The passes of the Vaud Alps and the Vaud Jura, mostly well-built cantonal roads.
Always confirm with official road info before riding.
| Pass | Summit | Status | Winter | Difficulty | Rating | Today |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Col de la Croix | 1,778 m | Closed | Closed in winter | Demanding | 4.0* | closed |
| Col du Pillon | 1,546 m | Open | Open in winter (conditions apply) | Moderate | 3.5 | 1.5 |
| Col du Marchairuz | 1,447 m | Open | Open in winter (conditions apply) | Demanding | 3.0 | 1.5 |
| Col des Mosses | 1,445 m | Open | Open in winter (conditions apply) | Moderate | 3.0* | 4.0 |
| Col du Mollendruz | 1,180 m | Open | Open in winter (conditions apply) | Easy | 3.0 | 3.0 |
Stars: Passklar rating from route data and today's rating from weather and pass status. Not rider reviews. * provisional. How we rate
Researched suggestions, not routes we have ridden. Distances approximate.
A long day (225 km) across the language border. The Jaunpass reaches 14% with long switchbacks on the Simmental side and a steep descent to Jaun. The Mosses (max 10%) and Pillon (max 11%) are cantonal main roads that the canton of Vaud keeps open all year, so this is one of the few pass loops that is possible early or late in the season.
The Pillon and Mosses are open, well-built main roads (max 11% and 10%). The finale over the Col de la Croix is different: it is a communal road with up to 12% and about 1,300 m of climbing from Ollon. It is only open from May to November. Ride it clockwise as described, or leave out the Croix for an easier day.
Two steep prealpine passes. The Gurnigel has a 1.5 km straight at up to 13% above Gurnigelbad and is very busy with cars and motorcycles on sunny weekends, with limited visibility on the descent. The Jaunpass reaches 14%. Ride on a weekday.
The Marchairuz reaches 14% (canton of Vaud) through forest. The return over the Mollendruz is easy (max 8%). Both roads are kept open all year. The lake shore between Le Brassus and Le Pont is flat.
The canton of Vaud gives the Mollendruz a maximum of 8%. The averages are 5.4% and 3.8%, and the road is kept open all year. Ride over to Lac de Joux at Le Pont, follow the lake to Le Sentier and come back the same way.