Cycling in the Valais: Col du Sanetsch – The most beautiful climb? – The Rhythm Of The Road

Описание: The Col du Sanetsch is one of those spots, where athletic challenge and beautiful scenery come together. Located in the Valais (in the southwest of Switzerland), the climb to the Col du Sanetsch is a dead end road leading from Sion all the way up to 2252m. The tiny road meanders through abandoned gorges, pieces of forests and alpine meadows. Especially in the last third of the climb, the views on valleys, high mountain summits and glaciers are just breathtaking. Although the Col Du Sanetsch is rather unknown, it`s numbers are quite impressing from an athletic point of view. The elevation gain to the pass itself is 1800m (with a length of 25km), but the actual end of the road is a little further and you`ll have to descend to reach it. This makes a total elevation gain of 2000m when returning over the summit on the way back. Looking at those numbers it becomes clear to the passionate climber, that the Col du Sanetsch is just as challenging as well-known big mountain passes like the Great St. Bernhard or the Simplon Pass (which are located in the same part of Switzerland) or the Stelvio in Italy. Despite the additional climbing on the way back, it is highly recommended to cycle to the very end of the road. Although the road is in good condition and there`s not much traffic (due to the climb`s location in a rather abandoned area), the last third has something adventurous about it: There`s a gravel section of 100-200m and a tunnel, which (despite its lighting) feels like a pitch black cave…

I hope you enjoy!