Classic Alpine Climbs

Trip Suitability

This is a very tough 4 days cycling so you will need to prepare to climb for extended periods each day. Whilst the days are not particularly long in distance, there are significant climbs throughout this trip so you will need to have plenty of climbing experience if you’re going to enjoy this fantastic trip.

This trip will run on a minimum number of 8 persons. Please do not book any transport to/from the trip until it has been confirmed by email that it will definitely run.

You must prepare before coming on the trip, anything cardiovascular will help in addition to of course cycling. Importantly you need to do some 6+ hour cycles so you will know what is required. You will need to get some hill practice in!

We can provide you with a training plan but you will need to be comfortable cycling for several hours at a time through hilly terrain. If you are unsure or require our training plan, please contact us on info@moreadventure.co.uk.

Our Star Ratings

Here is an explanation of our cycling trip grades. Please bear in mind that total ascent, wind and  general riding conditions can play as important factors as the daily distances involved. Whilst we  have stated some example distances, the overall difficulty assigned to each trip will encompass a  range of these factors. If you are at all unsure of whether you think the trip is suitable, please contact us.

Easy: ​ Suitable for those new to cycling seeking an introductory and very relaxed yet active  experience on two wheels. Easy riding on short, flat and/or gently undulating routes. ​ Approx 20 – ­40  miles a day

Relaxed: ​ Undulating terrain with occasional minor undulations for semi­-regular novices who wish  to develop fitness and ability. May include a few short steep climbs. ​ Approx 40 – ­50 miles a day

Moderate: Designed for cyclists with a good level of riding experience and fitness, and are  comfortable riding for full days in the saddle. Routes will include some steep and/or sustained  climbs. Not for those new to cycling. ​ Approx 50 – 80 miles a day

Challenging: Routes with multiple steep and sustained climbs and technical descents and/or long  distances. Riders need to be have a high level of fitness and stamina in addition to experience in  riding over extended distances and/or tackling long ascents and descents. ​ Approx 70 – ­110 miles a  day

Advanced: Designed for experienced cyclists with an excellent level of fitness and stamina. Routes  are consistently long with multiple serious and steep ascents and descents throughout. High  altitude ascents may be undertaken followed by technically demanding descents. ​ Approx 80 – 120  miles a day

Itinerary

Day 1: Fly into Geneva, transfer to Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne

You will be met at the airport and transferred to our hotel in Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne. Here you’ll meet the rest of the group and will hopefully have plenty of time to relax, explore and prepare for the days ahead.

Day 2: Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne – Col du Télégraphe – Col du Galibier – Le Grave

(68km & 2400m⇧ / 43 miles & 7900 feet⇧)

Today the cycling starts with a bang! The Col du Télégraphe and Col du Galibier await, two classic climbs that have near-mythical status. You’ll begin the ride with a gentle warm up through the L’Arc valley before turning southwest in Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne on quieter mountain roads to begin the Col du Télégraphe (1566m). At 11.8km long with an average of 7.3%, this is a great first climb and reasonably steady throughout. After a short descent we reach the pretty village of Valloire where we begin climbing once again. From Valloire there’s a further 19km to the Col du Galibier (2642m). This iconic climb is spectacular and surrounded by jagged mountain peaks as it winds up to the summit. A regular addition to the Tour de France, it was first used in 1911 when all but two riders were said to have walked! After a dazzling descent via the Col du Lauteret, a very welcome rest awaits in La Grave where we spend the night.

Day 3: La Grave – Alpe D’Huez – Bourg D’Oisans

(57km & 1500m⇧ / 36 miles & 5000 feet⇧)

We leave La Grave and continue descending to the Lac du Chambon. At the Bassin du Clapier we head northwest on a flat road to Bourg D’Oisans where the climb of the day begins. The Alpe D’Huez needs no introduction, a regular on the Tour de France, this 13.9km climb has struck fear into the heart of many a cyclist for decades. At an average of 8% and with a maximum of 15%, the 21 hairpin bends of Alpe D’Huez are regularly filled with campervans and ravings fans when the Tour passes through. It’s a magnificent climb and never fails to deliver. After a coffee and cake in the village we’ll descend all the way back down to our overnight stay in Bourg D’Oisans.

Day 4: Bourg D’Oisans – Col du Glandon – Saint-Marie-de-Cuines

(58km & 1600m⇧ / 37 miles & 5300 feet⇧)

Today’s ride begins with a 10km warm up heading north from Bourg D’Oisans. At Rochetaillée we continue northeast past the Lac du Verney, here we begin to climb and tackle the climb of the day, the mighty Col du Glandon (1924m). From the Varney dam, the Glandon is 24km with an average of around 5%. The maximum gradient of 11% is reached during two sections of the climb but the scenery is well worth taking the time to admire, with steep mountain sides either side of the tarmac and the stunning Lac de Grand Maison to take your mind off your tired legs! From the summit you’re treated to a magnificent descent to our overnight stop in Saint-Marie-de-Cuines.

Day 5: Saint-Marie-de-Cuines – Col de la Madeleine – Aigueblanche

(52km & 1700m⇧ / 33 miles & 5600 feet⇧)

Our final day’s ride may be the shortest but don’t be fooled, the Col de La Madeleine (2000m) is a relentless climb. Following the D213 north from La Chambre, this 19km climb averages 8% but never really drops below 6% with a maximum of 10%. 5km from the summit you’ll reach Saint François Longchamp ski station where it can get quite exposed on windy days. Your reward however will be worth it, 26km of incredible descent to our final overnight in the village of Aigueblanche. Here we’ll have a celebratory meal and reflect upon the last four days of epic riding!

Day 5: Aigueblanche – transfer to Geneva

After breakfast you will be transferred to Geneva airport for your return flight. Here the trip ends and we say our goodbyes.

Single room supplement for this trip is £205.

Map

Includes

• Transfer from Geneva airport to Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne
• Cycle leader/guide(s)
• Support driver/bike mechanic
• Support vehicle throughout
• 5 x night’s hotel accommodation
• 5 x breakfasts
• 5 x buffet-style lunches
• All luggage transported during your trip
• Transfer from Aigueblanche to Geneva airport
• GPX files (if required)
• First aid cover
• Trip documents, kit lists and friendly advice

Not Included

• Bicycle and helmet
• Flights to/from Geneva airport
• Evening meals, drinks and snacks
• Optional excursions
• Travel Insurance

FAQs

Will there be the chance to cycle more passes on this trip?

Absolutely! Whilst our itinerary will test even the strongest of cyclists, there are always opportunities in the area for more hills. Your cycle leaders will advise you on some good ones to get stuck into if you fancy it at the end of the day.

How does the bicycle transfer service work?

The bicycle transfer is a door-to-door bicycle and luggage transfer service. Basically a few days before the trip begins your bicycle and main piece of luggage will be picked up from an agreed address at a specific time slot and driven to the start point of the trip. At the end of the trip they will be returned to an agreed address a couple of days after the trip ends. The price will depend upon how many others in the group require the service and where your pickup point is, it is however usually cheaper than hiring a bike box, checking your bike box onto the plane and the logistics of getting your bike to the airport. You do not need a bike box and your bicycle will not need to be dismantled. It saves you a lot of hassle and time, and allows you to fly with hand luggage only!