[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

The Best Places to Cycle in the French Alps

As temperatures increase and the snow melts, thrill seekers look for other ways to get their adrenaline rush in the mountains. Thanks to the millions of people across the globe watch the Tour de France pass through the region each year, the Alps has established itself as one of the greatest cycling locations in the world. We’ve shared some of the best places to cycle in the Alps to help you choose your cycling holiday destination.

When to Cycle in the Alps

Alps Cycling Season

Loved by skiers and cyclists alike, the Alps is a place with two distinct seasons. For half the year, during the winter months, most of the best climbs are covered with snow and ice and the low temperatures don’t make for a pleasant trip.

The cycling season in the Alps generally runs from mid-April to mid-October, although areas above 1,500m, such as the Col du Galibier, are usually open from Mid-May/June to September.

Weather

The Alps is a mountainous region and subject to variable weather, with temperature variations of up to 10C from one day to the next.

Generally, July and August are the driest months, with rainfall occurring in short, heavy afternoon storms.

Whilst June to August offer the highest temperatures, September is one of the best months for cycling in the Alps, with temperatures dropping slightly.

It is also worth noting that weather conditions at the foot of a climb may not be the same at the summit and conditions can rapidly change at any time of year. As a rule, temperatures fall by 6.5C per 1000m increase in altitude, although this difference can be much more dramatic.

Traffic

The Alps are a popular holiday destination, and with this popularity comes the associated traffic.

Traffic is at its peak from mid-July to the end of August, with the roads up to the highest or most famous passes the busiest.

Passing through the region in July each year, the Tour de France brings significant crowds. If you want to avoid this, visit a couple of weeks before or after the race.

Cycling Destinations in the Alps

The dramatic landscape of the Alps might make a spectacular cycling location, but it does cause some difficulty in getting from A to B.

We recommend these destinations as a base within each reach of the best mountain passes:

Annecy

A beautiful town next to a lake, Annecy is the perfect destination for those looking to explore lower or quieter climbs.

Climbs nearby: La Semnoz and Col de la Colombiere.

Getting there: Transfers from Geneva Airport to Annecy take approximately 45 minutes.

Bourg d’Oisans

A small town in the Romanche Valley, Bourg d’Oisans sits at the foot of Alpe d’Huez and is a popular option for cyclists visiting the area.

Climbs nearby: Alpe d’Huez, Col du Glandon, Col de Sarenne, Col du Galibier and Les Duex Alpes.

Getting there: Transfers from Geneva Airport to Bourg D’Oissans take approximately 2 hours 20 minutes.

Morzine

Situated at the foot of the Col du Joux Plane, Morzine is perfect for reaching iconic Tour de France climbs as well as popular mountain biking routes in the Portes du Soleil area.

Climbs nearby: Col du Joux, Col De Ramaz, Cole de la Joux Verte, Avoriaz and Col de la Ramaz.

Getting there: Transfers from Geneva Airport to Morzine take approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.

Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne

Close to the capital of uphill cycling, Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne, Saint Michel-de-Maurienne is the perfect base for outdoor enthusiasts.

Climbs nearby: Croix de Fer, Galibier, Glandon, Lacets de Montvernier and Madeleine.

Getting there: Transfers from Geneva Airport to Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne take approximately 1 hour 55 minutes.

The Best Climbs in the Alps

Alpe d’Huez

With views of over a fifth of France, Alpe d’Huez is one of the most iconic climbs in the French Alps. Featuring 21 hairpins and the famous ‘Dutch Corner’, this climb has featured in the Tour de France 28 times since 1952.

Length: 13.2km

Average gradient: 8.1%

Elevation gain: 1,071m

Lacets de Montvernier

Despite only being 277m high, Lacets de Montvernier is by no means an easy climb. Featuring 18 hairpin bends, this pass was made famous by the 2015 Tour de France when it captivated the world.

Length: 3.4km

Average gradient: 8.5%

Elevation gain: 277m

Col du Galibier

Scalable both the north and the south, Col du Galibier is ranked as hors catégorie (beyond category) by the Tour de France, making this not an option for the faint-hearted.

Length: 18.1km (from Valloire)

Average gradient: 6.9%

Elevation gain: 1,245m

Col de la Madeline

There are two ways to approach Madeline, each providing its own unique challenges. One of the toughest climbs, cyclists are rewarded with stunning views of Le Massif de la Lauziere and Mont Blanc.

South from La Chambre

Length: 19km

Average gradient: 8%

Elevation gain: 1,529m

North from Augueblanche

Length: 28.3km

Average gradient: 5.4%

Elevation gain: 1.540m

Col du Telegraphe

A gateway to the Galibier, Col du Telegraphe is consistent throughout its entire length, letting you find your rhythm in these magnificent surroundings.

Length: 11.8km

Average gradient: 7.8%

Elevation gain: 856m

We hope these incredible places to cycle in the Alps has helped to inspire your next cycling holiday.

If you’re planning a cycling holiday to the Alps, get an instant quote from Ski-Lifts. Ski-Lifts will provide hassle-free and reliable transfers from the airport to your cycling destination. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

10 Reasons you should go on a ski holiday to Canada

Stretching from the USA in the south, to the Arctic Circle in the north, Canada is the ultimate destination for a ski holiday. Combining vast areas of wilderness with bustling cosmopolitan cities, Canada offers huge variety with one of the most reliable snowfalls in the world.

If you are thinking about destinations for a winter break, here are 10 reasons why you go on a ski holiday in Canada:

10. The Snow

Snow is one of the main considerations for a winter ski holiday. The last thing you want to worry about after booking a ski holiday is if there is going to be enough snow to enjoy the slopes. A nation renowned for its snow, Canada offers quality and reliability.

Unlike some European resorts, Canada rarely has a poor snow year and Canmore received nearly 2 feet of snow in April 2017 alone! With a season spanning from mid-November to the end of May (even later if you count glacier skiing), there is plenty of time to take advantage of these snow-sure slopes.

9. Uncrowded

It’s never fun to spend half of your ski holiday waiting in long lines, only to then feel rushed when you do finally make it onto the slopes. If you want to spend your ski holiday skiing, then Canada is the destination for you.

The world’s second largest country by total area, Canada’s ski resorts benefit from a lack of crowds. Even on busy days, resorts are never overcrowded or have long lines and it is easy to find a quiet space thanks to the massive acreage offered.

Whistler Blackcomb is North America’s largest ski resort and transfers from Vancouver Airport to Whistler Blackcomb take approximately 2 hours.

8. Exceptional Service

Ski resorts in Canada provide outstanding service with a genuine smile. Apart from snow, Canada is also known for its friendliness and ski towns are filled with polite locals willing you to have a great time on your ski holiday. Providing the highest level of customer service with an infectious level of passion and enthusiasm, ski resorts in Canada provide exceptional service.

7. World-class Facilities

If the incredible snow wasn’t enough of a reason to visit Canada for a ski holiday, the incredible facilities certainly are!

With most resorts built-for-purpose, accommodation is of a great standard, with a lot being ski-in ski-out and on a larger scale than in Europe. The majority of villages are fully pedestrianised and there is a good range of restaurants catering for all tastes and budgets.

Modern, fast lifts transport you to perfectly groomed slopes and off-piste is easily accessible, giving you more powder snow!

Speaking of off-piste, unlike in Europe, everything inside the ski area boundary is patrolled and made safe by the resort. As long as the tree run or powder bowel is within the rope-marked boundary, you can ski wherever you want!

6. The Scenery

Any mountain covered in snow makes for a spectacular backdrop, but the National Parks in Canada are truly breathtaking.

The ski resorts blend perfectly with the astounding natural beauty and Elk and mountain goats are frequent visitors to Lake Louise.

With some of the world’s largest dark sky preserves, lucky skiers might catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights in Banff, and a trip to the Banff Upper Hot Springs is a must!

5. Amazing Value

Although you might think of Canada as an expensive option, it couldn’t be further from the truth. When you consider the outstanding facilities and services offered, Canadian ski resorts offer incredible value for money.

Early bird deals are often available until the middle of November and offers such as free rentals are common.

4. Wide Variety

In addition to the incredible, world-class facilities on offer, many ski resorts cater to every level, from complete beginners to experts, children to adults.

Those looking for an adrenaline rush will be pleased to know that British Colombia is one of the world’s best locations for adventure activities, with ski resorts such as Whistler Blackcomb offering amazing heli-skiing options.

If you’re looking for something a little wilder, then Panorama is a great choice.

There are also plenty of things to do for non-skiers, with spas, shopping, hiking and other winter activities just some of the many things on offer.

3. Best Ski Schools

Whatever your ability, there is the perfect ski school for you. Canada has some of the best ski schools in the world and is an ideal place to learn or improve your skills on the snow. Benefit from small class sizes and instructors well trained in safety so you can truly take advantage of these incredible slopes.

2. No language barrier

Although it’s nice to immerse yourself in other cultures whilst travelling for a ski holiday, sometimes it makes things a bit easier if you speak a common language. Whether it be learning how to ski for the first time, finding out the best secret spots or in emergency situations, speaking the native language makes communicating much easier.

1. Bluebird powder days

One of the biggest reasons for visiting Canada for a ski holiday is bluebird powder days. Thanks to their Inland location, resorts like Banff boast some of the highest numbers of bluebird powder days. By the time snow has crossed the coastal ranges, snow is dry and light, giving clear skies, feathery light powder and the ultimate ski experience.

We hope this post has inspired you to have a ski holiday in Canada!

Don’t forget, if you’re planning a ski holiday to Canada, make sure you get an instant quote for your airport transfer from Calgary Airport or Vancouver Airport to the ski resort.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]