Frequently asked questions

This is a challenging route and to be undertaken by fit mountain bikers who ride regularly. There are four hard climbs that will involve some pushing and carrying of the bike. Each day is not particularly long in distance so a fit group will be finished in good time to enjoy a beer or just look at the view. There are some steep descents where technical down hill skill is needed but walking difficult sections is an option. Accommodation is in a mixture of hotels and mountain hotels. There will be group room sleeping arrangements in the mountain hotels. We climb and descend around 7500m (24,000 feet) on this trip in 5.5 days.

For fit groups we can shorten this trip by 1 or 2 days but still do the same amount of riding.

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 for the 6 days of riding along the way.

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 4 to 6 inch travel 'All mountain' style bikes.

Enough clothing for 5 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, restaurant and picnic lunches and any drinks and souvenirs you buy en route, we suggest at least £300 but it depends on how much you intend to eat and drink! You will need a mix of Swiss francs and euro. 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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