Cycling routes

Valais Cycling Tour: Crans-Montana - Leukerbad (stage 2)

Salgesch

Crans-Montana

From the peaks of Crans-Montana to the mountainous cirque of Leukerbad, the second stage of the Valais Cycling Tour takes you downhill to Sierre, the city of sunshine, and across the vineyards of Salgesch before finishing in the thermal resort of Leukerbad.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Length

46.02 km

Duration

2:30 h

Description

When leaving Crans-Montana, take the time to admire the numerous peaks above 4,000 metres during your 400 m descent. After plunging towards the Rhone Valley, you will reach the town of Sierre before beginning the final ascent through the winemaking villages of Salqenen and Varen. A short descent to the village of Leuk (Loèche) will take you to the main road that accesses the Dalatal and, in regular stages, you will reach Leukerbad (Loèche-les-Bains), a village famous for its thermal pools!

Turn-by-turn directions

From the centre of Crans-Montana, head east and first climb to Plumachit via Les Barzettes, before descending towards Sierre through the villages of Aminona, Mollens, Venthône and Veyras. From Sierre, continue in the direction of Salquenen and take the Varenstrasse as you exit the village. After passing through numerous vineyards, you’ll arrive in Varen. After the village, a short descent leads you to Leuk, which you bypass and join the main road to Rumeling and Inden. At the entrance to the village of Leukerbad (Leukerbad), go straight on at the roundabout to reach the village centre.

Start

Crans-Montana, place d'Ycoor (1502m)

Destination

Leukerbad (1382m)

Author's recommendation

Take a moment to stop at Plumachit and admire the beautiful landscape!

Technical information

Altitude

1804m

540m

Ascent

+1198m

Descent

-1284m

Technique

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Best time of the year

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

Tags

  • Linear route
  • Multi-stage route
  • Scenic
  • Geological highlights
  • Fauna
  • Accessibility
  • Summit route
  • Refreshment stops available
  • Cultural/historical interest
  • Flora
Getting there
Information

Public transport

You can reach the starting point in Crans-Montana by funicular, PostBus or bus from Sierre. You can find the funicular station by following the red markings on the ground from Sierre station.

Approach

Leave the A9 motorway at the Sierre-Ouest exit, then follow the cantonal route via Chermignon until the “Centre Sportif la Moubra” in Crans-Montana.

Parking

This tour takes place over several stages and the starting and finishing points are in different locations. We therefore advise you to travel to the starting point by public transport. To do so, we recommend using the SBB car park in Sierre (Plaine Bellevue) or Leuk. Parking is also available in Crans-Montana. Please follow local parking instructions.

Equipment

We recommend: bike in excellent working order, helmet, gloves and bell, clothing suitable for the weather (always carry a waterproof), food and drink.

Safety information

Strictly respect the Swiss traffic rules. Please note that you are running the tour at your own risk and all liability is refused. Please be considerate to plants and animals. For your own safety, wear an helmet every time you ride a bike. Emergency numbers: 144 Ambulance / 117 Police / 1414 Helicopter Rescue (Rega).

Additional information

Literature

The tourist office in Crans-Montana has brochures and information material about road cycling in the region.

Brochures: 

Maps

SwissTopo Maps 1:25,000: 1287 Sierre / 1268 Lötschental

Source

This activity is brought to you by Valais/Wallis Promotion