SWISS ALPINE COLS
Road Biking on the Most Scenic Routes of Switzerland, Resting Comfortably in 5 Star Hotels
Roll along the borders between France, Switzerland and Italy on empty roadways that weave through the Pennine Alps’ snow-covered peaks, postcard-perfect villages and terraced vineyards. A road bike is the absolute best way to take in the region after the winter is over.
Canton Valais is home to some of Switzerland’s best road cycling, in 2009 attracting a 2-day visit from the Tour de France. Explore remote alpine valleys, climb international border cols, and descend into Chamonix, France and Aosta, Italy, finishing the trip with a ride through the UNESCO-heritage vineyards that line Lac Leman. At the end of each ride, a gourmet meal, a tasty bottle of wine, and a restful night in your classic private Swiss chalet or hotel.
If you're up to the task, the major cols of the Oberwallis and Ticino beckon - Furka (2429m), Nufenen(2478m), Gotthard (2106m) and Grimsel (2164m) Passes. These are some of the ultimate Swiss road bike test pieces. With support vehicles, you can take on as much as you're able, or get help where you need it. Follow in the path of the Tour du Suisse and experience the best climbs without the hype.
Itinerary:
- Day 1 - Arrive ZRH - transfer to Andermatt (1h40m). Meet & greet with Epic Europe, check-in at the Chedi Andermatt 5*. Bike & gear fitting,
- Day 2 - Warm up day Andermatt - Oberalp Pass the farthest western reach of the Graubünden Kanton and Romansch culture, whose people are a mix of ancient Germanic tribes and the Roman soldiers who conquered the Alps nearly 2000 years ago.
- Day 3 - Challenge yourself on Gotthard Pass's famous cobblestone switchbacks. The St. Gotthard Pass (2108m, 6915 feet), in central Switzerland, is an important link between the German and Italian parts of the country.
- Day 4 - Ride Furka, Nufenen and/or Grimsel Pass. Choose your pass - some of the toughest and highest routes in this mountainous country come together in the Oberwallis, just west of Andermatt.
- Day 5 - Finhaut: Emosson Dam 1930m. Transfer from the Andermatt to Martigny, from the glacier source of the Rhone River, down to the lush vineyards surrounding the medieval city of Sion. Today’s ride follows the Finhaut stage of the Tour de France from 2016, finishing on the Emosson Dam 1930m.
- Day 6 - Val Ferret & Verbier Switchback Challenge. Morning warm up out & back in the Val Ferret, this idyllic valley at the foot of the giant peaks of the Mont Blanc Massif culminates at the Grand Col Ferret 2537m. Finish the day with a challenge on the Verbier switchbacks, where Alberto Contador blew open the 2009 Tour de France.
- Day 7 - Mauvoisin Dam & Swiss Cheese Experience. Starting in Le Châble, in the valley below Verbier, ride up the Val de Bagnes to the Haute Val de Bagnes, one of Switzerland's largest nature reserves. Lunch in the valley followed by a visit to a local fromagerie (cheese maker)
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Day 8 - Grand-St-Bernard Pass & Lunch in Italy. Last day on the bike and today we are crossing into Italy, across the fabled Grand-St-Bernard Pass, in the footsteps of Hannibal and Napoleon, on the remains of the ancient Roman Road. Stop for a visit to the hospice, home of the legendary rescue dogs, and a walk along the Roman road
Highlights
- St. Bernard Pass climb - the same route as the 2009 Tour de France, up and over into Aosta, Italy
- Challenge yourself on the Verbier switchbacks, where Alberto Contador blew open the 2009 TDF
- Gotthard Pass's famous cobblestone switchbacks
- Empty roads and climbs, much less traffic than in France or Italy
- Great options from May-November, no matter your style of riding
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WHAT WE DO
Epic Europe is a luxury experiential adventure travel operator based in the Swiss Alps.
Epic Europe specializes in private bespoke itineraries for small groups. Experiencing the best of each region, from interacting with the local people and enjoying authentic regional food and wine, as well as time-honored traditions and festivals, to recreating in the alpine landscape, and truly understanding why the Alps are the birthplace of adventure travel. From custom ski, hiking, or cycling trips to building in city tours, cultural itineraries, or gastronomic discovery, these award-winning, multi-dimensional trips are tailored to our clients' wishes every time, and are not packaged tours. From Switzerland, Italy, and France's Alps, to world-class cultural cities and larger towns, Epic Europe can design a tailored adventure that fulfills your every need.
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"I have done trips in the Alps and surrounding regions with Epic Europe for the past 4 years, and every one has been unique and surpassed the last. The experiences that they deliver due to their personal relationships are a window into the real life in these incredible locations, and they share these friendships with us." - K.B., CT USA
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"Epic Europe's custom road biking trip that they put together for my buddy's bachelor party was great - the right combination of killer rides, great hotels, and outstanding restaurants. Great guides, and overall a perfect trip." - A.S., London UK
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"I would have to say that Verbier and Zermatt might be the best places I have ever ridden a mountain bike, and I couldn't imagine going without the help of Epic Europe's guides. It was a dream trip for sure." - B.S., PA USA
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"Epic Europe has coordinated several corporate events for us over the past 5 years, and I cannot imagine a more professional operation to handle all of the details. From a team-building event for 50 people in a 17th-century castle atop a mountain pass, to marketing conferences and catalog shoots, their knowledge of the best locations in the Alps is second-to-none, and they are as good as it gets at being creative." - E.P., Lugano CH
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"A day of heliskiing in Italy culminated with a sunset run off the Breuil saddle of the Matterhorn - one of the most thrilling runs of my life - and we left our tracks in a place where they remained for a week afterward, reminding us of the best day of skiing in our life!" - WG, CT USA
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"Our family spent last Christmas in Zermatt on a bespoke Epic Europe ski trip. The special thought and care that they put into our holiday made it our best yet." - L.M.; CA USA
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“The team at Epic Europe created the most incredible trip for us, where everything came together seamlessly, and we never had to think about what came next - it just magically happened as if it was meant to be. That takes real talent, and they make it look easy." - B.N., WY USA
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"Hiking in the Alps has always been on my bucket list, but I wasn't sure that a typical trip was my style. Epic Europe designed a custom route for our group, staying in the best little inns and hotels, and we felt like we had the trails to ourselves. I will come back again and again to explore new trails with their guides every year that I can!" - R.B., NY USA
PROCESS
Would you like more information, or to have us create a tailored trip for you? We would be glad to begin the design process for your ultimate experience in the Alps.
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