Cycling routes

Col de Portes de Culet – Mythical Alpine passes

Monthey

9/16°

Closed

The Col des Portes de Culet rises up to 1787 meters and offers an exceptional view of the Dents du Midi. From Monthey, you ride the first few kilometers on the Pas de Morgins before turning right onto a small road that leads over pastures.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Length

23.25 km

Duration

3:00 h

Description

The descent of the Portes de Culet pass from Monthey follows the right bank of the "Val d'Illiez" up to Troistorrents. At the height of this village, you gain elevation with several hairpin bends and can admire the beautiful church of this small village in the Val d’Illiez. The road then branches right and becomes narrower. It leads you up to the pass summit of Portes de Culet, surrounded by the region's typical alpine meadows. The relaxing atmosphere of this place is simply magical!

Turn-by-turn directions

The Col des Portes de Culet is a often underestimated ascent in Lower Valais, but it is definitely worth a detour! The climb to Troistorrents, where you cross the valley's cog railway, is quite easy. As you ride up towards Morgins, you gradually see the Dents du Midi in all their glory. The range consists of seven peaks, with Haute Cime being the highest. The emblematic mountain of the region with its rugged face is incredibly impressive. After leaving the main road, the route takes you through a protected natural landscape up to the pass summit. A gem you should not miss!

Start

Monthey (426m)

Destination

Col de Portes de Culet (1787m)

Download GPX

Download KML

Technical information

Altitude

1787m

426m

Ascent

+1400m

Descent

-39m

Technique

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Best time of the year

Public transport

You can reach Monthey with regular regional train connections on the Simplon line Brig - St. Gingolph.

Approach

Motorway A9 to exit 19 (Bex), then take the second exit towards Monthey at the roundabout. Coming from Lausanne, take exit 18 (St-Triphon) and do not drive through the tunnel into the Collombey valley, but continue towards Monthey city center.