The Alps have become a world-class cycling destination with something to offer everyone. Whether you’re chasing the adrenaline of downhill trails, taking on a steady and scenic road climb, or enjoying a gentle family ride on an e-bike, there’s a route to suit every style. Surrounded by mountain greenery and impressive sights that make luxury cycling holidays in the Alps so unforgettable, there truly is no better way to begin active days in the crisp alpine air.
With a plethora of summer resorts to choose from, the Alps offer a vast selection of biking trails ready to explore. Let us delve deeper into some of our favourites so you can choose your route and begin your Alpine adventure…
Mountain Biking in the Alps
Les Gets
Endless Portes du Soleil mountain biking opportunities await. With 650km of trails, the region stands as Europe’s largest mountain biking area and features some of the best bike parks in the Alps, including BikePark Les Gets. Les Gets has become a hugely popular destination for mountain bikers of all levels, thanks to 128km of marked trails across an array of downhill, cross-country, freestyle, freeride, and e-bike riding trails. And with the Portes du Soleil mountain pass, the possibilities feel almost unlimited.
Alternatively, the Pass’Portes du Soleil – a sensational annual event and tour between France and Switzerland – is perfect for lovers of mountain biking in the Alps who are keen to also explore the surrounding area!
Where to stay
Sleeping 10-12 guests in a lovely location just outside the resort centre. Everything you need for a luxury summer holiday in Les Gets is easily accessible from Chalet Avalon. Enjoy a stroll to the Chavannes lift, where countless trails at the Les Gets Bike Park await.
Verbier
Another top mountain bike resort is found within the Swiss Alps. Whether you’re out for a long weekend or spending the entire week, there are a variety of Verbier mountain biking trails for everyone to get involved. The Verbier 4 Vallées area includes 9 downhill trails, 23 enduro trails, and 500km of cross-country tracks, including the Tour du Mont Fort and the Tsenelle trail. All of which offer the opportunity to catch a glance over marvellous mountain views before racing down together and returning home to your luxury chalet in Verbier, promising an active adventure where time slows and memories are made with your loved ones.
Where to stay
Perched on the mountainside above the Médran lift station, Chalet Milou boasts 450m² of glorious alpine charm for 12 guests, where they can submerge themselves in the outdoor hot tub and amaze themselves with the scenic mountain views. Relax and recover those aching legs after a morning ride in the warm bubbles with a glass of champagne.
Road Cycling Holidays
Morzine
Despite the huge popularity of mountain biking, when cycling in the Alps, many people also turn to road cycling. With smooth roads and legendary climbs, alpine road cycling can be a surreal experience that lives long in the memory.
Luckily, Morzine is home to countless famous routes to try, including the Col de Joux Plane. As one of the iconic alpine road cycling routes connecting Morzine and Samoëns, this challenging cycle has been featured in the Tour de France 13 times over recent years, averaging a gradient of 8.6% with a peak elevation of 1,691m.
Where to stay
Positioned on the ascent to the Col de Joux Plane, Chalet Joux Plane is a truly luxurious stay for up to 14 guests. Available on a self-catered or catered basis with an endless list of immaculate facilities to keep you entertained on those relaxing sunny afternoons. A massage room, outdoor hot tub, steam room, and cinema room. Chalet Joux Plane has it all! Get up and tackle the Col de Joux Plane before cooling off in the remarkable 23m indoor/outdoor swimming pool.
Tignes
High-altitude alpine climbs with stunning lake views – what more could you want from road cycling in the French Alps? Tignes also includes an array of iconic road bike climbs in the French Alps, such as the Col de I’Iseran up at 2,770 metres, one of the highest and most challenging climbs in Europe, covering roughly 47km, reaching a gradient of 8.6%!
As well as that, you have the Tignes loop via Lac du Chevril. This intermediate loop is a terrific experience that leads into Val d’Isère and heads back into Tignes. Passing through charming villages, idyllic forests, sensational waterfalls, and impressive cliffs. It is the perfect route offering a bit of everything. Get up early for an active morning and enjoy a well-deserved coffee after. Cycling holidays in the Alps have never been better!
Where to stay
Annapurna Lodge Macha is found in Tignes Le Lac, which is ideal for all summer activities. The chalet includes a marvellous indoor hot tub and a luxurious sauna, so all 10 guests can feel revitalised following a long summer’s bike ride. This chalet can also be combined with Annapurna Lodge Ganga for larger stays.
E-Biking in the Mountains
The Dolomites
With the Alps being one of the top summer destinations for a luxury family holiday, some groups prefer a more casual ride, where they can soak up the mountain sunshine and take in the scenic sights. Fortunately, e-biking delivers just that. Memorable Dolomites cycling tours are the ideal activity for your family summer holiday. With 600km of official hiking and mountain biking trails, why not take full advantage of the assisted e-bikes which can easily power you round some of the impressive mountains?
Discover various regions of the Dolomites from Selva Val Gardena to Ortisei and many others. When cycling in the Alps, time can be spent on the Family Tour Val d’Anna, a gentle cycle path with minimal traffic, taking you to the Col de Flam climbing garden. A great spot for the kids to enjoy themselves while the adults relax and unwind.
Where to stay
A fabulous array of summer chalets in the Dolomites includes Chalet Vilaiet in Ortisei. Relax in its peaceful location with the incredible natural beauty that surrounds the chalet. A dream stay for up to 7 guests, featuring an outdoor heated swimming pool.
St Anton
There are many amazing summer activities to choose from in St Anton. However, the challenging climb up the Nessler Alm can be made a lot easier when assisted by e-bikes. Wide forest paths that pass by beautiful meadows; the end result is magnificent views of the Hoher Riffle, Pettneu and the Stanzertal.
Another option from the 200km of marked trails around St Anton is the Stanzertal Cycle Path that starts from Flirsch and runs alongside the Rosanna River – a lovely setting for a summer mountain bike ride! This is an Alps summer cycling holiday at its best in St Anton.
Where to stay
Carefully designed to accommodate larger groups of up to 23 guests. Chalet Lena provides 900m² of living space in the Nasserein district, outside the heart of St Anton. Observe the uninterrupted valley views from one of the various balconies as the sun begins to set behind the mountains.
Biking Events
Some of the best cycling destinations in the Alps also host the most incredible bike events, including the Verbier Bike Festival, Haute Route, and many others. Famous for its widely popular events, the Portes du Soleil hosts the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup and the Pass’Portes du Soleil. Why not escape for a luxury mountain biking holiday in Morzine?
The Alps are there to be explored, where navigating on two wheels provides a thrilling experience. If you are keen to visit any of the resorts covered in this guide and want to discover what biking in the Alps is truly all about. Simply give us a call on +44 1202 203659 or feel free to send us an email and begin planning an active summer holiday.
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