6 days from 1495 € per participant
Guaranteed departure from 5 people
- Ride in three countries with as many different cultures as local delicacies and traditions
- Ride on the most beautiful single trails around the Mont Blanc
- Ride light, we take care of the rest (luggage transfer & shuttle service)
- Sleep tight: comfortable accommodation, great atmosphere in a spectacular environment
- Ride in a small group of max 7 people to benefit of individual coaching
You've caught the mountain biking bug and have always dreamt of riding your bike around the emblematic Mont Blanc and its magnificent glaciers ? Sitting on the borderlines between France, Italy and Switzerland, the Mont Blanc features all the best riding the mountains could possibly offer: extraordinary scenery and upper class single trails. From high altitudes to spruce forests via alpine lakes and flowery mountain pastures, every single leg is a feast for the eyes.
Even though we're really here to ride, and not to just admire the scenery, we also take it easy ! From high alpine mountain passes, a sheer variety of trails, glaciers hanging from nearly every mountain, to trails overlooking entire valleys....and last but not least...you may also have to carry your bike once in a while, that's part of it ! A super-awesome experience.
And what more could you wish than ending each day in a comfortable mountain hut, with a shuttle and trailor service for your luggage, so you can just make the most of the best trails ?
Come on, you're gonna have the time of our life !
We meet up at the station either in Briançon, Oulx or Les Houches. You're sure to be overexcited !
We have an easy going start and take time to get to know each other, check gear, go over the coming program to make sure you realize what you're in for :) don't worry, you won't be disappointed !
Once we're ready to embark, we gently warm up with a progressive climb up the mythical Chamonix valley to the charming Le Tour village. Geared with our bike pass, we'll get our brake pads heated up on the slopes to practice our braking skills.
Lunch scoffed down, we head up to the top of the ski lifts, ready to hurtle down into Switzerland crossing the jurassic and dizzy section through the black gorges of Trient sur Martigny, 1900 m further downhill... Our shuttle is most probably already waiting for us to load our bikes and drop us off at tonight's base, from where we have a pleasant view.
Ascent/descent: + 800 m / - 3000 m approx
Distance: 40 km approx
Meals included: dinner
Accommodation included: gîte
Logistics: minibus with driver for baggage transfer
We have a relatively easy start on day 2 and leave little Switzerland heading uphill, propelled through the vineyards to Sembrancher.
A series of long climbs take us to the pleasant Champex lakeside where we have lunch.
We digest over a long and playfull descent, getting in line with the Val Ferret from where we progressively ride up an impressive glacier valley all the way to La Fouly, where a nice cold Cardinal is waiting for us facing the Dolent glaciers.
Ascent/descent: + 1700 m / - 1100 m approx
Distance: 42 km approx
Meals included: breakfast, dinner
Accommodation included: Swiss inn
Logistics: minibus with driver for baggage transfer
Highest point in altitude of our trip today at the Grand Ferret Col.
We tackle today's "warm up" via a charming little road that turns into a track ending in La Peule, where we have a break.
The second part of the uphill ride unwinds on a superb single trail that is roughly 95 % rideable... Not bad for an altitude of 2537 m above sea level !
The view from the Grand Col Ferret is just mind-blowing ! We pursue on the most technical descent of this trip. Facing the glaciers, adrenaline and thrills guaranteed !
Once we get to the Elena hut, two options: #1 the "Val Ferret balcony" with an ultimate technical descent heading straight down for a 4 flavour gelato ; #2 let gravity do the job and just let go, no worries, this option also ends up with a 4 flavour gelato in stylish Courmayeur where we spend the night in a comfortable hotel.
Ascent/descent: + 1100 m to + 1700 m / - 1300 m to - 1500 m approx
Distance: 25 km to 32 km approx
Meals included: breakfast, dinner
Accommodation included: hotel
Logistics: minibus with driver for baggage transfer
After a heavy Italian dinner the previous evening, we're all set to take off.
We start the day on a small road that propels us into the beautiful Val Veny; a severe climb gives us a good excuse for a ristretto break (minibus drop off here possible).
The following balcony trail is simply magic !
After lunch, we tackle the second biggest ascent to the Col de la Seigne (2516 m). On the other side, a 5 star descent awaits us.
Kilometers fly by, and soon we land on the Cormet de Roseland road, one of the famous legs of the tour de France. Gravity takes us to the fantastic lake overhanging the valley, right to the doorstep of our hotel on the banks of the turquoise blue lake...
Ascent/descent: + 2200 m / - 1800 m approx
Distance: 45 km approx
Meals included: breakfast, dinner
Accommodation included: hotel
Logistics: minibus with driver for baggage transfer
We leave the lake for a ride up through the pasturelands where ever so happy cows graze in freedom. From the Col des Frêtes, an easy downhill ride takes us the start of a long track that winds up to the Col de la Gitte. Time's up, let's enjoy a peaceful and well deserved lunch !
Our ride takes us from the pasturelands to a rocky area, called La Grande Pierrière, with short technical stretches, followed by a short climb to the Col du Joly.
Two options:
#1 - we cross over up North in order to reach the Tierce descent via a nature-shaped single trail
#2 - we ride over to the pleasant man-shaped blue trail in the Contamines Montjoie bike park
Time for a drink and rest in our hotel !
Ascent/descent: + 1200 m / - 1600 m approx
Distance: 30 km approx
Meals included: breakfast, dinner
Accommodation included: hotel
Logistics: minibus with driver for baggage transfer
Day 6 - Contamines - Les Houches: grand finale !
Last day of this adventure, and defeinitely not to be underestimated. Distances are short but we'll have to deal with constantly changing terrain.
A challenging early morning uphill takes us back to the North facing slope, in dense woodlands, until it unexpectantly opens up to the impressive Dômes de Miage, beautifully dressed up in white [the glaciers]. A cup of coffee is a good excuse to admire this picture-postcard scenery a little longer.
After a short technical descent we land on the Miage pasturelands with its peaceful chalets. Let's stay focused on our riding, we're about to cross the Gorges de la Gruvaz, it's a long and sometimes exposed ride, and will get the adrenaline flowing. Back on the slope, we can take it easy again until we reach our lunchbreak spot.
You may be about to regret not having an e-bike when heading up the Col de Voza... ;-)
More options here, either #fastflowingbluebikeparkslope or #madebynatureCharoussetrail. And finally, we plunge straight down to Les Houches, cheers to life and to this awesome adventure !
Ascent/descent: + 1100 m / - 1000 m approx
Distance: 30 km approx
Meals included: breakfast
Logistics: minibus with driver for baggage transfer
Please note this is an example of a mountain biking trip around the Mont Blanc, on the Mont Blanc trails. The guide may adjust certain itineraries according to weather conditions, cable cars and mountain hut accessibilty as well as participants' abilities. We kindly ask you to respect such decision.
In case practices and customs defined by the local authorities change, estimating the reasonable number of clients per guide, for safety reasons, Azimut respects these, even last minute, decisions and recommendations. Such cases are rare and mostly related to exceptional conditions in the mountains. Therefore some compensation may be requested from your side due to less participants per guide.
Please wear your cycling clothes on day 1.
We always do our best, but can't guarantee the exact time of arrival at the train station (due to traffic or weather conditions). Therefore we strongly recommend you to buy train tickets that can easily be modified. If you're travelling by car, we'll meet you at one of the indicated meeting points, or at one of the drop off points where you'll be able to leave your car for the entire trip.
Access
Make sure the train you plan to catch welcomes mountain bikes.
Car park
Public parking free of charge can be found in Briançon and Oulx (both unattended).
You should be at ease with long and demanding descents. You're able to deal with hairpin bends and tackle back-breaking inclines, master your brakes, hop over small tricky sections (tree roots, rocks, steps). Descents are often long and sustained (but progressive as the week goes on), sometimes steep, often technically demanding, sometimes exposed sections but rarely dangerous. You'll end being an expert rider or maybe even an ace in mountain biking skills !
For keen and passionate mountain bikers or sporty people, who enjoy making efforts and regularly do an outdoor activity. You are sporty, are used to go out riding for a full day at least once a week and a maybe a few shorter outings in a week, at least a few weeks before you head off for a trip with us. Our rides will take you on quite long climbs where you may sometimes even have to push or carry your bike. Expect ascents between + 800 m & + 1400 m approx per day.
Good to know: if you don't have the skills and stamina required, the guide may ask you to leave the group for the well-being of the rest of the group. If any doubt, please do not hesitate to ask us !
5 to 7 participants
Azimut qualified mountain bike instructor & guide.
All our mountain bike guides are certified instructors. We choose them for their sympathy, their teaching and organisational skills. We stay tuned in, work hands in hands, and make sure their working conditions are the best.
Bring a small day pack large enough (for more detailed advice see gear section) to carry your personal belongings for the day such as (extra) layers, a few snacks, your picnic and a repair kit. All other personal gear not needed for the day will be transferred to our accommodation.
None on this trip.
The price includes:
The price does not include:
A 30% deposit, as well as the insurance cost if you choose to subscribe the latter, is required to secure your booking. You will receive a reminder email 35 days prior to departure for the outstanding balance that is due latest 30 days prior to departure.
We strongly recommend you to be properly insured for the chosen activity. You should be covered for medical expenses, personal accident & liabilité, third party risks and rescue (helicopter), as well as trip cancellation or curtailment.
Repatriation and research insurance are mandatory when booking a trip with Azimut. We have a full range of insurances with our partner, on offer to suit the trip you select and the risks that it may incur (beware, such insurance only covers European citizens).
Tipping is no obligation. However participants usually hand round an envelope for those who wish to tip the guide.
Azimut's minibuses are used throughout the trip. Not only does this make the trip easier, but it also makes it more pleasant and less binding: we can chat, take a nap and listen to our own music. If luggage transfers are necessary, you have the possibility to use the transfer if you're tired and for any other reason.
During the trip
Half board in cosy gîte-hotel, twin rooms. Depending on the size of group, you might be sharing a room with someone of the opposite sex. Bed linen, towels are provided.
Accomodation before & after bike trips
Once we've received your booking, we'll provide you with a list of accomodation in case you need to book accomodation before or after the trip. All accomodation on the list is close to the meeting points and you may often benefit from preferential rates.
In case of emergency or delay, you can either contact your guide (a phone number will be provided before departure) or contact Azimut on: (+ 33) 04 92 23 07 24.
Please inform your friends and family with these details before departure.
Free Wifi is available in most places.
Mobile & 4G coverage can be unreliable.
Make sure to wear bright colours, it's good for the soul and give photos a funky edge !
Technical gear
If you don't have the adequate gear for this trip, don’t worry and travel light: we rent out the required gear and hand it over at the start of the trip ! Our equipment is relatively new, if not brand new, of good quality and adapted to your choice of activity.
Prices of rental gear during the entire trip (competitive prices as we only charge you for the number of days of use on the trip):
Enduro Bike pack including repair kit and helmet - 6 days |
360 € |
Important: all our bikes are thoroughly checked before each trip. You are liable for any damage to the bike.
Prices and bike brands may vary according to availabilities and trip levels.
Clothes
This list of clothes is designed to give you an idea of clothes that it may be a good to have with you. By no means do you need to have the latest brands or the latest gear, but if you need to renew your wardrobe, this guide would be a good start. Prefer lightweight warm and comfortable clothing. This is not just a detail, it makes a hell of a difference !
Headwear
Bodywear
Footwear
Odds & ends
Toiletries and first aid kit
Our guides use the following brands for their gear and you'll have the opportunity to test them during the trip:
We are members of Entreprises du Voyage and APST.
Don't forget to