Sanetsch pass
Overview
Intro
The Sanetsch is the finest pass you have never heard of! At 26km in length and with a difference in altitude of 1690m, the pass road starts in Sion and could be compared to the famous Stelvio, but with less traffic.
Description
The ascent starts in the Rhone valley and meanders through the vineyards (Valais is Switzerland’s largest wine-producing canton by volume) before reaching woodland and a series of hairpin bends which lead to pastures and the summit (alt. 2252m) near the Tsanfleuron glacier. The journey continues from here through the 800 m long tunnel, which is 2 km before the Sanetsch pass.
The road stops at Sanetsch Lake, a few kilometres on from the summit. Does that mean having to turn back? No! You can attach your bike to the aerial cable car and go down to Gsteig near Gstaad, 1000m further down. You then climb to the Pillon pass (alt. 1546m) and make for Les Diablerets before arriving back on the Rhone valley floor at Aigle. After that, you have two ways of returning to Sion: taking the train, or cycling back for 55km on the wonderful level cycle path along the Rhone.
The Sanetsch-Gsteig aerial cableway operates between June and October. The timetable may be found here: http://www.gstaad.ch/en/cable-cars/summer/operating-times.html
Tip from the Grand Tours Project:
Bring warm clothes, even if the forecast promises fine weather in the Rhone valley: temperatures can drop more than 15 degrees during the ascent.
www.grandtoursproject.com
An enjoyable tour includes the careful planning of the same. Please inform yourself in advance at the local information center about the route and weather conditions. Depending on the season and weather conditions, this route may be blocked or interrupted
| Type |
Performance
|
|---|---|
| Start location |
Sion
|
| Destination |
Sion
|
| Ascent |
2340 m
|
| Descent |
2340 m
|
| Distance |
127 km
|
| Physical requirements |
Difficult
|
| Season |
May - October
|
