I’m in the process of planning the route for a tour next summer. We’re looking to pass through Geneva and then cross the Alps into Italy as directly as possible [this means one major climb]. Two possible routes I have go over either Simplon Pass or Grand St Bernard Pass. From looking at mapmyride it seems that Simplon Pass, despite being a smaller climb, has quite a few long tunnels which I’d like to avoid.

So, I was wondering if anyone has any experience of these climbs and can offer any advice?

How about the Col du Petit St Bernard? past Bourg st Maurice, then a climb up to the col. Road up to Bourg might be a bit of a mission, but not too many tunnels? Drops you at La Thuile in italy.

Climb itself isn’t too bad – reasonably scenic. There is also a largely off road route up, if thats your thing. I think it starts around Saint Germaine.

I seem to recall a nice statue at CdPSB. No other advice but sounds like an awesome trip but I’d be doing less planning and coping with various calamities in the way.

HavE a great trip!

I seem to recall a nice statue at CdPSB.

tis something to do with the monks who ran the refuge up there…

Yeah, there’s a nice wee statue at the top (and just over the boarder, a VERY good little cafe 😉 )

Thanks for that guys. Sounds like a better option. It’s a group of mixed abilities so I’m trying to keep the amount of climbing to a minimum.

The col is at 2188m, a few hundred less than the grand st bernard.
I’d have a look at the route up to Bourg though, the N90 might not be the most friendly road.

the Pt St Bernard’s nice, not a bad climb at all. fairly long but not steep.