Four spring road cycling routes

Did you know that Crans-Montana is a top destination for cycling? You can enjoy mountain biking, downhill, e-biking and road cycling in our breathtaking landscapes. This spring, we'd like to suggest a few road cycling itineraries recommended by two Valais athletes, Steve Morabito and Alessandra Schmid, who are regulars on our regional routes. Be inspired by their favourites before trying them out for yourself!

On the road with Steve Morabito

Let's take a look at the route recommended by Steve Morabito, 2018 Swiss Road Cycling Champion. His first piece of advice is to make the most of riding on the hillside on the right bank of the Rhone Valley, which is bathed in sunshine. The athlete's favorite climb is the start of the route that bears his name, a route which links Granges to Lens, via Flanthey. This brings back fond memories of the Giro d'Italia, as back in 2023, one of the stages of the famous Italian race ended on part of this stretch. An added bonus for cyclists is that there are very few cars on this road.

Practical info
Departure point: Granges, Avenue de la Gare
Finish: Montana, Ycoor
Distance: 17,7 km
Ascent: 1049 m
Descent: 55 m

See the route

The second ride that the Valais cyclist suggests is the fairly demanding route known as «La Grande Boucle». It starts in Montana and starts with a climb to Aminona via Barzettes. The route descends to Venthône along the cantonal road, and then takes you along small roads in the vineyards above Sierre. The route skirts the hillside, following the Chemin du Vignoble route for a short while. A long climb from Vaas, taking in part of the «Montée Steve Morabito», awaits cyclists before they reach the finish in Montana. An elevation gain of 1,100 metres, exceptional viewpoints and picturesque routes, including the legendary Bisse du Sillonin and the Grand Bisse de Lens, make for a very enjoyable ride.

Practical info
Departure point: Montana, Ycoor
Finish: Montana, Ycoor
Distance: 39,7 km
Ascent: 1 100 m
Descent: 1 099 m

See the route

Alessandra Schmid’s routes

Alessandra Schmid is well-known for her ski-mountaineering but also enjoys cycling when the weather allows. For her favourite bike tour, the athlete from Fiesch likes to start with a downhill. From Crans-Montana, she heads down to Sierre via Chermignon, then continues to Salgesch. She then climbs back up over the Malvoisie Pass, before heading down again alongside the road to Venthône, before rejoining the road to Crans-Montana. It is possible to return to Crans-Montana directly from Mollens, or by making a detour via Aminona for a bigger challenge.

Practical info
Departure point: Montana, Ycoor
Finish: Montana, Ycoor
Distance: 48 km
Ascent: 1600 m
Descent: 1593 m

Alessandra has also shared a second route, which starts the same way, with a downhill to Sierre, but this time via Mollens. Once in the valley, she rides to St-Léonard and heads back up on the small road through the vineyards, stopping for a short break in Ayent before the final climb. Alessandra then follows the road through small villages such as Botyre, before the houses disappear,giving way to miles of trees and forests. The view then opens out onto the valley with a superb panorama before the final finish in Ycoor, Montana.

Practical info
Departure point: Montana, Ycoor
Finish: Montana, Ycoor
Distance: 45 km
Ascent: 1178 m
Descent: 1179 m

Find out all about road cycling in Crans-Montana