Route Description

Verbier-Nendaz

Between Verbier (1'500m) and Grimentz (1'570m), the route will now reach the distance of 125km for an altitude of 5'000 meters. The departure at dawn in the center of Verbier is always spectacular and filled with emotion. From the first hundred meters in ascent the group stretches. Novelty of this plan: the ascent on Ruinettes (2'200m) with the crossing on Planie in direction of Croix-de-Coeur (2'170m) with a nice lit tunnel to cross. The return on Nendaz (1'350 m) crosses a forest road with single stretch where vigilance is required.

Nendaz-Veysonnaz, Les Collons

Competitors of the 93 km leave Nendaz, new starting line since the 2010 edition. From the heart of the resort, riders quickly reach the original route of the race with an easy start-up. Direction Saclentse to head to the rise bringing them towards Veysonnaz with some very steep passages. The addition of these ascent hurts often legs. At the end of the day, we feel them strongly. After the passage of Veysonnaz (1'350m), it is necessary to attack a new ascent to reach Collons (1'850m). Some portions, on singles, present a beautiful slope. Riders who aim the classification have to take their place. Those areas are favorable for attacks. The descent on Hérémence (1'240m) remains relatively easy.

Hérémence-Mandelon-Evolène

Hérémence is the starting point of the third route, with a distance of 68 km. Always very lively, this passage is nice for the riders who come from Verbier or Nendaz. Of Hérémence begin the steep little climb towards Cerise. With the sun pointing the tip of its nose and miles already accumulated, competitors begin to feel tired. The rise of Mandelon (2'500m) is one after the other with interesting percentages. On the high mountain pasture, riders find themselves on a single stretch with some big stones, difficult to negotiate. It is a dare-devil passage. The place is magnificent. The view towards the Pas-de-Lona or the Dent-Blanche is nice. The descent on Evolène (1'400m) allows to get fresh supplies, while remaining very careful before attacking the big piece of the day: the ascent towards Pas-de-Lona.

Evolène – Eison - L’A Vieille

The shortest place of departure of the route with its 37 km, Evolène is celebrating. This typical village of the Valais mountains offers to the competitors a fantastic and festive atmosphere. Enough to recharge the batteries before attacking the ascent on Pas-de-Lona. From Evolène, competitors rush towards Eison (1'650m). From this charming hamlet, the ascent continues to l’A Vieille (2’380m), a high mountain pasture with charms and scents of Valais.

L’A Vieille – Pas-de-Lona

This ascent is incredible. It makes the reputation of the Grand Raid. The riders stretch throughout this ascent: a grand entertainment for the eye. A demanding climb. It takes energy to achieve this passage at 2'787 meters in height. At the emotional level it is always very strong. Hundreds of people  encourage and wait for the competitors at the top.

Pas-de-Lona – Basset de Lona

Once Pas de Lona crossed, a single stretch leads the competitors in the direction of the ascent towards the Basset de Lona, the peak (2'792 m) of this incredible ride. This climbing still requires a great deal of energy. After the ascent of Pas-de-Lona, you must go deep within to find the strength to attack the ultimate climb.

Basset de Lona – barrage de Moiry  – Grimentz

After all that it remains "only" the descent. Easy, one might think! Well no, difficult, demanding technique. Tiredness accumulated throughout the day is the worst enemy in this final part. Dam Moiry (2'250m) offers unique tones. Each rider must remain vigilant to prevent falls and other mishaps. In rocky passages, the concentration is required. These are highly technical sectors to manage very carefully. After the wooden bridge is the delivery. Finally we see the final straight leading to the arrival. Relaxation, satisfaction, emotion.