Our rider’s safety and experience are at the core of the Haute Route philosophy, and this comes down to the details of every course we create. That is why the descent and particularly dangerous sections of our courses are not timed. Take the time to regroup with friends, team members or simply enjoy your surroundings during non-timed sections of the race.
June 9
Crans-Montana
Crans-Montana
The Haute Route Crans-Montana will begin by introducing you to landscapes usually found on a typical Swiss postcard where the Barrage de Moiry awaits. At 148 metres high, the impressive Moiry dam dominates the end of the Vallon de Moiry. But it´s when you reach the top of the dam where the vistas are the most impressive, with a spectacular panorama of the turquoise waters of the Moiry Lake await. The Swiss scenery does not stop here, as you traverse through the dam, you will be led to a dramatic tunnel where beautiful glacial views will take your breath away as you continue upwards to the summit finish at 2,252m. Bringing together the quaint terraced villages, ancient forests, and stark alpine landscapes that Switzerland is renowned for.
June 10
Sierre
Col du Sanetsch
The second stage on the Haute Route Crans-Montana means business from the get-go. Starting with a short but challenging climb to Col du Sanetsch, with the first kilometre ramping up to an average gradient of 10.9%. The road winds through beautiful, terraced vineyards towards the village of Erde. Here riders can look forward to catching their breath over five kilometres before the road rises again to an average between 7-10%. A series of steep switchbacks leads out of the forest and into vast open pastures above the tree line.
June 11
Sierre
Col de Crans-Montana
Leaving the best till last, the third and final stage is one that will create memories to last a lifetime. Riders will take on the 15-kilonetre time trial up to Col de Crans-Montana. This short but spicy climb will offer breath-taking views of the beautiful Chateau Mercier as you head towards a road off the beaten track, surrounded by vineyards.
This climb offers little respite, so make sure to pace your effort whilst hunting down the riders in front and racing against the clock. You will reach the hardest kilometre (10.4% average gradient) before Aminona but after this you can look forward to leaving the forest and taking in the panoramic views of the peaks of the Valais. This is a fitting backdrop and a breath-taking end to your Swiss cycling experience, as you grind over the final few kilometres before crossing the line as a finisher of Haute Route Crans-Montana.