Frequently asked questions

The itinerary combines natural singletrack with freeride trails and some north shore style woodwork. It is a trip designed for keen mountain bikers who ride regularly every weekend, love technical mountain biking and want to put their skills to the test in the alpine setting. The aim of this trip is to do some of the best technical singletrack descents that the Rhone valley offers whilst having play days to help improve your biking skills. We will use as many chairlifts and funicular railways that are available on these play days to run some down hill courses and natural routes. There is considerably less climbing than on any of our point-to-point routes, well almost none! Technically it is a little more difficult than Chamonix to Zermatt, as we concetrate on down hill and improving some techniques to use on the trail. You still have to be fit and able to hold on to your bike as we can do in excess of 5,000m a day descending, that's over 16,400 feet ! We can mix and match the riding days to a certain extent to suit the ability and needs of the group.

Fully guided 6 days mountain biking by a very experienced British mountain bike guide. Accommodation, all breakfasts and evening meals. Uplifts in the van and trailer as well as luggage transfer to all hotels. Airport transfers.

Your Bike, in very good working order! For this trip we recommend between 5.5" min to 8" max (140mm to 200mm), full suspension. Your guide will be riding an Orange Patriot 66. (rear 6.6" or 167mm) and single crown 160mm forks, with a double chain ring. If you ride DH race bikes try and fit a double as there are some short climbs or be prepared to push a little. Its not a race so gear it down to a 32T!

Enough clothing for 6 days of continuous riding in hot weather as well as some cool weather gear for the high parts and rides on the chair lifts which can be quite chilly, there's even the chance of snow! Maximum altitude is approximately 2,500m or 7,000 feet so no problems with altitude sickness but it can be cold if the weather turns. This is the Alps and we can expect alpine weather patterns which include some chance of inclement weather; showers or thunder storms may occur. You will need a sheet sleeping bag for 2 of the overnight stops and a small towel. You can borrow a bag from Ride the Alps if you do not have your own. Have a look at the full kit list below if you need more guidance.You will need enough personal spending money for the chairlifts and funicular trains en route, your lunches and any drinks and souvenirs you buy en route, we suggest at least £350 but it depends on how much you intend to eat and drink! This money should be in Swiss Francs. Lastly bring a willingness to have fun as this is a great trip and can only be made better by you in a good frame of mind, keen to ride lots of new and exciting trails!

Download the Ride the Alps Holiday Kit List (PDF - 97kb)

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