Swiss Alps cycling tour

Geneva is located on the boundary between the French and Swiss Alpes. The tour begins with a 1hr drive through France to nearby Chamonix for what will be a very scenic lunch break as the towering Mont Blanc (4810m) awaits us all. The 20min cable car to Aiguille de Midi will lift you up to 3842m and deliver 360° views of the French, Swiss and Italian Alpes! Following lunch another quick transfer in the vans to the Swiss border to set-up the bikes and get things going with a 45km valley ride through to the hotel. During dinner the program for the week ahead will be presented along with all the tour goodies.

Distance: 45km / Meals: Dinner Included / Sleep: Sierre

Road cycling is often focused around the main passes used in the big races like the Giro d’Italia and Tour de France. But today will prove that it should not always be that way with the spectacular climb to Sanetsch Pass. The mountain road is basically used for access by hikers and a few local workers only so you can expect quiet roads during the 25km climb. The cycling begins by climbing through the Swiss vineyards and as the road continues rising up and up one begins to take in the big mountain views with the Diableret glacier a major feature! The descent includes some beautiful gorge cycling before encountering the hairpins which will deliver you to the valley floor and the conclusion of a great day on the bike.

Distance: 90km / Meals: Breakfast Included / Sleep: Sierre

Riding out from the hotel is a 15km warm up to the base of what is known as the Barrage de la Grande Dixence. Again a no-name climb in the scheme of things but one which you will never forget. Another epic 26.5km climb that finishes at a huge lake at 2140m altitude. The forests and switchbacks plus the 3km of flat terrain in the middle make this climb particularly enjoyable. If any of you have ever ridden the Stelvio Pass in Italy you will know the feeling of having ridden through the forest, before turning and seeing the summit still all that distance away. Well you will be fighting with the same sensation when the huge Lake Dix comes into view and the final 10km are still to ride. Hopefully you rode the middle section wisely as the final 3km up to the dam wall average a whopping 10%.  

To top off an amazing day in the mountains we will include a late afternoon excursion to Zermatt. This is a car free mountain village resting at 1600m elevation and located at the foot of the Matterhorn (Cervino). The train shuttle up to Zermatt in itself is a major highlight and the mountain views all around will provide a unique dining experience!

Distance: 85km / Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Included / Sleep: Sierre

Most tourists visiting the Swiss mountains skip Nufenen Pass in preference for the nearby Grimsel Pass and Furka Pass. But for the road cycling enthusiast Nufenen Pass is another must! Standing at 2478m altitude it is the second highest asphalted mountain pass in Switzerland after only Umbrail Pass (2501m). It is also a regular pro cycling feature and was most recently used during Stage 9 of the 2019 Tour of Suisse. The 13km climb has a constant 8.5% grade up to a high plateau with impressive views over to Finsteraarhorn at 4275m elevation.

From Airolo those who love adventure and history will be in their element. The Tremola Pass historically was the only way to get over the grand San Gottardo Pass. As one gets high on fresh mountain air you will enjoy scaling the 37 switchbacks and granite cobblestones that were laid back in 1827. Just another 12.5km at 7% average grade to finish off what will be a truly memorable day!

Distance: 90km / Meals: Breakfast Included / Sleep: Andermatt

It is difficult to say that things just keep getting better but what can you say about the opportunity to ride Furka Pass (2436m) and Grimsel Pass (2165m) one after the other! These are two of the most beautiful high passes in the Swiss Alpes with Furka Pass being the fourth highest paved road in Switzerland. Both of these climbs offer a complete series of amazing switchbacks and as you climb Furka you might just remember footage of James Bond and the sniper scene from Goldfinger. Once at the top of Grimsel Pass it will be time to evaluate the condition of the group as another 6km is on offer up to Oberaar. This is a tight switchback road and while not overly steep at 3.5% average gradient the views across to Oberaar Glacier are well worth the extra effort!

Distance: 80km / Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Included / Sleep: Lake Thun

After what have been four very challenging days on the bike one can decide to take a rest on the shores of Lake Thun or join our guides for a flat ride around this impressive alpine lake which measures 17.5km long by 3.5km wide. The 65km route will take you out towards Interlaken and our first coffee stop. Back at the tour hotel and for those looking for more there is always the Diemtigtel Geschaftsstelle Nature Park just around the corner.

Distance: Rest Day or 65km / Meals: Breakfast Included / Sleep: Lake Thun

The section of cycling route from Grindelwald has to be seen to be believed! The perfectly asphalted road narrows and only cyclists and the occasional postal van have access up the Gross Scheidegg Pass (1960m elevation). One of the features of this climb are the alpine pastures with surrounding views to some of the biggest European mountains including the Jungfrau and north face of the renowned Eiger (aka Ogre). The Eiger tops out at 3960m elevation and its north face is a 1800m vertical wall of crumbling rocky limestone and ice. For climbers it is considered Europe’s greatest challenge and today you will be cycling in its presence! At the top of Gross Scheidegg Pass we can enjoy some lunch and take in these views in what truly is cycling paradise. Just another day where it feels like the roads have been built for cyclists only!

Distance: 100km / Meals: Breakfast Included / Sleep: Lake Thun

The tour hotel is located on the edge of the Gantrisch Nature Park and we will spend the day cycling beautiful mountain loops before descending down to Bern. The 90km ride today passes through expansive forests up to the Gurnigel Pass. You will have earnt your lunch break after cycling this 11.5km climb (average grade of 7%).

The historic Bern old town dates back to the 12^th Century where it was built on a hill overlooking the Aare River. Its grand 15^th Century arcades and 16^th Century fountains provide the perfect location to celebrate what has been a tour full of amazing mountains, glaciers and alpine lakes.

Distance: 90km / Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Included / Sleep: Bern

Following breakfast the Sierra guides will be available to transfer you 2hr to Geneva International Airport. From here we will say our goodbyes before you continue on your own adventures. Thanks for joining us through the Swiss Alps!

Meals: Breakfast included