Cycling routes

Col des Planches – Mythical Alpine passes

Martigny

3/13°

The ten kilometers separating Martigny-Bourg from the pass summit make the Col des Planches one of the steepest passes in the region: expect sections with gradients over 15%!

Difficulty

Intermediate

Length

10.35 km

Duration

1:30 h

Description

From Martigny, you face several kilometers of relentless ascent: from the start, the pass climbs steeply. The gradient with sections of more than 15% eases only at Chemin-Dessous, the first village you pass through. A hairpin bend then offers the first chance to catch your breath and an impressive view down to the Rhone knee and the town of Martigny. Afterwards, the gentler climb through the larch forests gives you the chance to explore the Forclaz Valley. On a short flat section, you can save energy before tackling the last hairpins up to the Col des Planches.

Turn-by-turn directions

The ascent begins in the Rhone Valley near the town of Martigny and leads up to Chemin-Dessous. You will encounter sections with gradients of more than 15%. In a hairpin bend, you can take a short rest and enjoy the impressive view of the Rhone knee and Martigny. Then the route continues with a gentler ascent through the larch forests through the Vallée de la Forclaz. On a short flat section, you can save energy before tackling the final hairpins up to the Col des Planches.

Start

Martigny-Bourg (494m)

Destination

Col des Planches (1408m)

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