Top 9 Mountain Passes around Saint-Maurice

The region around Saint-Maurice is a gateway to historically vital Alpine passes that have connected Switzerland with Italy for centuries. The Great Saint Bernard Pass, for instance, is one of the most ancient routes through the Western Alps, with evidence of use dating back to the Bronze Age and remnants of a Roman road. It was famously crossed by Napoleon's army in 1800. The Simplon Pass also has a long history as a trade route since the Stone Age, with Napoleon commissioning a modern road there in the early 19th century.

Many passes offer breathtaking views. From Col de la Gueulaz, you can enjoy views of the Emosson dam and Mont Blanc. Col du Jorat provides magnificent vistas of Lake Salante and the Rhône plain, extending towards Lake Geneva and the Mont Blanc massif. The Col de Susanfe Viewpoint offers great views of the wide Susanfe valley, the Dents Blanches mountain range, and Lac de Salanfe.

Yes, several passes offer challenging terrain. The Col de Barberine is categorized as challenging, as is the La Golette Pass. The Col de Susanfe Viewpoint involves a path that is much steeper and more difficult on the east side. For cyclists, the climb to Col de la Gueulaz, which hosted the Tour de France, presents gradients of 8 to 12%.

Intermediate hikers have several excellent options. Col du Jorat is an intermediate pass with a steep but not technically difficult climb. Col d'Emaney is also an intermediate pass offering wonderful views after a rewarding ascent. Additionally, Col de Fenestral is another intermediate option for hikers.

The mountain passes and surrounding areas offer a wide range of activities. You can enjoy extensive hiking, with options ranging from moderate trails like the Salanfe Trail to more difficult routes such as the Tour de Dent du Salantin. Cycling is also popular, with challenging routes like the Finhaut-Émosson and Lac du Vieux-Émosson Climb. In winter, the Simplon Pass is known for ski touring, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. For more hiking ideas, explore waterfall hikes or easy hikes around Saint-Maurice. Cyclists can find more routes in the cycling guide.

The best time largely depends on the pass and your planned activities. The historic road over the Great Saint Bernard Pass is typically open from June to September, ideal for hiking and exploring the hospice. The Simplon Pass road, known for its relatively gentle gradients, is often kept open year-round, making it accessible for scenic drives and winter sports like ski touring and snowshoeing during colder months. Summer and early autumn generally offer the best conditions for hiking and cycling on most passes.

While many high mountain passes can be challenging, the surrounding areas offer more accessible options. For example, the Emosson Dam area near Col de la Gueulaz has easy loops like the Emosson Dam – Col de la Gueulaz loop, which is suitable for families. The Simplon Pass also has a network of trails, some of which are less strenuous, and the village of Simplon itself is charming to explore.

The passes offer diverse natural beauty. The Great Saint Bernard Pass features a small alpine lake reflecting the surrounding mountains. The Simplon Pass includes marshland at its lowest point and a lake called Rotelsee nearby, along with stunning waterfalls during snowmelt. You can also find dramatic craggy cliffs, panoramic views of the Bernese Alps, including the Bietschhorn, and glaciers of the Fletschhorn and Weissmies.

Both the Great Saint Bernard Pass and the Simplon Pass are accessible by road from Saint-Maurice. The Great Saint Bernard Pass connects Martigny (near Saint-Maurice) with Aosta in Italy. The Simplon Pass connects Brig (also in Valais, accessible from Saint-Maurice) with Domodossola in Italy. While driving allows for full appreciation of the scenic beauty, public transport options like buses typically serve these routes during the open season. It's advisable to check local transport schedules for the most current information.

At the highest point of the Great Saint Bernard Pass, you'll find the historic Great St. Bernard Hospice, founded in 1049. The hospice houses a museum with archaeological artifacts and historical objects. In summer, visitors can see the famous St. Bernard dogs and their puppies bred by the Fondation Barry. There are also facilities for visitors, including accommodation and dining options.

Beyond its dramatic mountain landscapes and unobstructed views, the Simplon Pass is known for its historical significance as a trade route and Napoleon's military road. It features the historic 'Via Stockalper,' a former mule track now a cultural hiking trail. The pass also has the Simplon Hospice and the impressive 9-meter-tall Simplon eagle monument, commemorating the 'Guard on the Simplon Pass' during World War II. The village of Simplon, with its stone rooftops, is considered one of Switzerland's most beautiful.

Yes, cycling is a popular activity. Col de la Gueulaz, which hosted the 2016 Tour de France, is a well-known cycling destination with challenging gradients. The road to the Emosson dam, offering views of the Mont Blanc Massif, is also a treat for cyclists due to little traffic and significant climbs. For more cycling routes, refer to the Cycling around Saint-Maurice guide.

Visitors frequently praise the magnificent views, the challenging yet rewarding climbs, and the historical significance of the passes. For instance, the setting at Col du Jorat is described as 'magnificent' with views of Lake Salante and the Rhône plain. The views of the Emosson dam and Mont Blanc from Col de la Gueulaz are called 'breathtaking'. The sense of accomplishment after a sweaty ascent to places like Col d'Emaney is also highly valued.