9 Best Cycling Routes in the Alps
If you’re someone who loves to get on a bicycle and explore amazing surroundings while cycling, you probably often look for new places to go and areas to explore. And if you’re a nature lover, you have probably already cycled on mountains before and know what kind of experience that is.
If you’re looking for the perfect destination for your next cycling holiday, you should look no further than the magnificent Alps. That being said, this mountain range is as big as it is beautiful, so you should know some of the best routes before you head for your holiday.
Verbier, Switzerland
We simply need to start with this amazing destination. While most people know Verbier for its amazing skiing slopes, there is a lot this resort has to offer during the summer months. To be more precise, it has a jaw-dropping array of cycling routes.
The singletracks Verbier has to offer are numerous. There are a plethora of bike tours in Verbier you can choose from, all of which will give you the thrill you’re looking for.
Riders of different levels of expertise flock to Verbier every summer to experience these trails and tours, so rest assured that all of the tracks are always in perfect condition.
Saint-Luc, Switzerland
The Swiss Alps have so many amazing sceneries to offer, and if you want to cycle to your heart’s desire in a place that is set against mesmerizing backdrops, Saint-Luc is the perfect place for you.
While Saint-Luc isn’t an obvious choice for many cyclists as it’s a small resort, you should include it in your cycling tour of the Alps. It’s located near Zermatt, which is best known for its amazing singletracks and breathtaking backdrops.
Cyclists who opt for Saint-Luc also have access to a hardcore park that is perfect for those who are looking for an adrenaline rush. Regardless of whether you choose to ride in the park or want to venture out into the wilds with your bicycle, you will have an unforgettable time.
Even if you want to head off to the slopes, you’ll be happy to know this area becomes very sunny by early spring. This means the slopes which are covered in snow during the winter months become dry and dusty, which is the dream for every cyclist.
Col de la Loze, France
If you’re one of those cyclists who are always looking for their next challenging ride, you need to visit Col de la Loze, which is located in the 3 Vallées area. Be warned that this area is not for the faint-hearted as it has varying climbs. Less experienced cyclists usually aren’t up for this kind of challenge.
The routes can reach up to 2304m, so if you wish to see the French Alps from very high up, you can make that wish come true at Col de la Loze. An interesting fact about this area is that it was one of the high points of the Tour de France held in 2020.
There are four different routes you can take including The Discovery Loop, the Les Allues- Méribel to Col de la Loze, The Large Loop, and the Brides Les Bains to Col de la Loze. Whichever you choose, you’re in for a ride of a lifetime.
Col de la Colombière, France
Photo by Viktor Bystrov on Unsplash
Keeping up with the theme of the Tour de France, if you want to take your bike on the same paths as famous cyclists who completed this tour, you need to visit the Col de la Colombière. This route has been featured in the famous tour as much as twenty times since 1960, so you know it’s a good challenge.
If you come to visit it, you will realize why it’s at the top of the list for bike tours in the French Alps for many experienced cyclists. Its peak sits at an altitude of 1,613m, so it’s not nearly as high as the previous entry on our list, but it’s just as mesmerizing.
If you want to get to this route, you can approach it from both the North and the South. The path you choose will depend on what kind of challenge you’re after. Approaching from the South is for those who want a more relaxing ride, while the North route is more challenging and requires more skill.
Zermatt, Switzerland
While Verbier is the most popular skiing resort in the 4 Vallées area, Zermatt is a close second. It is another popular skiing destination during the winter and a cycling destination during the summer.
Keep in mind that since it’s such a popular resort, it can also cost you a pretty penny to spend your cycling holiday there, but the breathtaking views are worth it.
This is a magical place to ride. It takes you through some unforgettable trails that are filled with everything from wooded valleys to dazzling glacial peaks. Going to Zermatt will give you the opportunity to ride on the Matterhorn, which is home to seemingly never-ending singletracks.
Sauze D’Oulx, Italy
If you want to visit a cycling route that won’t overwhelm you but will still give you an unforgettable experience, the Sauze D’Oulx is a good choice. It’s located very near the French-Italian border and cyclists who know all the best places in the central Alps will always recommend this area.
While the riding area isn’t huge and it doesn’t offer nearly as much terrain as the other areas on our list, it’s perfect for cyclists of all skills. The terrain is very mellow and provides riders with a natural and flowing feel that both novices and experts will enjoy.
If you’re thinking about taking the whole family on your cycling holiday, this is the perfect destination because the trails aren’t so extreme but they’re very fun. It might not provide you with the adrenaline rush some cyclists are after, but it’s bound to give you a fun time and amazing views.
Lake Annecy, France
Photo by Rille Camera Strap on Unsplash
Those who’re after a leisurely ride and want to let go of all of their worries, soaking up the fresh air, should absolutely visit Lake Annecy in France. The majority of the circuit around it is flat and there is a dedicated path for cycling for the majority of the way, which makes it perfect for family rides.
The combination of the mountain and lake scenery and fresh air will make you feel as if you’re one with nature. There are also some beautiful villages such as Talloires and Menthon St Bernard along the way. So if you want to take a break to have a relaxing picnic by the lakeside, you will have ample opportunity to do so.
If you’re looking for ways to make this enjoyable ride even less strenuous for you and just enjoy the scenery, you can try e-biking. This is a great choice for those who want to relax as well as for beginners who are still learning the ropes of mountain biking.
Alpe d’Huez, France
Alpe d’Huez was made famous by the Megavalanche, which is an annual enduro mountain bike race that has been taking place since 1995. This is why this destination is a favorite among cyclists who are looking for a challenge. And this is exactly what you will get if you choose this route.
Taking your bike to Alpe d’Huez means you will face huge descents over glaciers, battle rocky singletracks, and explore forest trains. There is a variety of terrain for you to choose from and all of these factors make people consider riding at Alpe d’Huez modern enduro riding.
If that seems like something you would enjoy, this route will be an experience of a lifetime.
Crans-Montana, Switzerland
This is another very popular and somewhat expensive area to stay in, but that also means that there was a lot of work put into the downhill tracks. The two tracks that sit above the village are renewed as some of the best man-made runs in Switzerland.
The breathtaking scenery you will encounter combined with the height gains will turn the ride on this route into a gravity-assisted adventure that will leave you mesmerized and amazed. And if you take the Plaine Morte route to Violettes, you will get to experience the staggering view over glaciers.
Conclusion
No matter what cycling route you decide to visit in the Alps, you will have the riding experience of a lifetime and be rewarded with unforgettable scenery on the way. Of course, all of these routes are special in their own way and it’s up to you to choose the best one. If you need an adrenaline kick or you’re after a leisurely ride, you can find a cycling route that will feel like it was made just for you.
