ENDLESSRIDE TRANSALPINE ITINERARY
DAY 1 (Sunday) The first day of our Trans Alp trip is spent in the Morzine area using the lifts and riding a variety of trails to get you accustomed to Alpine riding. We can make sure that your bike and kit is in good order and assess your riding ability for the days to come.
In the evening, over dinner, your guide will discuss the trip and make sure that you have everything you might need for the next few days packed and ready to go.
DAY 2 (Monday) Today's destination is the remote Refuge de Lac des Gers in the Grand Massif ski area. The day begins with the Pleney lift out of Morzine followed by a steady climb to the view point of La Bourgeoise at 1770m high above the Samoens valley. From there the only way is down the 1050 meters into Samoens itself. Here we'll stop for lunch in the village square before ascending by minibus, leg power and ski lift to the Grandes Plaitieres above the ski resort of Flaine.
The telecabine takes us to 2400m and the views of Mont Blanc and the surrounding mountains from this huge limestone pavement are simply incredible. We'll then work our way down to the refuge at 1540m for a well earned beer before dinner. The total distance ridden is approximatley 40km.
The refuge Lac des Gers is well furnished and has running water and hot showers. Rooms are shared between 4 - 6 people. Dinner is a hearty two course local style meal.
DAY 3 (Tuesday) Today is another big 40km day with a final destination of Chamonix. It's a tough day too with a monster climb, much of which is unridable, to the Col d'Anterne. We begin though with a descent from the refuge to the small village of Sixt Fer a Cheval. It's from here, at 750m that the climb begins, steadily at first, then it becomes impossible to ride as we reach the lac d'Anterne and start up to the col at 2250m. The 1600m descent to Le Fayet St Gervais is well worth the effort though. From here we take the Tramway du Mont Blanc to the Col de Voza at 1650m. We then descend through the Les Houches ski area and into Chamonix itself.
DAY 4 (Wednesday) After two big days in the saddle you may be looking for a rest day and Chamonix is a great place to explore. Your guide can suggest plenty of places to visit including a trip on the Aiguille du Midi cable car which will take you to 3800m for some incredible 360° views of the region.
However if you would prefer to keep your legs moving we can program in a ride along the sides of the Chamonix valley on the Petit Balcons nord and sud.
DAY 5 (Thursday) We hit the trails in a big way again today with a trip into Switzerland. After reaching the small hamlet of La Tour we take the Col de Balme telecabine up to 1900m. We then climb to reach the col de Balme itself at 2200m. From here it's down to Vallorcine in Switzerland to catch the train back under the mountains into Chamonix. We then pack up to leave and return to Chalet George in Morzine.
DAY 6 (Friday) On your last day you will join our guided groups in Morzine for a great day of lift assisted riding in the Portes du Soleil area. |
