50.7
PDI
9.5 mi
DISTANCE
5,501 ft
GAINED
11.1 %
AVG. GRADE
FULL CLIMB STATS
INTRO
Rionda is a 2,157 m (7,076') summit in the Bernese Alps foothills above the Rhone Valley in the canton of Vaud, Switzerland, reached by a brutal 15.3 km (9.5 mi) climb from Lavey-les-Bains that averages 11.06% and gains roughly 1,680 m (5,500') - one of the hardest bike climbs in Switzerland and currently #42 in the world in our database.
The first 6 km wind up through 29 numbered hairpins through forest to the small village of Morcles, staying paved to roughly the 9-10 km mark. From there the road turns to gravel for the final 5-6 km to the summit, climbing even steeper through open alpine terrain with constant views across the Rhone Valley to La Cime de l'Est (3,178 m) and the Dents du Midi. Traffic is virtually nonexistent - this is one of the quietest high-altitude routes in the Vaud Alps.
We climbed and documented Rionda on June 3, 2018. Near the top we found a "Closed Road - Bridges Removed" sign (fine on a bike) and ultimately had to abandon our bikes to hike the final kilometer through lingering snow drifts. Riders attempting Rionda outside peak summer months should be ready for snow on the upper gravel and should treat the last stretch as a possible hike-a-bike.
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. Rionda's 15.3 km (9.5 mi) climb from Lavey-les-Bains averages 11.06% and almost never lets up - except for a brief respite around km 8 and in the final kilometer, the grade holds double digits the entire way.
The steepest sustained kilometer starts around km 9.4, right where the pavement ends and the gravel begins, averaging close to 14% with short ramps into the high teens.
The first 6 km, up through Morcles' 29 numbered hairpins, is the comparatively moderate section. The final 5-6 km of gravel above Morcles, steeper and rougher, is where Rionda earns its reputation as one of the hardest climbs in the country.
Roadway: Paved from Lavey-les-Bains through the 29 hairpins to Morcles and on to about the 9-10 km mark, where it turns to a steep but good-quality gravel surface for the final 5-6 km to the 2,157 m (7,076') summit. Older trip reports note a "Closed Road - Bridges Removed" sign and a locked vehicle barrier near 1,750 m - these appear to restrict motor vehicle access rather than cyclists, but expect the upper road to feel more like a maintenance track. Snow can linger on the upper gravel well into early summer, occasionally deep enough to force a short hike-a-bike near the summit.
Traffic: Very light. This climb's traffic rating is a 5 out of 5 - one of the quietest high-altitude roads in the Vaud Alps, with essentially no through traffic once you're past Morcles.
Parking: There's no formal trailhead lot. Riders typically start from Lavey-les-Bains/Lavey-Morcles near the small stone bridge over the Avancon de Morcles (see Start Location) and park along the road in the village. A car park has been reported near 1,750 m for those driving partway up, though it may sit behind the locked barrier noted above.
A road bike is fine for the first 9-10 km of pavement, but Rionda's defining feature is the steep gravel finish above Morcles, so plan to switch to a gravel or cyclocross bike with at least 30mm tires, or a hardtail mountain bike, for the final 5-6 km.
Gear low - some of the gravel ramps run into the mid-teens - and pack layers, since the summit sits at 2,157 m (7,076') and can be cold and exposed even in summer. If you're riding in spring or early summer, bring shoes you don't mind hiking in - snow has forced riders off the bike on the last stretch in past years.
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.
Lavey-les-Bains is a small spa town in the Rhone Valley, a short drive or train ride from Martigny, Bex, and Aigle, and about 45 minutes from Lake Geneva. St-Maurice and Bex both have rail stations if you're arriving by train. The valley is worth a stop in its own right - Lavey-les-Bains' thermal baths are a good way to soak sore legs after the climb - and the views north from Rionda take in La Cime de l'Est (3,178 m) and the Dents du Midi across the valley.
Base yourself in Aigle, Bex, or Martigny for easy access to several other big Vaud/Valais climbs nearby.
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thall1
My favorite + hardest climb I've ever done!! It was amazing to look down once you get above treeline and see the valley, the other mountains, and more, so great scenery.
I tried this climb on 28mm road tires and that was a big mistake once I got up to the gravel. I reccomend bringing disc brakes and gravel tires, but nevertheless, I still loved this hidden gem of a climb!
ashort
Great climb, no breaks in the climbing! Great views, 45 switchbacks/hairpin bends to the first carpark.
Road bikes can reach the cable first carpark and cable car, but then its gravel after this.
