Cycling routes

Share

Cycling routes

Col de Portes de Culet – Legendary Mountain Passes

The Col des Portes de Culet rises to 1,787 metres and offers an exceptional view over the Dents du Midi. Leaving from Monthey, the first few kilometres take you up the road to the Pas de Morgins before turning right onto a small road criss-crossing the pastures.

View on the Dents du Midi - Guy Rouiller, Valais/Wallis Promotion

Leaving from Monthey, the start of the climb leads to the right side of the "Illiez" valley. From the village of Troistorrents, several switchbacks help you gain some altitude to take a look at the magnificent church in this small village in the Val d’Illiez. The road then forks to the right and becomes more narrow. The road takes you to the summit of the Portes de Culet in the middle of alpine meadows typical of the region. The relaxing ambience of the area is simply magical!

Available offers

Your accommodation in a click

On our e-Shop, you can easily find and book the accommodation of your dreams from a wide selection of offers throughout the canton.
Book now
Show elevation profile

Turn-by-turn directions

The Col des Portes de Culet is not well-known in the region of the Bas-Valais but is worth the trip! The start of the climb is easy enough until Troistorrents where you will come across the little cog train of the valley. As you climb in the direction of Morgins, you will discover the Dents du Midi in all their glory right in front of you. This seven summit chain, dominated by the Haute Cime, is the iconic mountain of the region, and its steep face is the most impressive. Once you have left the main road, the route takes you through unspoiled nature until the summit of the pass. A journey of discovery that is absolutely worth doing!

Start: Monthey (426 m)
Destination: Col de Portes de Culet (1787 m)

Technical information

  • Altitude

    1787 m 426 m

  • Ascent

    1400 m

  • Descent

    39 m

  • Technique

    Bewertung: 3 .0 von 5.0 Punkten

  • Stamina

    Bewertung: 4 .0 von 5.0 Punkten

  • Experience

    Bewertung: 4 von 5.0 Punkten

  • Landscape

    Bewertung: 5 .0 von 5.0 Punkten

Best time of year

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec
  • Linear route
  • Scenic
  • Insider tip
  • Refreshment stops available
  • Cultural/historical interest
  • Flora

Public transport

To reach Monthey, take the regional train running on the Simplon line between Brig and St-Gingolph. 

Approach

Exit A9 motorway at Bex (exit 19) and follow signs to Monthey centre ville. Coming from Lausanne, take the exit 18 (St-Triphon) and don't continue through the tunnel to Collombey Valley but take the road direction to Monthey centre-ville. 

Parking

Different parking possibilities in Monthey, please follow the local car park routeing: 

  • Place Cardinale (Route du Simplon)
  • Parking at AOMC train station (Avenue de France 6) 
  • Parking Municipal (Place de l'Hôtel de Ville) 

Equipment

We recommend: bike in excellent working order, helmet, gloves and bell, clothing suitable for the weather (always carry a waterproof), food and drink.

Safety information

Strictly respect the Swiss traffic rules. Please note that you are running the tour at your own risk and all liability is refused. Please be considerate to plants and animals. For your own safety, wear an helmet every time you ride a bike.Emergency numbers: 144 Ambulance / 117 Police / 1414 Helicopter Rescue (Rega).

Additional information

More information :

Maps

SwissTopo Maps: 1284 Monthey / 1304 Val d’Illiez