Post by Mary on October 1, 2024
At the Ride the Alps we pride ourselves on our positive feedback from guests. There’s no better way to find out how good a trip really is than by reading a guest review. In that spirit, we asked Rachel, Nate and Jacob Miller from the US to tell us about their Chamonix to Briançon experience this summer.
- Why did you choose Ride the Alps for your mountain biking holiday this year?
We rode with Jamie 4 years ago and had such an amazing trip that we knew right away that we wanted to come back. We love the “off the beaten path” trails that Jamie takes us on and the small towns that we visit and stay in. It feels like we are actually experiencing life in the Alps rather than visiting as tourists.
- How did you decide on the Chamonix to Briançon trip in particular?
When we were touring with Jamie from Chamonix to Zermatt 4 years ago, he was in the process of exploring a new route from Chamonix to the Mediterranean. We were enamoured with the idea of trying this new route with him and couldn’t wait to experience the French Alps as well.
- How would you describe your Chamonix to Briançon experience?
The tour from Chamonix to Briançon was absolutely incredible. The views, the mountains and the descents never disappointed us. We felt that the route was more strenuous than C2Z as far as difficulty of climbing and hike a biking. I’m certain that the warm weather made it feel more difficult than it would have been otherwise. The descents were pretty amazing though!
- What was your favourite day or element of the trip?
I think that we would all answer with different days. That’s what was so amazing about this trip, each day was so unique. I know that the boys absolutely loved La Grave and would put that as the highlight of the trip. I, on the other hand, quite enjoyed the 4th day from Valloire to Nevache. The descent down into Nevache was so beautiful, it reminded me of home with the pine trees, river and a fast/flowy trail. Overall though, I think that we would all say that we loved the nights spent at refuges, the food was delicious and the solitude and scenery was unbeatable.
- How would you rate the quality of the trails you rode?
Oh wow, there was such a diversity in the trails. We had everything from high mountain meadow trails to rock gardens to tight downhill switchbacks even with some cow trodden trails intermixed. All were amazing and challenging in their own way.
- How would you describe the technical and physical difficulty of the trip?
This trip was quite technical, similar to C2Z. I would say, however, that it was more difficult physically though. The climbs seemed longer and steeper with more hiking. Perhaps this is because of the temps and there were less options for lifts in this route?
- Would you recommend the Chamonix to Briançon trip to other mountain bikers?
Yes, I definitely would. It is beautiful and challenging terrain. I would however recommend C2Z first.
- Would you book another holiday with Ride the Alps in the future?
Yes, I would love to get back to France and Switzerland to ride with Jamie! I have absolutely loved every trip I have been on with him and really enjoy riding with him. Mary is extremely helpful in getting everything booked ahead of time and tying up all of the loose ends. It is so nice to just show up in Geneva knowing that everything has been planned for us and all that we have to do is get ready to ride our bikes!
- Is there anything else you’d like to say about your Chamonix to Briançon trip?
I’d like to give a shout out to Max, our driver, DJ, mechanic, chef, butler, friend and riding buddy. Max was wonderful to have along, thanks for everything!
Thank you to the Miller family for sharing their wonderful guest review. If you are interested in riding our Chamonix to Briançon trip or any of our other mountain biking adventures, please do get in touch.
If you would like to leave us a guest review from a previous Ride the Alps trip, we would love to hear from you.