enough on the steepest 25% ramps.
For the unpaved upper section past Chiboz, a gravel or mountain bike with wider tires is strongly recommended over a road bike, given the loose surface and rough forest track. Carry all the water and food you'll need - services are limited to what's available in Fully at the base and, when accessible, the Relais des Chasseurs restaurant at Chiboz.
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.
Base yourself in Fully or nearby Martigny to keep this climb close to home. Given the current 2026 rockfall closure on the direct Fully-Chiboz road, check local sources (the Fully tourism office or the Relais des Chasseurs restaurant at Chiboz) for the latest access status before planning your ride - the detour via Ovronnaz and Leytron adds significant time if you're trying to reach Chiboz or beyond by road.
Given how much cooler and windier it gets at nearly 1,900 meters compared to the vineyards at the base, it's worth checking conditions at both ends with our Weather tool before you head out.
This is a serious, demanding climb best treated as the focus of your day rather than paired with other routes, given the mix of extreme early pitches and rough upper surface.
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thall1
This climb is way harder than PJAMM rates it. Last year, I climbed up Rionda and I feel like this is harder due to the extreme steepness. The profile tool makes the first part look like consistent 20% when it actually factors in the small respites when most people go towards the outsides of the switchbacks and there are 30%+ pitches for 100 meters multiple times. This might be a very enjoyable climb for people with a high W/kG FTP (4+ maybe) or if you are used to these steep climbs. In my case, I had no experience with steep climbs like this in a while, so it was tough for me. Also a gravel bike and a low gear ratio helps. I had both but was still grinding with a 42/52. There is no traffic but it is still very hard to paper boy because of the small one-lane road. It is not over when you finish that one-lane part as there is another 30% pitch, but then there is a respite and you are rewarded with a gravel 6km stretch that is pretty much sustained 10%.
Enjoyability: 48/100
