A grand tour of Mont Blanc. Riding on superb single track through Chamonix, Les Houches, Les Chapieux and many other beautiful places. We can shorten this trip to suit fit, fast riders. Email us for an itinerary specific to your group.
Day 0
Arrive Geneva airport and transfer to our base hotel in the Chamonix Valley.
Day 1
The start of the grand tour of Mont Blanc. Riding on superb single track right from the very door of the hotel. We pass through Chamonix and continue to Les Houches, where we can take the only optional Gondola ride which can save us a very steep climb. The fast descent brings us down double track into to Les Contamines valley and a steady climb on footpath/ track and road to our first over night stop in the local alpine club refuge. There will be plenty of time to relax as this is an easy day today to save energy ready for the big day tomorrow. 1200m ascent 1450m descent.
Day 2
Today is mostly climbing and we cross our first major pass. We climb on easy tracks at first to warm up, before a short very steep section of stony jeep track to Nant Borrant and steady climbing thereafter.
Finally we will have a steep push up to Col de Bonhomme. This day is one of the most spectacular and we cross a high point of 2,460m where there is a refuge for refreshments to refuel before an awesome 5km singletrack descent which is steep and technical in places. The single track brings us directly into Les Chapieux where we spend the night.1550m ascent 1000m descent.
Day 3
A steady road climb warms us up as we leave Chapieux and head for a higher but thankfully easier pass today. At the end of the road/track there’s a short steep section before it levels off and we see a fabulous view of the Mont Blanc arêtes as we are at 2,516m now. A great descent drops for miles into Italy below us and there are a few tricky sections before the trail widens out to open fast track.
A steep climb takes us up the side of the valley where there are great views. From here a long grassy single track traverse and a steep but fantastic switch back descent brings us to a small refuge selling refreshments. Then more sweeping descending through forest and back to the road and then a dirt track into the stunning Val Ferret, where we will overnight at the half way point on our Tour. 1500m ascent 1700m descent.
Day 4
We climb up on gravel track to the refuge Elena and the start of the last big push over the pass. This is the highest point of the trip as we tackle the Grand Col Ferret 2540m. At the Col we are once again rewarded with stunning views back into Italy.
The views forward into Switzerland are equally breathtaking as the fantastic single track descent unrolls beneath our wheels and we ride down along smooth well graded trails to the road head at Ferret (Switzerland). A gentle descent on an easy track parallel to the road leads into some superb mountain biking; narrow paths and switchbacks in the woods that are tight but fun, then a great descent to the road.
After a fast descent we take the road and climb on tarmac along multiple switchbacks to the idyllic lake side ski resort of Champex. 1750m ascent 1700m descent.
Day 5
We leave Champex on the road for a bit and then descend until we are back on the official TMB path. This takes us on a steady climb on road/track at first then footpath and a final push with sections of trail so steep we have to shoulder our bikes today! A hard effort but it’s for the last time this trip and the down hill and views are again worth it. There is a great forest track descent now with some technical sections but great smooth runs and wonderful views. We come out with a wide grin across our faces at the Col de la Forclaz.
From here we have a short descent into Trient then a climb out on double tracks to spectacular Col des Posettes. A final exhilarating descent to La Tour then back to Chamonix to finish our classic Tour de Mont Blanc. Time now to relax, celebrate and bask in your achievement. 1800m ascent 1800m descent.
Day 6
Departure day. You’ll need to pack your bike (if you haven’t already) in time for your transfer to the airport and international departures from Geneva.
