
Is Col des Mosses Paved?
Switzerland, europe
32.4 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: You're carving through the Swiss Alps on Col des Mosses, a completely paved beauty! This epic road, also known as Versamerstrasse, winds for 32.4 km between La Lécherette and Aigle in the Vaud canton.
Get ready for some steep sections – we're talking gradients hitting a maximum of 13%! The total climb adds up to a solid elevation gain of 986 meters (3,235 feet) from La Lécherette and 979 meters (3,212 feet) from Aigle. Expect an average grade of around 3%, but those steeper sections will definitely keep you on your toes.
The ride offers some postcard-perfect scenery, especially as you cruise through charming villages, forcing you to slow down and soak it all in. There's even a thrilling stretch through a gorge alongside a wild mountain river just east of La Lécherette. Generally the roads are better and easier, but there is a bit more traffic, especially around villages.
Oh, and the best part? Col des Mosses is usually open year-round, so you can experience its beauty no matter the season!
Road Details
- Country
- Switzerland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 32.4 km
- Difficulty
- hard
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