From Martigny, the route through the valley to Sembrancher and further to Orsières is still quite moderate. It only becomes truly challenging in the Val d’Entremont, where the climb to Bourg-Saint-Pierre and the Great St. Bernard awaits you.
From Martigny to Orsières, the gradient is only moderate, allowing a gentle warm-up in the first kilometers. You leave the Val Ferret on your left and instead tackle the Val d’Entremont – from now on, you will be really challenged! The road leading to Italy becomes steeper and takes you in a steady ascent through the villages of Liddes and Bourg-Saint-Pierre. The climb leads through meadows and progressively brings the peaks of Mont Rogneux and Grand Combin into view. Shortly after Bourg-Saint-Pierre, the road passes through galleries for several kilometers before the junction to the Great St. Bernard appears. The last kilometers are tough but set in a breathtaking alpine landscape!
Itinerary
Best period to go there
Prestations
Author\s note
During the summer months, the St. Bernard dogs of the Fondation Barry spend their time at the hospice on the Great St. Bernard. The Fondation Barry (approx. 1.5h) offers daily guided walks with the dogs.
Directions
From Martigny, the road is wide and ascends only moderately. At the entrance to the Val de Bagnes, it turns right and follows the Dranse towards Orsières and Italy. From the Val d’Entremont, the road climbs more steeply, allowing you to gain height quickly up to Liddes. The road through the village is less steep and gives you a chance to catch your breath before you tackle the next climb to Bourg-Saint-Pierre, the last village before the Italian border. After passing through the galleries leading to the Great St. Bernard tunnel, turn right and take on the last six kilometers to the pass summit. The breathtaking landscape, the hospice at the pass, and the small lake make this border crossing between Switzerland and Italy one of the most beautiful Alpine passes ever!
Getting there
Via the A9 motorway from Lausanne or Sierre, exit Martigny-Fully E27 (No. 21), or via the cantonal road. At the roundabout, follow signs towards Col de la Forclaz / Chamonix (France).
Parking at Porte d’Octodure by the motorway exit. Follow the local parking guidance system in Martigny.
You can regularly reach Martigny with the SBB from all Swiss cities. Regional trains (Mont-Blanc & St. Bernard Express line) also operate to Martigny.
