Cycling routes

Col de Champoussin – Legendary Mountain Passes

Col de Champoussin

Champoussin

4/11°

Leaving from Monthey, the first few kilometres of the climb towards the Col de Champoussin takes place on the road to the Pas de Morgins. From Troistorrents, you climb towards Val d’Illiez before turning right in the direction of Champoussin while pedalling between the Dents du Midi and the Dents Blanches.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Length

20.36 km

Duration

2:30 h
Col de Champoussin

Description

The Col de Champoussin allows you to discover the Vallée d’Illiez situated in the Valais portion of the Chablais. Following the river Vièze via Troistorrents then the village of Val d’Illiez, you can admire the exceptional environment of this valley nestled between the Dents du Midi and the Dents Blanches, in the ski area aptly named the “gates of the sun.” In Val d’Illiez, the itinerary leaves the main road to reach the pass situated below the Pointe des Mossettes. Expect a magnificent viewpoint!

Turn-by-turn directions

The beginning of the itinerary to the Col de Champoussin takes the same road towards the Pas de Morgins until the village of Troistorrents and the entry into the Vallée d’Illiez. Take note that after a few kilometres you will pass next to a small shop La Cavagne which offers typical products from the Valais…worth a stop on the descent back towards Monthey. All along the climb, an exceptional view over the Dents du Midi will accompany you. In Val d’Illiez, the road narrows and steepens and climbs in the pastures towards Les Crosets and Champoussin. Once at the top, don’t forget to take a look at the Mont Ruan and then you can continue your journey back down via the village of Champoussin.

Start

Monthey, "Vieux Pont" (426m)

Destination

Col de Champoussin (1586m)

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Author's recommendation

Visit the "Ferme de Gaby" and enjoy regional specialities and experience alpine farm life. 

Technical information

Altitude

1587m

426m

Ascent

+1200m

Descent

-39m

Technique

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Best time of the year

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

Tags

  • Linear route
  • Scenic
  • Refreshment stops available
  • Flora
Getting there
Information

Public transport

To reach Monthey, take the regional train running on the Simplon line between Brig and St-Gingolph. 

Approach

Exit A9 motorway at Bex (exit 19) and follow signs to Monthey centre ville. Coming from Lausanne, take the exit 18 (St-Triphon) and don't continue through the tunnel to Collombey Valley but take the road direction to Monthey centre-ville. 

Parking

Different parking possibilities in Monthey, please follow the local car park routeing: 
  • Place Cardinale (Route du Simplon)
  • Parking at AOMC train station (Avenue de France 6) 
  • Parking Municipal (Place de l'Hôtel de Ville) 

Equipment

We recommend: bike in excellent working order, helmet, gloves and bell, clothing suitable for the weather (always carry a waterproof), food and drink.

Safety information

Strictly respect the Swiss traffic rules. Please note that you are running the tour at your own risk and all liability is refused. Please be considerate to plants and animals. For your own safety, wear an helmet every time you ride a bike.Emergency numbers: 144 Ambulance / 117 Police / 1414 Helicopter Rescue (Rega).

When planning, take into account participants’ fitness level and ability. All riding is at one’s own risk.

Additional information

More information :

Literature

SwissTopo Maps: 1284 Monthey / 1304 Val d’Illiez

Maps

Brochures : Road cycling map

Source

This activity is brought to you by Valais/Wallis Promotion

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