Julier Pass 2,284m Switzerland ★★★★★
Ridden...
2007, 2014
Description...
First ridden by us way back in 2007. Returning in 2014 we remembered it was a great pass. In particular Chris remembered Nick powering up it, completely in the zone, on his Yamaha Faser 1000. Chris struggled to keep up on his Triumph Sprint ST. So what would it be like 7 years on? The answer was brilliant!
The Julier pass starts as a significant, virtually straight road from Thusis, ridiculously high speed, including tunnels for a fantastic start through Solis! The pass proper starts at Tiefencastle, getting tighter, but not super hairpin switchback territory, enabling great progress, the sweeping bends almost opening up as we approached each one (definitely real sweepers). Stunning road surface, surpassed only by the scenery. The road seems to go on forever and is a total joy to ride. Big traffic coming down, Julier is wide enough to accept both safely. A number of small villages on the way up, just small enough not to spoil the action, long enough to provide a nice respite from the full on pass action. Reaching the summit to find a w/c, cafe and gift shop with views to take the breath away. The descent to Silvaplana is relatively short, similar road quality and lovely sweeping bends again that seem to open out as you get close making them even easier.
2007, 2014
Description...
First ridden by us way back in 2007. Returning in 2014 we remembered it was a great pass. In particular Chris remembered Nick powering up it, completely in the zone, on his Yamaha Faser 1000. Chris struggled to keep up on his Triumph Sprint ST. So what would it be like 7 years on? The answer was brilliant!
The Julier pass starts as a significant, virtually straight road from Thusis, ridiculously high speed, including tunnels for a fantastic start through Solis! The pass proper starts at Tiefencastle, getting tighter, but not super hairpin switchback territory, enabling great progress, the sweeping bends almost opening up as we approached each one (definitely real sweepers). Stunning road surface, surpassed only by the scenery. The road seems to go on forever and is a total joy to ride. Big traffic coming down, Julier is wide enough to accept both safely. A number of small villages on the way up, just small enough not to spoil the action, long enough to provide a nice respite from the full on pass action. Reaching the summit to find a w/c, cafe and gift shop with views to take the breath away. The descent to Silvaplana is relatively short, similar road quality and lovely sweeping bends again that seem to open out as you get close making them even easier.