Top 20 Mountain Passes around Montvalezan
Best mountain passes around Montvalezan are found in the Savoie department of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in southeastern France. This area, situated in the Tarentaise Valley, provides access to several mountain passes, including the prominent Col du Petit Saint Bernard. Montvalezan serves as a base for exploring routes that connect France and Italy. The region features alpine landscapes and historical routes.
Best mountain passes around Montvalezan
- The most popular mountain passes is Pointe de Lancebranlette, a summit located on the border between Italy and France. It stands at 2,936 meters high in the Graian Alps.
- Another must-see spot is Tachuy Pass – France-Italy border, Mont Blanc ahead, a mountain pass connecting Italy and France. It offers panoramic views of Mont Blanc.
- Visitors also love Col du Petit Saint Bernard (2188 m), a historic mountain pass at an elevation of 2,188 meters. This pass connects France and Italy and offers views of Mont Blanc.
- Montvalezan is known for its mountain passes, historical sites, and summits. The area provides a variety of routes for exploration.
- The mountain passes around Montvalezan are appreciated by the komoot community, with 9 upvotes and 11 photos shared.
Last updated: August 20, 2026
Tachuy Pass – France-Italy border, Mont Blanc ahead
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- On the Italian side, the path is rather well marked and is not very difficult and steep. It takes about twenty minutes to connect the Tachuy lake to the pass.
- On the French side the path is just as visible but a little more difficult because it is a little steeper. It takes about an hour to access it from the Petit lake.
- Be careful, potential presence of snow, even in summer (but in very reasonable quantity: we can get around...).
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Col du Petit Saint Bernard (2188 m)
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It's an epic climb to do in the Tarentaise Valley. It is only accessible during the summer months due to its high altitude. There are spectacular views of Mont Blanc as you ascend, then incredible views as you descend.
It is believed that Hanibal used this mountain pass to cross the border into Italy.
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The Mauritian hospice of the Col du Petit Saint-Bernard
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The hospice was entrusted in 1113 to the order of the monks of Saint-Gilles of Verrès. A new hospice was built at the behest of Saint Peter II, archbishop of Tarantasia, a little further south, in the current location.
The building experienced alternating periods of decay and prosperity. Since 1752 its name has been associated with the Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus and the crusader emblem of the Mauritian Order appears on the façade.
In 1860, Abbot Chanoux arrived and helped ensure hospitality for 50 years, both in summer and winter. In 1920, the hospice recorded a record number of visitors, over 21,000, of which over 500 in winter! During the Second World War, the building was devastated and lay in ruins for a long time. Since the summer of 1995, thanks to cooperation between the Italian and French Rotary clubs, a renovated and equipped hospice with a restaurant, rooms and a tourist information point has once again become the soul of the Colle del Piccolo San Bernardo.
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Ascent to the Col du Petit Saint-Bernard from Pré-Saint-Didier
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The landscape is beautiful and evocative: from the legendary eight hairpin bends that allow you to leave Pré-Saint-Didier behind, you enter the cool valley that leads to La Thuile. After passing the ski resort, you quickly gain altitude with long straights, then enter the forest and conclude the climb in a vast alpine meadow.
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Tips from the Community
The road after La Thuile is superb, with a regular gradient of ~5-6% allowing you to look around you.
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This Alpine pass is not just a geographical border between Italy and France, but a true open window onto two worlds. The landscape is marked by a strong geometric and chromatic contrast: on one side, the steep high-altitude scree slopes that often retain large and evocative snowfields even in mid-summer; on the other, the view that stretches softly towards the valleys below. Reaching the ridge of this historic pass gives you an intense feeling of frontier and isolation, where the wind blowing among the rocks accompanies your gaze as it freely sweeps across the peaks of Valgrisenche and those of Tarantasia.
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A great Aosta Valley classic; the climb itself isn't too difficult, but be careful not to underestimate the wind that often blows strongly from France, making the 12 km from La Thuile to the pass much more challenging than the gradient suggests. The landscape is beautiful and evocative: from the legendary eight hairpin bends that allow you to leave Pré-Saint-Didier behind, you enter the cool valley that leads to La Thuile. After passing the ski resort, you quickly gain altitude with long straights, then enter the forest and conclude the climb in a vast alpine meadow.
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superb pass in a grandiose environment
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The municipality of Pré-Saint-Didier with Mont Blanc in the background
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From La Thuile a smooth and pleasant climb
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The climb to the Colle del Piccolo San Bernardo from the Italian side begins in Pré-Saint-Didier. It is a long climb of about 23 km with an altitude difference of 1200 meters. The gradient is moderate until the town of La Thuile, then becomes more constant and challenging in the last 14.5 km (average 5-7%), with numerous hairpin bends at the end.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the most notable mountain passes around Montvalezan?
Montvalezan is an excellent base for exploring several significant mountain passes. The most prominent is Col du Petit Saint Bernard (2188 m), known for its historical significance and views of Mont Blanc. Another popular choice is Tachuy Pass – France-Italy border, Mont Blanc ahead, offering breathtaking panoramic views. Additionally, Pointe de Lancebranlette, a summit on the Italy-France border, is highly appreciated for its stunning vistas.
What makes the Col du Petit Saint Bernard a significant pass?
The Col du Petit Saint Bernard is significant due to its rich history, believed by some to have been used by Hannibal to cross into Italy. It connects France and Italy at an elevation of 2,188 meters and offers spectacular views of Mont Blanc during the ascent and descent. The Mauritian hospice at the pass is also a notable historical site, symbolizing hospitality for travelers.
What kind of views can I expect from Tachuy Pass?
The Tachuy Pass is renowned for its breathtaking panoramic views, particularly of Mont Blanc. From the pass, you can also enjoy vistas of Lac du Petit and the Italian lakes, with the Grandes Jorasses in the background. It offers a diverse landscape experience, from the Ruitor valley to Lake Petit.
When is the best time to visit the mountain passes around Montvalezan?
Most high-altitude passes, like the Col du Petit Saint Bernard, are only accessible during the summer months due to heavy snow. Visiting between late May and early autumn is generally recommended for optimal conditions, especially for cycling or hiking. Early summer can offer unique experiences like snow walls with less traffic.
What are the terrain and difficulty levels for hiking the Col du Petit Saint Bernard?
The climb to the Col du Petit Saint Bernard from Bourg Saint Maurice on the French side is 26.50 km long with an average gradient of 5.1%, peaking at 8.1%. From the Italian side (Pré-Saint-Didier), it's about 23 km with a 1200-meter altitude difference. The gradient is moderate initially, becoming more challenging in the final 14.5 km with numerous hairpin bends. While not overly technical, the wind can make the ascent more challenging.
How challenging is the hike to Tachuy Pass?
The hike to Tachuy Pass varies slightly by side. From the Italian side, the path is generally well-marked, less steep, and takes about twenty minutes from Tachuy lake. The French side is also visible but slightly steeper, requiring about an hour from the Petit lake. Hikers should be prepared for potential snow, even in summer, though usually in manageable quantities.
Are there other high-altitude passes worth exploring near Montvalezan?
Yes, Montvalezan's location in the Tarentaise Valley provides access to other iconic alpine passes. The Col de l'Iseran, at 2,770 meters, is the highest paved mountain pass in the Alps, offering 360-degree views. The Col du Galibier, at 2,645 meters, is another legendary route, frequently featured in the Tour de France.
What outdoor activities can I do near these mountain passes?
The region around Montvalezan offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous road cycling routes, including challenging loops like the 'Route Rose de Larcajire – La Rosière loop from Sainte-Foy-Tarentaise'. For hikers, there are mountain hikes with stunning views, such as the 'View of Pian de la Lière – View of the Valley and Lake loop'. Mountain biking enthusiasts can explore trails like the 'Col du Petit Saint-Bernard loop from Montvalezan'. You can find more details on these activities in the Road Cycling Routes, Mountain Hikes, and MTB Trails guides around Montvalezan.
What historical sites are associated with the mountain passes in this region?
The Col du Petit Saint Bernard is rich in history, with beliefs that Hannibal used it. A significant landmark is The Mauritian hospice of the Col du Petit Saint-Bernard, which has served as a symbol of hospitality for centuries. Its history dates back to around 1050, and after being devastated during WWII, it was renovated and reopened, continuing its tradition of welcoming travelers.
Are there any facilities or amenities available at the Col du Petit Saint Bernard?
Yes, at the summit of the Col du Petit Saint Bernard, you'll find the Mauritian hospice, which now includes a renovated and equipped facility with a restaurant, rooms, and a tourist information point. This makes it a convenient stop for refreshments and information.
What do visitors enjoy most about the mountain passes around Montvalezan?
Visitors consistently praise the breathtaking views, especially the panoramic vistas of Mont Blanc from passes like Tachuy Pass and Col du Petit Saint Bernard. The historical significance of routes and landmarks, the challenging yet rewarding climbs, and the diverse alpine landscapes are also highly valued by the komoot community.
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