Cycling in Valais and the Rhone Valley

Switzerland’s Rhône Valley has one of the greatest concentration of Top World Cycling Climbs of any top climbing area in the world.  This broad and gorgeous glacially formed valley boasts hillside vineyards, spectacular views from the mountains bordering it and at least finish ending at a glacier.

The Rhône Valley begins in the upper portion of the Swiss Canton of Valais (one of 26 Cantons or Regions of Switzerland) where the climbs of Furka Pass and Grimselpass are located and continues down past Top World 100 climbs Breithorn and Marjalensee before arching west to Martigny and then up to its end at the eastern shores of Lake Geneva and the Swiss-France border.

Breithorn

THE HARDEST BIKE CLIMB IN SWITZERLAND AND #38 WORLD

Of Switzerland’s 12 World 100 Bike Climbs, Breithorn is the one to crack the Top 10 and is the most difficult bike climb in that country. The climb is beautiful, and when PJAMM Cycling did it, there was no sign of life whatsoever for the last 10 kilometers -- it is as private and as peaceful as a double digit 13 kilometer climb can be.  There are no visual obstructions to impede the distant views after climbing above tree line at about kilometer 11.

Rionda

WORLD’S 39th MOST DIFFICULT CLIMB

Left (south) to Martigny and Sion; Right (northeast) to Rhône Valley and Lake Geneva;

 Center is La Cime de l’Est (3178 m / 10,426').

This Top World Bike Climb is located in the Berneses Alps, a subrange of the Alps located in western Switzerland. We start this climb in the Rhone Valley and have spectacular views of it as we climb. Throughout much of this climb we are in view of La Cime de l’Est, the highest peak (3,178 m / 10,380’) in the Lake Geneva area.

Spectacular views along a terribly difficult bike climb.  

Col des Gentianes

WORLD’S #53 MOST DIFFICULT  BIKE CLIMB

This Top 100 World Climb is a punishing 21 kilometers from 1,200 meters to an eye (lung) popping 2,896 meters!  Of course the road access a ski resort - why else in the world would there be a road to this god forsaken place.  By the way, you can take the tram up in 6 minutes versus 3+ hours by bike.  

Tram = 10 meters per second . . . bike . . . uhhhh . . . not quite that . . .

The views along this climb are absolutely stunning and we highly recommend this climb, although on a cross/gravel bike v. road bike.

Croix de Coeur-Riddes

WORLD’S #92 MOST DIFFICULT  BIKE CLIMB

Cycling Croix de Coeur-Riddes

The last third of the climb is on gravel, but manageable on a road bike.

This #49 World/#5 Switzerland most difficult bike climb gains 5,743’ elevation over 13.7 miles, at an average 7.9% grade.

Restaurant la Croix de-Coeur at the top.

Galm

SWITZERLAND’S #8 MOST DIFFICULT BIKE CLIMB

Cycling Galm

Galm is one of the lesser known of the beautiful Swiss cycling climbs.  You will ride 19.8 kilometers, gaining 1,611 meters at an 8.2% average grade.

Fully-L'Erie        

SWITZERLAND’S 10TH MOST DIFFICULT BIKE CLIMB

Cycling Fully-L’Erie

Ride 15.3 kilometers gaining 1,432 meters at 9.2% average grade.

Located in the Martigny District of southwestern Switzerland, this #10 Switzerland most difficult cycling climb is another one to not be missed.  Over the course of this 9.5 mile climb, you will gain 4,697’ in elevation at an average 9.2% grade.

Marjalensee        

Cycling Marjalensee

Ride 14.5 kilometers gaining 1,345 meters at 9.1% average grade.

The climb begins in Laax (pop. 1,857 in 2018) which is a popular Swiss ski area combining separate ski resorts of Flims, Laax and Falera.  

Sanetschpass

THE BEST SWISS BIKE CLIMB THAT ENDS AT A GLACIER

This is a tough climb: 15 miles, 6,325’ and 7% average grade (¼ mile 20.7%, ½ at 15.2%, and one full mile averaging double digits at 12%). The Sanetschpass climb begins in Conthey and initially winds its way through many lovely hillside vineyards up to and through several villages/communities until moving above treeline at mile 13 (6,500’) and offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, ending at Tsanfleuron Glacier.