A long climb linking Aigle to the Vaud Alps, Col du Pillon owes part of its fame to Glacier 3000, whose cable car departs from its summit, and to its regular appearances in the Tour de Suisse.
A long climb with a measured gradient
From Aigle, it’s 23.4 km for 1,136 m of elevation gain, averaging 4.8%, with occasional sections between 10 and 13%. The summit sits at 1,546 m, on the border between the canton of Vaud and the Bernese Oberland.
A gateway to Glacier 3000
From the summit, the Glacier 3000 cable car reaches Scex Rouge, a popular option for anyone accompanying a rider, or for extending the outing without further effort on the bike.
Getting the ride right
The climb’s length calls for steady pacing and enough hydration, since the moderate average gradient hides several sections that are steeper than the numbers suggest.
When to go
May to October, though the road remains rideable year-round, unlike many neighbouring alpine passes that close in winter.
Good to know
Les Diablerets, a resort town just past the summit, offers every service for extending a stay, while Aigle, the starting point, remains a landmark of Swiss cycling as the home of the Union Cycliste Internationale.
