When my friend and riding partner Stefano approached me last summer with the idea of riding Col du Sanetsch, admittedly not only had I never heard of it, but I had no idea we could turn it into a great adventure.

In part as a goal for summertime cycling fitness, in part as a challenge for ourselves, we decided to craft a route that would take us across the Alps, once again, to the top of what many define as ‘the best climb you have never heard of’.

We set off for this midsummer adventure, ready for the 360 km and more than 6,400 metres of climbing on our road bikes, carrying the absolute minimum amount of kit in our custom bags to stay light and aerodynamic.

Domodossola | 60 km

A couple of hours later, having ridden along Lake Maggiore, Lake Mergozzo and into Valgrande we reach Domodossola where we stop for breakfast.

The heat is starting to get intense. The air is sticky and humid but our mood is up.

Simplon Pass | 75 km

From smooth Valgrande we reach the town of Varzo—this is where our first monumental climb starts.

Through canyons and green fields, we cross the border into Switzerland and begin ascending in sweltering heat towards the top of the pass. 

With more than 25 km to go until the road eases off, it’s gonna be a tough one.

Brig | 120 km

A fast, smooth descent is just what we need to recover from cooking under 40°C sun on Simplon Pass.

The swooping road takes us into the small village of Brig where we stop to drink sodas and eat some real food after necking down several energy gels and oat bars on the climb we just endured.

We are soon off under midday heat—the road ahead is still long.

Sion | 190 km

Several water stops later we arrive in Sion.

The route was relatively easy, with tens of kilometres along perfectly manicured cycling routes away from traffic.

Heat was the greatest challenge—temperatures up to 42°C meant we had to stop at every fountain to replace piss-hot water in our bidons and freshen up as much as we could to lower our body temperature. 

Arriving in Sion we look for something to eat and drink—a sandwich and some ice cream will do.

This is finally where our adventure truly begins, as we hop back on our bikes and we turn into a road marked by the sign ‘Col du Sanetsch’

The Climb | 205 km

Vineyards and, again, scorching heat greet us onto the first ramps of Sanetsch.

Posh villas and cantines in the village of Savièse give way to a calm and cooler valley where the climb really starts to get spicy, with ramps of up to 12% and relentless switchbacks.

The light is getting better by the minute, a warm glow starts to coat everything with a magic feel.

Hotel du Sanetsch | 230 km

Bathed by the warm sunlight now setting behind the mountains, we rush to get to our stay for the night.

A shower is much welcome, and dinner gets necked down with two large beers.

Baked by the heat of the day, we go to sleep, tomorrow’s adventures lying ahead.

The Descent | 235 km

We rise early and quickly get ready to ride more miles back home.

Our bags packed once again, the cold morning air rapidly giving way to what is looking to be another scorching day.

Col du Sanetsch was long and painful to climb, yet a blissful joy to descend fast while enjoying the views.

 Martigny | 280 km

Descending into Sion we turn right towards Martigny, where we arrive after about 30km of flat, ever hotter cycling routes among the fields of Switzerland.

This is the starting point of our last but probably toughest climb: Col du Grand Saint-Bernard.

Aosta | 360 km

Strong winds greet us in the main city of Valle d’Aosta, and after suffering so much on the climb of Col du Grand Saint-Bernard we indulge in cold beers and a burger before heading to the train station for our way back to Milan.