Cyclosportives in Valais

For cyclists, Valais feels like an anthology of Alpine passes. Great St Bernard, Simplon, Furka, Nufenen: these names ring out like Tour stages 🚴. The Rhône runs a flat artery through the middle, from which roads climb in switchbacks to perched resorts. A cyclosportive in Valais calls for strong legs and a good sprocket. The Valais passes are anything but trivial: from the very first hairpins, the elevation gain makes itself felt and the landscapes gain height.

The season runs from May to September. High-altitude passes open in late spring, once the snow has left the roads, and remain passable until October. Summer storms often form in the afternoon, which argues for early starts ☀️. On the valley floor, the valley wind sometimes pushes you from behind and sometimes doesn't, which animates the pelotons and makes taking turns at the front essential. Packing a low gear for the ramps and a light jacket for the descents remains the best advice.

The Valais cyclosportive calendar combines pleasure and challenge. In June, the Cyclosportive Des Portes du Soleil, in Champéry, crosses the Franco-Swiss Portes du Soleil area, between forests and alpine pastures 🌲. In August, Le Tour des Stations stops off in Verbier with a kaizen mindset, which means improving a little with every pedal stroke. To mix up the fun on two wheels, check out the gravel races in Valais.

At the Great St Bernard pass, the dogs of the same name have watched over travelers for centuries, a reassuring image when the slope steepens 🐕. On the way back down, a plate of raclette or a slice of rye bread resets the counters to zero. Whether you're a beginner or a regular on the pass, pick your ride and let the road do the rest, with the Matterhorn as a backdrop. Valais has several passes over 2,000 m, enough to fill an entire calendar. To broaden your horizons, check out the cyclosportives in Switzerland.