Discover the Champex pass from the village of Orsières and head for the magnificent Champex Lake and the pass which culminates at an altitude of 1,497 metres
The first hectometres from Orsières Station are fairly flat until the hamlet of Somlaproz. Then turn right towards Champex-Lac. The village of Orsières disappears as the road climbs seven hairpin bends, first through meadows and then through a shadier section on the edge of the forest. Enjoy the view of the Val Ferret and the valley leading to the Grand St. Bernard Pass. After 7.4 km of steady climbing, you’ll reach the charming village of Champex-Lac, where a short respite awaits you, with a flat section through the village and along the pretty lake bordering the resort. The slope then picks up briefly to reach the Champex pass. In total, there is a 600-metre difference in altitude between the starting point and the summit, which reaches 1,497 metres.
Itinerary
Best period to go there
Prestations
Author\s note
Take a break at the “Au Club Alpin” hotel built by Michel Theytaz, former owner of the professional IAM Cycling team.
Directions
From Orsières station, turn left onto the Route de Ferret to the hamlet of Somlaproz. Then turn right towards Champex-Lac and follow the cantonal road for 7.3 kilometres to the village of Champex-Lac. Drive along the lake for about 600 metres before taking the Route du Lac which takes you to the Champex pass.
Getting there
Take the A9 motorway from Lausanne or Sierre, then take the Martigny-Grand St. Bernard exit towards Sembrancher and then Orsières onto the Grand St-Bernard Route (Route 21).
Parking at the central square in Orsières.
Travel to Martigny on the Brig-Simplon line and then to Orsières on the St-Bernard Express line (change train in Sembrancher).