FRANCE - Tour of Mont Blanc - (Bike)
A mountain bike circuit of Europe's highest peak ~ Ride through 3 countries ~ Classic Alpine Singletrack ~ The awesome descent to Les Chapieux
7 nights hotels and gites, 6 days DIFFICULT biking, 200km/125 miles, 90% off-road, max. altitude 2600m/9843ft. All meals included.
difficult
Starting out from our comfortable chalet base in the Chamonix Valley of France, we take 5 days to complete one of the greatest Alpine mountain bike adventures. The bike route takes us from France into Switzerland and then into Italy, before returning to France. Our route is a variation of the classic walker’s route around Mont Blanc with easier biking sections to avoid the most difficult cols. The route involves almost 200 km/125 miles of biking with an approximate average of 35-40 km a day. The mountain biking is demanding and you need to bear in mind that most of the climbs are steep and you will definitely have to push your bike on several occasions. However, the descents are rideable, offering superb freeride mountain biking on some of the best single-track in Europe. We leave the Chamonix Valley with the assistance of a cable car ride to the Col du Balme, and then it’s a fast single-track descent to Trient, followed by another superb descent into Switzerland from the Col du Forclaz. We continue via Champex du Lac and the Col Ferret into Italy, traversing Alpine meadows and climbing a succession of high passes that reveal breathtaking and ever-changing perspectives of the Mont Blanc Massif. Returning into France via the Col du Joly and Col du Forclaz, this is an excellent and challenging mountain bike route that combines big climbs, technical descents, spectacular scenery and charming accommodation in high Alpine villages - truly a ‘killer loop’ worthy of the name.
To finish your holiday on a “high”, we have included a “Freeride” day at the end of your trip, making use of the cable cars in the Chamonix Valley.
FAT TYRE ADVENTURE. A superb and demanding bike route through the Alps, mostly on singletrack and best enjoyed by experienced and technically accomplished riders. We follow paths that contour valley sides, constantly climbing and dropping over passes. Many of the climbs involve some pushing or carrying of our bikes and even some short sections of the descents can be too technical to ride ‘clean’! Altitude is not generally a problem. The support vehicle cannot follow the bikes during the day but our luggage is transported for us to each overnight stop. Generally speaking the cycling conditions are excellent, on broad paths and sometimes on rough jeep roads. There are, however, many sections of technically demanding singletrack, some tough climbs and plenty of very exciting descents. We can ride approximately 80% of the route, with the other 20% involving steep climbs and descents, which are too tough or technical to bike. Here, you will have to carry or push your bike. We must stress that apart from the emergency tool kit and spares that you would take on any day ride, you will not be required to carry any luggage. This is pure Alpine mountain biking - not touring! Stunning scenery, wicked trails, atmospheric overnight accommodation and a logical circular route make this an unforgettable experience. Average 35 km/22 miles biking per day.
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The trip pages are only a brief summary of the details available within our trip dossiers. It is important that you read the full day to day description and further information for this trip before making your booking.
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