Col de Champex – Legendary Mountain Passes Velo in Martigny

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16.2 km
1,105 m
00h38
Medium

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Last verified: 3 July 2025

Description by the author

From the centre of Martigny to Valettes you will take the main road towards Verbier. Then you will take a right and start to climb in the magnificent Durnard Gorge between the foothills of the Pointe Ronde and the Catogne. Its steady climbing with countless switchbacks that take you bit by bit towards Champex d’en Bas. As you climb, the panorama widens and you can see the valley leading to the Col de la Forclaz and the Aiguilles d’Argentière on a clear day. At the summit, the village of Champex-Lac will invite you for a well-deserved break.
Leaving Martigny centre, don’t worry too much about taking the large main road as you will quickly turn off towards Champex. You then head up along the torrent of Durnand through a spectacular gorge that has been carved by the flow of water over the years. Once you leave Champex d’en Bas behind, the last part of the climb reveals a stunning view over surrounding peaks, making the last few kilometres less painful. At the summit, you will discover after a few metres of descent the lake of Champex. This body of water surrounded by lush vegetation is a wonderful discovery that invites you to take a well-deserved moment to enjoy this unique place!
Visit the botanical alpine garden in Champex and learn more about local plants. 
Arrive in Martigny by train from all Swiss towns and cities (SBB) or by the regional trains Railway Mont-Blanc & St-Bernard Express.
Take the A9 Motorway exit E27 autoroute Martigny/Grand St. Bernard. At the roundabout, follow signs towards Col de la Forclaz / Chamonix (France)
Parking de la Porte d’Octodure at motorway exit. Follow the car-park routeing in Martigny.
We recommend: bike in excellent working order, helmet, gloves and bell, clothing suitable for the weather (always carry a waterproof), food and drink.
Use marked bike trails and routes only, and observe all signposting. Please close gates after passing through. Please be considerate to walkers and to plants and animals. As a rule, walkers have priority. When planning, take into account participants’ fitness level and ability. All riding is at one’s own risk.
Use marked bike trails and routes only, and observe all signposting. Please close gates after passing through. Please be considerate to walkers and to plants and animals. As a rule, walkers have priority. When planning, take into account participants’ fitness level and ability. All riding is at one’s own risk.

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Route description

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Statistics

Difficulty level: Medium (63/100)

Length: 16.2 km

Duration: 00h38


Total ascent: 1,105 m

Maximal slope: 17.7 %

Net ascent: 1,006 m

Total descent: 99 m

Roads and subsoil

Paved roads: 16.2 km (100 %)

Cobblestones: 0 m (0 %)

Bike paths: 290 m (2 %)

Scenery

Car free roads: 290 m (2 %)

Noise pollution

Amount of traffic


Natural area

Urban area

Water rich area

Characteristics

    Themes

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        Start and end of the route

        Closest address to start: Avenue du Grand Saint-Bernard, Martigny, Switzerland
        Closest address to end: Route des Valettes, Orsières, Switzerland

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        Places of interest

        1. Gorges du Durnand

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        Gorges du Durnand
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        PLUS
        500 m

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