Cycling routes

Wallis Velo Tour: Sion - Crans-Montana (Stage 1)

Sion

1/13°

Closed

Beautiful vineyards alongside forests and green meadows on the south side, the first stage of the Wallis Velo Tour starts in the Valais capital Sion, past Anzère and finally leads to the renowned destination Crans-Montana.

Difficulty

Difficult

Length

59.08 km

Duration

4:00 h

Description

After a few pedal strokes, you already leave the city of Sion and reach the nearby wine trail. During the ascent to Mayens de la Zour, the landscape becomes wilder. Enjoy the panorama with the Valais mountain scenery before you enter the village of Savièse. Let yourself be enchanted by the scents of fragrant herbs during the short descent and subsequent ascent towards Arbaz and Azère, which are also used to produce Ricola herbal candy… On the first stage, you overcome 2,300 meters of altitude gain spread over 58.8 km and three climbs!

Turn-by-turn directions

If you follow the red marker towards « 72 : Chemin du Vignoble », you leave the city of Sion and reach Mont d’Orge and Chemin du Vignoble. During the ascent towards Mayens de la Zour, you get the feeling of being completely alone in the world. On a beautiful road, you manage the short descent to Savièse before reaching the villages of Grimisuat and Anzère (1,546m) on an ascending road. The last climb starts in the municipality of Ayent and leads through the villages of Icogne and Lens. The Christ the King statue, erected in 1935 on the summit of Colline du Châtelard in Lens, is visible repeatedly throughout the stage. As soon as you pass through Lens, make your way directly towards the well-known destination and the stage destination Crans-Montana.

Start

Sion, Rue de l'Industrie, 1950 Sion (490m)

Destination

Crans-Montana, place d'Ycoor, Route du Rawyl 56, 3963 Montana (1502m)

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Author's recommendation

Do you want to complete this stage on a Friday? Discover the weekly market in the old town of Sion. There you will find regional products, local crafts, and beautiful terraces with plenty of sunshine!

Technical information

Altitude

1542m

485m

Ascent

+2419m

Descent

-1372m

Technique

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Best time of the year

Public transport

SBB train station Sion or bus station in Sion.

Approach

From highway A9 take exit 26 or 27 to reach the city center of Sion.

Parking

Since this route is a partial section of a stage route and the starting point is not the same as the endpoint (not a circular route), we recommend using public transport to get there. Alternatively, you can use the Potences parking lot in Sion. Follow the local parking guidance system.