The best road cycling routes around St. Bernard

The St. Bernard region offers a wide selection of road cycling routes, with over 70 tours available on komoot. These routes cater to various skill levels, from easier valley rides to challenging Alpine ascents.

Road cycling routes in St. Bernard range from easy to difficult. You'll find 18 easy routes, 47 moderate routes, and 7 difficult routes, ensuring options for every cyclist, from beginners to experienced climbers.

The Great St. Bernard Pass features challenging climbs with significant elevation gains. The Italian side from Aosta involves a 32 km climb with an average gradient of 5.8%, while the Swiss side from Sembrancher is 30.6 km at 5.7%. The final 4 km on the Swiss side can be particularly steep, averaging 9%. Expect dramatic rock formations and a high-mountain environment.

Yes, the Little St. Bernard Pass offers a more accessible Alpine climb. It stretches 30 km with approximately 1,400 meters of climbing at an average gradient of less than 5%, rarely exceeding 6%. This consistent gradient makes it suitable for cyclists seeking a long, steady ascent without extreme steepness.

The St. Bernard passes are rich in history. At the summit of both the Great and Little St. Bernard Passes, you'll find hospices that have provided shelter for centuries. The Great St. Bernard Monastery, founded in 1049, is famous for its St. Bernard dogs. The passes were also traversed by Romans and Napoleon's army. For specific local attractions, consider visiting the Serpentine Wall or the Cincinnati Flying Pig Statues near some routes.

The best time to road cycle in the St. Bernard region is typically when the high Alpine passes are open and free of snow, usually from late spring through early autumn. The Little St. Bernard Pass, being south-facing, receives a lot of sun, making it rideable for a larger portion of the year compared to the Great St. Bernard Pass.

While the region is known for its challenging passes, there are easier routes suitable for families. For instance, the Kroger Hills loop from Norwood is an easy 42.0 km path with a moderate elevation gain, offering a pleasant ride through rolling hills.

The komoot community highly rates road cycling in St. Bernard, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 14 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse terrain, from high Alpine passes to scenic valley roads, and the challenging yet rewarding ascents.

Yes, the Little St. Bernard Pass offers blissful views, especially after La Rosière, and panoramic views including Mont Blanc and the Tarentaise Valley. This route provides stunning vistas without the extreme steepness of some other Alpine climbs.

Yes, several loop routes are available. A popular moderate option is the Mount Storm to Mount Airy via Downtown Loop, which covers 36.1 km with a significant elevation gain. Another longer, moderate loop is the Purple People Bridge – Cincinnati Flying Pig Statues loop from William Howard Taft National Historic Site, spanning 66.0 km.

The St. Bernard region is characterized by stunning natural beauty. Along the routes, you'll encounter dramatic rock formations, beautiful mountain lakes, and varied scenery including pastures and historic hamlets. The Val Ferret, in the upper Great St. Bernard area, is particularly noted for its rich alpine flora and beautiful landscapes.

Yes, the region features several beautiful lakes. You can find highlights such as Spring House Gazebo and Mirror Lake Fountain, Mirror Lake, and Burnet Woods Lake, which are accessible from various points in the St. Bernard area.