Cycling routes
Col de Champoussin – Valais Cycling Tour
Champoussin
4/10°
With the first climb of the Valais Cycling Tour’s 9th stage, this route will take you along a quiet road to the Col de Champoussin to admire a stunning panorama!
Difficulty
IntermediateLength
8.83 kmDuration
1:10 hDescription
As you set off from Champéry’s cable car station, you’ll leave this charming village behind to tackle the little-known climb of the Col de Champoussin. The first kilometre will give your calf muscles a workout with an average gradient of 10.5%. After that, you’ll continue on a gentler slope with gradients varying between 6% and 8%. In the middle of your climb, a short gravel section will spice up your tour as the view grows ever more splendid with every passing kilometre. Once at the summit, marvel at the Dents du Midi mountain range from their best angle.
Turn-by-turn directions
This route begins in Champéry, right at the heart of the Dents du Midi Region, at an altitude of 1,036 metres. Five signposts informing you of your progress are located throughout your ascent. After climbing for 300 metres, turn off to the left towards the Col de Cou. The following section is very demanding, as you will have to climb 105 metres of altitude difference over one kilometre before turning right to continue on gentler slopes with gradients varying between 6% and 8%. The road gives way to a gravelled surface for 1,200 metres which is still accessible with road tyres. Rejoin the Route des Crosets, then set off on a short descent before heading in the direction of Champoussin. The final two kilometres are fairly easy-going, despite the 4% gradient. When you reach the summit, remember to capture the moment next to the red Valais cycling signpost with the majestic Dents du Midi as a backdrop.
Start
Champéry – Cable car station (1033m)
Destination
Col de Champoussin (1586m)
Author's recommendation
Stop for a bite to eat at the “Sur Coux” cantine and enjoy some tasty treats on the panoramic terrace.
Technical information
Altitude
1587m
1033m
Ascent
+553m
Descent
-0m
Technique
Stamina
Experience
Landscape
Best time of the year
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Tags
Getting there
Information
Public transport
Take the SBB train to Aigle, then change to a regional train line to take you to Champéry.
Approach
From the A9 motorway, take exit 18 to St-Triphon and cross the bridge over the Rhône towards Monthey. Follow the signs for Champéry and pass through the villages of Troistorrents and Val-d’Illiez before reaching your destination.
Parking
Free parking is available in the village centre, close to Champéry railway station.
Source
This activity is brought to you by Valais/Wallis Promotion