Cycling routes

Col de la Croix de Cœur – Mythical Alpine Passes

Col de la Croix de Coeur

Aproz

35 kilometers separate Aproz from the pass of Col de la Croix de Cœur. The route passes through Nendaz and La Tzoumaz and offers a wonderful view at the pass of the holiday resort Verbier located below.

Difficulty

Difficult

Length

35.29 km

Duration

3:00 h

Description

From Aproz, first drive towards the village of Fey. At the village exit, a short but quite steep climb towards the main road presents the first challenge. On the main road, you pass through Basse-Nendaz, where you turn onto the lightly trafficked road to Saclentse. Up to this point, the route follows the same path as the one leading to the Cleuson dam. Turn right at the entrance of Haute-Nendaz and pass through the village center before descending on a winding road with views of the valley towards Isérables. A sharp left turn leads you over a wooden bridge and an unpaved section to La Tzoumaz. At the village exit, the road winds through the forest and then crosses alpine pastures until the pass at 2173 meters altitude. The last section runs on a paved gravel road and offers a wonderful view of the Val de Bagnes landscape and the holiday resort Verbier below upon arrival at the pass.

Turn-by-turn directions

From Aproz, take the road towards the village of Fey and then continue to Basse-Nendaz. Here the route turns left. Follow this path for 1.7 kilometers before turning left and continuing on a small, lightly trafficked road via Saclentse. Up to this point, the route follows the same path as the one leading to the Cleuson dam. Turn right towards Haute-Nendaz and then descend towards Isérables. A sharp left turn leads you over a wooden bridge and an unpaved, steep section to La Tzoumaz. At the exit of the village, the road winds through the forest and then passes over alpine pastures up to the pass at 2173 meters altitude. The last section runs on a paved gravel road.

Start

Aproz (486m)

Destination

Col de la Croix de Cœur (2173m)

Author's recommendation

From Saclentse, follow in the footsteps of cycling champions Cadel Evans, Primoz Roglic, and Alberto Contador, who raced the final of the cycling race “Tour des Stations” on this route! For safety, carry two spare inner tubes to be prepared for any punctures on the several kilometers of gravel road.

Technical information

Altitude

2174m

482m

Ascent

+1978m

Descent

-291m

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

Regional trains on the Simplon–Brig line. Stops at St-Pierre-de-Clages or Sion.

Approach

Motorway A9 to exit 25 Conthey or 26 Sion-Ouest. Then follow the cantonal road to the village of Aproz.

Parking

Parking available at Domaine des Îles (municipality of Sion).

Equipment

Our recommendation: Technically flawless bike, helmet, gloves and bell, weather-appropriate clothing depending on conditions (always bring rain protection), drink and snacks.

Safety information

Respect the rules of Swiss road traffic. Traveling on this route is at your own risk; all liability is excluded. Respect the flora and fauna in your surroundings. For your safety, we recommend wearing a bicycle helmet. Emergency numbers: 144 Ambulance / 117 Police /1414 Rega. 

Assess your own skills and fitness well. Traveling on the various routes is always at your own responsibility.

Additional information

More information :

Literature

The tourist offices of Sion, Nendaz, La Tzoumaz, and Verbier provide brochures for cycling in the region.

Brochures: Road Bike - The Map

Maps

Maps 1:25,000 Swisstopo: 1305 Dent de Morcles / 1306 Sion / 1325 Sembrancher / 1326 Rosablanche

Source

This activity is brought to you by Valais/Wallis Promotion

The Swisspeak Resort in Vercorin in a winter setting

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