Itinerary
Day 1: Foothills warm up – 25 mi (40 km)
Meet in lake Annecy. After we build our bikes, test out your climbing legs in the foothills surrounding our hotel. Tonight we will enjoy a great dinner prepared by our hotel’s chef, talk about the tour and pass out maps and Jerseys.
Day 2: Semnoz loop – 45 mi (72 km) Altitude Gain: 5,000′ (1500 m) via Col de Leschaux
We will start today’s ride on lake Annecy. From 1,500 feet elevation (460 m) we ride along the lake to it’s west side and climb the col de Leschaux at 2,950′ (900 m) and continue up along the Montagne du Semnoz with beautiful views looking directly over the lake. The highpoint for today is 5,580′ (1700 m). After the summit we continue around the lake and back to the hotel. Optional shorter loops are possible turning back to the lake after Leschaux.
Day 3: Aravis loop – 70 mi (113 km) Altitude Gain: 6,000′ ( 1,830 m) via Col de la Forclaz & Aravis
Today is another loop ride from Annecy making for a relaxing 2 nights stay. Today’s ride starts with a sudden but spectacular climb of the col de Forclaz with magnificent high bluffs and steep mountain tops all around. Our first accent takes us to 3,800 ft (1,150 m) and back down to the valley. A second equally challenging climb takes us along the foothills to the base of the col des Aravis. From here we have our third climb of the day and tackle this 5,000 ft (1,490 m) pass. Our last 25 miles are all down back to the lake.
Day 4: Annecy to St Jean de Maurienne – 75 mi (120 km) Altitude Gain: 6,600′ (2,000 m) via Col de la Madeleine
Our ride to St Jean de Maurienne takes us south from Annecy and up over the col de Tamie which is a leisurely 3,000 ft (900 m) pass and down through Albertville. Continue south along the valley to the base of the Col de la Madeleine at 1,450 ft elevation. Climb 26 km with an average gradient of 6.1% to the summit at 6,540 ft (2000 m). Descend into the valley and to our hotel in St Jean de Maurienne.
Day 5: Galibier out & back – 60 mi (97 km) Altitude Gain: 7,500′ (2,290 m)
Simply stated today is pretty tough. Today’s epic ride will conquer the col du Telegraphe and Galibier. A seemingly endless day of climbing. After the summit we return to the hotel for another night in St Jean de Maurienne.
Day 6: Ride to Bourg D’Oisans – 65 mi (105 km) Altitude Gain: 7,500′ (2,290 m) via Col de la Croix de Fer
From St Jean de Maurienne we climb the col de la Croix de Fer a 6,800 ft(2067 m) pass and continue down the valley to the base of Alpe D’Huez in Bourg D’Oisans. Bourg D’Oisans is a mecca for all cyclists with the look and feel of the Tour de France.
Day 7: Alpe d’Huez climb – 22 mi (35 km)
Climb of the Alpe d’Huez and transfer back to Geneva.
Day 8: Departure
Today is the day for departures. Depending on you flight schedule additional cycling is available.
