Mountain bike tours

Aminona Gravel

Crans-Montana

-4/2°

Closed

A varied 24 km gravel loop above Crans-Montana, through forests and high-altitude pastures. The itinerary offers open panoramas over the Rhône valley.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Length

23.75 km

Duration

2:25 h

Description

Starting from the center of Crans-Montana, the loop ascends between forests and open meadows, from where the Rhône valley can be admired. Passing by the bisse du Tsittoret brings a little coolness before reaching the alpine pastures around 1,900 m. Up here, the horizon widens, and the tracks run between peaceful forests and pastures. The descent passes through the Marolires and Arnouva ski lifts, alternating between forests and meadows. The return via Plans-Mayens, with its large chalets, concludes this varied traverse combining alpine panoramas, rural traditions and a lively mountain atmosphere.

Turn-by-turn directions

The itinerary starts at the Maison du Tourisme in Crans-Montana and follows the road towards Aminona. After a few kilometers on asphalt, the track leaves the main road and joins a trail heading uphill. The path first crosses a wooded area, with several clearings revealing views towards the Rhône plain. The first mayens and chalets appear along the route.

The ascent continues on stony paths, crosses the bisse du Tsittoret, and gradually gains altitude. After several passages between meadows and forests, the itinerary reaches an alpine pasture area with wide, smooth for a few kilometers, before starting the descent to Marolires, thereafter climbing again to reach Arnouva. The progression alternates between forest trails and meadow crossings, until reaching the first isolated houses at the edge of the resort.

The return to Crans-Montana is via the Plans-Mayens district, characterised by its large chalets. The trail then returns to asphalt, crossing the resort from west to east, before reaching the Maison du Tourisme, the starting point of the loop.

Start

Maison du Tourisme, in the center of Montana (1455m) (1502m)

Destination

Maison du Tourisme, in the center of Montana (1455m) (1502m)

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Author's recommendation

Take a break at a picnic area (Courtavey, Marolires, Chermignon lake) or a restaurant along the route (Colombire, Arnouva).

Technical information

Altitude

1985m

1455m

Ascent

+742m

Descent

-742m

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Best time of the year

Public transport

From Sierre railway station, go to the SMC funicular station and take the funicular towards ‘Crans-Montana, gare’ (last stop, journey time approx. 13 minutes, departures three times an hour). When you exit the funicular, cycle for approx. five minutes to reach the start of the route at the Montana Tourist Office.

Approach

From Sierre, take the A9 motorway exit (Sierre-Est or Sierre-Ouest) and follow the signs towards Crans-Montana (approximately 20-25 minutes). Once in Crans-Montana, follow the signs for the Stephani/Casino car park. Parking is available on site.