Make your next vacation the experience of a lifetime! Surround yourself with
breathtaking scenery and explore the many hidden wonders of the French countryside
Cycling in the French Alps
The classic French village square is filled with
small shops, charming restaurants, bars and
cafés with sun-drenched terraces.
During our Level I First-timers week, we will help you with everything you need
to learn to be at ease cycling in the Alps, including: climbing and descending
techniques, pedaling smoothly and economically, gear selection, the right
cadence to use and how to manage your effort on a long climb.
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Our expert coaches have been guiding first-timers for many years, so we
know how you feel. We will only take you on routes that we believe you can
achieve, and there is always a following car, so anybody who has mechanical
problems or who gets too tired can just hop in the car. For those that want to
do more, our coaches are always happy to extend the day’s ride with you.
We will happily send you an at-home training program to help you get ready.
If you are used to riding 30–40 miles with a few hills thrown in you will have
no problem riding with us.
La Clusaz... this picturesque, historic
village is one of France’s best kept secrets and
the perfect spot for cycling in the Alps.
The traditional wooden chalets and the busy
outdoor farmers’ market all add to the charm.
What to expect... The Alps can be a daunting prospect!
How fit do I need to be?
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If you have cycled in the Alps
before and want more of a challenge,
ask about our Level II Alpine Rider
and Level III Alpine Climber programs.
These programs are intended for
returning riders who want to take their
Alpine experience to the next level. They
include longer, tougher rides and support
to help you rise to the challenge!
Perfect for the whole family!
We will help the non-cyclists choose from hiking,
horse-riding, swimming, tobogganing, canyoning,
golf, tennis, relaxing at the spa, and many more
possibilities.
Accommodations
The Alpen Roc is a comfortable chalet-style hotel
in the center of the village with the friendliest staff
we have ever met.
The terrace provides panoramic views and a
great place to chill out with a cool drink. The chef
creates delicious buffets with a choice of regional
delicacies as well as international fare, and
everything you need for athletic nutrition.
The hotel has its own swimming pool and you can
relax in the sauna, hammam or Jacuzzi 24/7, just
perfect for soothing away the aches and pains of
a hard day’s ride. Access to all facilities as well
as free Wi-Fi is included in your stay.
The French cuisine is justly renowned.
You will taste the best of the local
Alpine food: great meat, cured
hams and sausage, fish
from the lake, wonderful
cheeses and fondue,
fresh-baked bread and
all sorts of teas and
liqueurs distilled from
the mountain plants.
Renting a bike
If you don’t want the hassle of flying your
bike over from the US, you can choose to
rent either a mid-range bike or a premium bike
(with electronic gears and ultra-light wheels).
It is always best to bring your own pedals and
cleated shoes, and some people like to bring
their own saddles too.
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First-Timer program
Cycling
Arrival day – get settled into the hotel, relax at the spa, discover the village.
Early dinner and a good night’s rest!
—
AM
Ride the valley floor – an easy, shake-down cycle along the shores of beautiful Lake Annecy, followed by lunch in
a lakeside restaurant. Extension ride possible.
25 miles
PM
Relax at the hotel swimming pool, take a gentle hike or go horse-riding…
Evening talk: The Tour de France in the Alps.
—
AM
Ride the foothills – a long descent and some gentle climbing around the foothills of the Alps.
Lunch in the picturesque medieval village of La Roche sur Foron.
30 miles
• S even nights in the hotel with free Wi-Fi,
access to the swimming pool and spa
PM
Cycle or minibus back to the hotel. Free time for relaxation.
Evening talk: Life Goals, Purpose and Motivation
• A
ll meals, including unlimited soft drinks,
wine or beer during the meal
AM
Tour the Château de Menthon-Saint-Bernard. Drive over the Col de la Croix-Fry and visit a traditional Alpine farm.
Lunch at the hotel.
—
PM
Free afternoon: cycling, swimming, hiking, tennis, golf, the choice is yours.
Evening: Dinner in an Alpine refuge, view on Mont-Blanc
—
AM
Your first Alpine climb: the Col des Aravis, a classic on the Tour de France, but an easy ride from our hotel.
Extension possible to the Col de la Croix-Fry.
15 miles:
1500 ft
PM
Lunch back at the hotel. Relax in the spa and perhaps enjoy your complimentary sports recovery massage.
Evening Talk: Cycling in the mountains, nutrition & performance
—
AM
Visit the 13th century Château de Montrottier and the extraordinary Gorges du Fier.
Lunch in the historic lakeside town of Annecy
—
PM
Visit Annecy
Evening Talk: Epic Tour de France battles on the Col de la Colombière (used 39 times in the Tour)
—
AM
Climb the Col de la Colombière. By now, you are ready for the challenge, and will relish the view from
the summit! Café stop on the col, lunch back at the hotel.
25 miles:
2200 ft
PM
Relax in the hotel spa and perhaps enjoy your complimentary sports recovery massage. Last chance to shop in the village.
—
Evening: Special dinner in the Auberge des Aravis
SUN
MON
What’s included:
• P ick-up from Geneva airport, transfer to
La Clusaz and return
• On-the-bike coach and support vehicle with free
energy drinks and snacks, spare wheels
& space to off-load extra clothes and other kit
TUES
WEDS
• Mechanical assistance throughout your stay
• Alpine Cols Elite cycling jersey
THURS
• One complimentary sports massage
• C oach’s Corner evening sessions on cycling
performance
• T ransport and entry to the châteaux and
other places visited
FRI
• A
set of high-res photographs taken during
the week
Not included:
• Flights to/from Geneva airport
• Bicycle rental (must be booked in advance)
• Power meter rental
• Minibar, extras and drinks at the bar
SAT
SUN
Departure day
Transfer to Geneva airport
19 miles
(optional)
—
We reserve the right to change the cycling program depending on weather and road conditions, as well as the group’s riding abilities and preferences.
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please visit our website for pricing, scheduling, and further details:
www.AlpineCols.com/legendary-climbs/first-timers
Terms and Conditions apply