Road · From the map · Switzerland
Great St Bernard Pass from Martigny
- 44 km
- 2,081 m
- Hard
- Paved
Elevation profile
- 2,081 m
- 44 km
Route overview
This is suited to experienced climbers comfortable with sustained climbing over 2000 m elevation gain in under 44 km.
A 44 km Swiss climb from Martigny to Great St Bernard Pass with 2081 m elevation gain.
Starting at Martigny (475 m), the route begins with gentle climbing over the first 6.3 km, including a 4.8 km climb at 2.9% average gradient to 628 m and a 3.3 km rise at 2.5% to 694 m. After Bovernier (7 km), the climb steepens with a 4.1 km section averaging 5.8%, gaining 235 m up to 939 m near Sembrancher (12.5 km). Several small climbs follow, including a 2.4 km climb at 5.2% to 1058 m near La Rosière (17.6 km). The main climb starts after Orsières (19.5 km), extending 23.5 km with an average gradient of 6.3% and maximum slopes of 11%, rising 1471 m toward the Great St Bernard Pass at 2472 m (km 43.3). The route follows mainly main roads with 21.4 km without cycle lanes, 15.2 km of these on roads posted 80 km/h or faster, notably on the N21 which is ridden for 21.6 km. Most of the route is paved (95%) with minor gravel or unpaved sections (3%). Services along the route include cafés, shops, and water points spaced up to 11.8 km apart after Bourg-Saint-Pierre (31.4 km). There are bail-out stations at Martigny-Expo (0.5 km), Bovernier (6.7 km), and La Douay (16.6 km). At the start, Martigny offers cafés, bakeries and a supermarket. The summit area near Great St Bernard Pass has a café (Mont Joux at 43.2 km).
Highlights
- Great St Bernard Pass at 2472 m
- Martigny start town
- Main climb after Orsières, 23.5 km long
- N21 main road for 21.6 km
Along the route
Places passed
On the road
Climbs
| Climb | Starts at | Length | Gain | Average | Max | Top |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | 1.5 km | 4.8 km | 138 m | 2.9 % | 6.6 % | 628 m |
| — | 6.9 km | 3.3 km | 81 m | 2.5 % | 3.2 % | 694 m |
| Sembrancher climb | 11.9 km | 4.1 km | 235 m | 5.8 % | 8.8 % | 939 m |
| — | 16.3 km | 2.4 km | 125 m | 5.2 % | 8.1 % | 1058 m |
| Great St Bernard | 19.8 km | 23.5 km | 1471 m | 6.3 % | 11 % | 2472 m |
Sembrancher climb · starts at 11.9 km
< 4%4 – 7%7 – 10%> 10%
Great St Bernard · starts at 19.8 km
Practical information
- Paved
- Point to point
- 3 h 08 min
- May to Oct — daily highs of 19–27 °C in those months
Know before you go
- 21.4 km on main roads without cycle lanes
- 15.2 km on roads posted 80 km/h or more
- Longest no café/shop/water 11.8 km from 31.4 km
