Mountain bike tours

Plaine Morte Bike

Enduro Plaine Morte
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This demanding alpine route, from the Plaine Morte to the forests of the Pfyn-Finges Nature Park is punctuated by glaciers, high-altitude lakes, waterfalls, and alpine meadows.

Difficulty

Difficult

Length

35.95 km

Duration

3:55 h
Enduro Plaine Morte
Enduro Plaine Morte
Enduro Plaine Morte
Enduro Plaine Morte - Lac de Huiton
Enduro Plaine Morte - Col des Gendarmes
Enduro Plaine Morte - Tièche
Enduro Plaine Morte - Tièche
Enduro Plaine Morte - Tièche
Enduro Plaine Morte - Les Violettes
Enduro Plaine Morte - Wald
Enduro Plaine Morte - Weinberg

Description

With a grand start from the Plaine Morte glacier at 3000 meters altitude, this mountain bike route takes cyclists on an unforgettable alpine adventure. Demanding from the first meters, it plunges into a unique mineral setting. The route skirts Lake Huiton, crosses the Gendarmes Pass, then climbs towards the Pochet Pass before descending towards the Violettes and climbing towards Petit Bonvin. The descent continues into the Tièche valley, where waterfalls, cliffs, and the forests of the Pfyn-Finges Nature Park offer a striking contrast. The route then passes through Cordona, reaches Venthône, and ends at Sierre, with a total negative elevation gain of nearly 3,000 metres. Reserved for experienced riders, this route offers an exceptional diversity of landscapes: mineral ridges, alpine forests, wild valleys, and stunning panoramas. Part of the route even hosted a stage of the Enduro World Series, a guarantee of its technical quality.

Turn-by-turn directions

From the upper station of Plaine Morte, the adventure begins in the heart of a lunar landscape, between late snowfields and raw rocks. The path descends on a technical, sometimes unstable terrain where concentration and agility are required. The route skirts Lake Huiton on the left before reaching the Gendarmes Pass, a narrow passage between two ridges, spectacular but exposed.

A short uphill section then leads to the Pochet Pass. The following descent is fast and mineral, down to the Cabane des Violettes (CAS). After a few turns and a 5 km climb, you’ll reach the Petit Bonvin, with its plunging view over the Tièche valley.

The second major descent of the route begins here: a challenging single track that plunges into the valley, bordered by cliffs,  sometimes narrow and challenging. After crossing the Tièche riverbed, you’ll enter the Pfyn-Finges Nature Park. The path becomes smoother, winding through alpine meadows, crossing small woods, then reaching the hamlet of Cordona.

The transition happens gently at Venthône, which is crossed via small picturesque paths through the vineyard, before ending with  a smooth, fast descent, alternating between dirt and gravel, leading to Sierre funicular station.

Start

Plaine Morte, summit of the Funitel Violettes-Plaine Morte cable cars. (2882m)

Destination

Sierre funicular station, to go up to Crans-Montana. (537m)

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Author's recommendation

For a break that is both panoramic and tasty with a Valais speciality, stop at the Cabane des Violettes (CAS).

Technical information

Altitude

2919m

538m

Ascent

+615m

Descent

-2955m

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Best time of the year

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

Tags

  • Enduro
  • Linear route
  • Scenic
  • Geological highlights
  • Summit route
  • Refreshment stops available
  • Cableway ascent/descent
Getting there
Information

Public transport

From the Sierre CFF train station, go to the SMC funicular station and take it towards "Crans-Montana, station" (last stop, about 13 minutes ride, departures 3x/hour). At the funicular exit:

  • Ride about 7 minutes to the start of the Violettes Express cable cars.
    or
  • Take a shuttle bus to the stop "Crans-Montana, télé Violettes" (free).

Then successively take the Barzettes-Violettes cable cars (Violettes Express), then the Violettes-Plaine Morte Funitel to reach the start of the route.

Approach

From Sierre, the A9 motorway exit (east or west), follow the signs towards Crans-Montana (about 20-25 minutes). Once in Crans-Montana, follow signs to the Violettes cable car parking. Parking is available on site. Then successively take the Barzettes-Violettes cable cars (Violettes Express), then the Violettes-Plaine Morte Funitel to reach the start of the route.

Parking

A large underground parking and an outdoor parking are available on site.

Equipment

Our recommendations: a technically flawless mountain bike, helmet, gloves, and bell, appropriate clothing according to the weather, rain protection, drink and snacks.
Prepare your mountain bike outing

Safety information

Some narrow trails are also used by hikers: for harmonious coexistence, please control your speed, yield priority to pedestrians, and show courtesy.

The mountain is a space for pleasure that is shared and respected. The mountain offers a space to meet and share unforgettable moments, by bike or on foot. For all outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy it, it is essential to share this space with respect for nature and agriculture. Respectful behavior allows everyone to enjoy their leisure activities under the best conditions. Inform yourself about the recommendations and rules in place.
Rules of good conduct

Evaluate your physical condition and abilities well. The use of the different routes is always at your own risk.

Additional information

Cable cars (access to Plaine Morte)
It is possible to book your day pass for the cable cars directly online. Make sure the Plaine Morte Funitel is open (2 months during summer) by checking the online schedules.

Literature

Consult the VTT & E-bike Valais/Wallis map to discover the best routes in the region. Crans-Montana Tourism and Congress provides information material and brochures about mountain biking in the destination.

Source

This activity is brought to you by Crans-Montana Tourisme & Congrès. Valais/Wallis Promotion is not responsible for the content provided.

The Swisspeak Resort in Vercorin in a winter setting

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