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Find answers to common questions about the Eiger Sanction mountain bike trip.
- How hard is it really going to be?
- How do I get there?
- What does the price include?
- What isn't included?
- What do I need to bring?
How hard is it really going to be?
We've toughened up the Eiger Sanction with longer days in the saddle and an extra big pass day (weather and group ability permitting). It's slightly easier than the Chamonix to Zermatt - both technically and physically - in part due to being 1 day shorter but it is still to be considered a demanding route for keen mountain bikers who ride regularly every weekend. As we have a destination at the end of each day there is always lots of riding and some big climbs. It provides a great chance to see some of the best views and scenery in the Swiss Alps. The majority of the climbing is doubletrack with mostly singletrack descents. There may be very small sections of pushing. Accommodation is in a mixture of hotels and mountain hotels. There will be group room sleeping arrangements in the mountain hotels.
How do I get there?
Flights to Geneva are available from most UK airports. The following links maybe of interest: British Airways, BMibaby, Ryanair, Easyjet, Jet2.
By far the easiest and cheapest way of getting to Crans-Montana is by train from Geneva airport. There is a direct train to Sierre in the Rhone valley from the airport, which takes just over 2 hours and costs around 60 swiss francs. You then need to take the funicular railway, a free bus ride (look out for the red "SMC Funiculaire" bus outside the station) or 6 minute walk (if you have wheels on your bike bag you can follow the red lines marked on the pavement) from the station, up from Sierre to Crans Montana. Let us know your train arrival time and we will meet you at the top of the funicular and take you and your luggage to the hotel. The return transfer is from the train station at Zweilutschinen back to Geneva airport, which takes approximately 3h 45m and costs around 80 swiss francs. You need to make sure you book an afternoon or evening flight otherwise you won't make it back to the airport in time. We will drop you and your luggage at the station. Email or call us for further details.
What does the price include?
The price depends on the level of van support you require and how many you are. However, the basic package includes 6 days of fully guided mountain biking by a very experienced British mountain bike guide. Accommodation, all breakfasts and evening meals.
What isn't included?
Van support for you and your luggage. You decide what level of support you want. Choose from fully supported with a van and driver who accompany you all the way through the trip and transport all your luggage to a couple of bag drops en route to self-support whereby you either arrange your own van support or carry your own gear. We will give you quotes for the different options.
Also not included are flights to Geneva. Your personal spending money. Your personal travel and bike insurance, which you must have. All lunches (picnic and restaurant) your own bottled and alcoholic drinks. Airport transfers.
What do I need to bring?
Your Bike! In good working order, full suspension and disc brakes are highly recommended on this trip to make your life more comfortable. Your bike must be a good quality Mountain Bike with at least decent front suspension forks. No hybrid bikes as these are not suitable! We normally ride dual suspension 3 to 6 inch travel style bikes.
Enough clothing for 4 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 some 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 your airport transfers, the chairlifts and funicular trains en route, your picnic and restaurant 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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