Coteaux de Sion (Veysonnaz)

Coteaux de Sion (Veysonnaz)

This ascent from the historic Roman city of Sion to the alpine balcony of Veysonnaz is a quintessential Valaisan experience, blending grueling gradients with deep cultural heritage. Leaving the valley floor, dominated by the twin crags of Valère and Tourbillon, the route immediately tackles the sun-drenched Coteaux de Sion. This area has been sculpted over centuries by viticulture, where terraced vineyards cling to the steep southern slopes of the Rhône Valley. Historically, this climb follows the spiritual and economic path of the "transhumance," where farmers moved livestock between the valley and the high-altitude mayens. Passing through the village of Salins offers a glimpse of the ancient Bisses—man-made irrigation channels dating back to the 14th century that still carry glacial meltwater across these arid hillsides.

For the cyclist, the ride is a steady test of rhythm, averaging around 6.7% with ramps that keep the legs honest across nearly 800 meters of vertical gain. The geography provides the ultimate reward: as the switchbacks tighten, panoramas of the Bernese Alps to the north and the jagged peaks of the Val d’Hérens to the south begin to unfold. This path leads into the heart of the 4 Vallées, the largest ski domain in Switzerland, eventually reaching the finish line near the base of the legendary Piste de l’Ours. Whether chasing a PR or soaking in the "balcony of the Valais," this route offers a perfect snapshot of why the Swiss Alps remain a premier destination for road cycling.