A TASTE FOR THE ROUGH STUFF.
VALIAS OFFERS THE BEST ROAD CYCLING IN THE WORLD, BUT HIDDEN AWAY FROM THE THE HAIRPINS ARE SOME OF THE BEST GRAVEL TRACKS YOU’LL EVER RIDE. AFTER YEARS OF EXPLORING THE REGION, WE’VE CURATED THE BEST ‘ROADS LESS TRAVELLED’, SO JOIN US FOR A WEEK OF CULTURE, EXPLORATION AND CHUNKY TIRES.
A weekend of adventure riding and exploring the gravel roads, trails and quiet lanes of Valais, Switzerland. Perhaps more known for it's incredible downhill and enduro mountain biking, the region also has A vast trail network ideal for gravel riding. The stunning region is filled with a variety of terrain INCLUDING undulating vineyards, forest trails and single trails below mountain peaks towering 4,000m high - TRULY A CYCLING paradise. The weekend will include a mix of terrain - road and offroad.
What is offroad? A mix of gravel forestry roads, farm tracks and single tracks.
Expert local guiding and in-ride support.
Curated bike friendly accommodation.
Gravel riding tutorials and coaching.
Picnic lunches and nutrition.
4 nights accommodation including breakfast in B&B style accommodation.
READY TO BOOK?
Bespoke Adventure: For those looking for a more advanced gravel experience with camping and longer rides, this can also be organised with a custom itinerary. If you are wanting to get into adventure riding, looking for training with technical and tactical descents and ascents, please get in touch and we would be happy to prepare an itinerary.
We love gravel, that’s why we have hosted the biggest gravel EVENT IN THE REGION.
THE VERBIER GRAVEL CHALLENGE showcases the wide diversity of riding in the Val de Bagnes region. using smooth descents on tarmac and climbing on the numerous quiet gravel roads that zig zag through the fields and forests, it’s simply unforgettable.
ITINERARY
Day 0: Arrive
Bike preparation, debrief and welcome beers.
Day 1 - Le Chable - Mauvoisin Dam
We leave in the morning and head up towards the Mauvoisin dam. A mix of paved roads and access roads, this beautiful climb towards Cabane de Chanrion at 2,640m through a series of tunnels then opens up to expose a trail along the greenish reservoir. We stop for a picnic lunch at Cabane de Chanrion surrounded by whistling marmots, amazing views of open meadows and high mountains, it's a really special place just to appreciate your surroundings and nature. This 80km ride with over 2,000m definitely gets the legs warmed up!
Day 2 - Le Chable - Champex lac - Grand St Bernard - Le Chable
A warm up start towards Champex Lax at 1,460m, a beautiful glacial lake where we will do a few trails which are a bit more technical with 30% descents. After a stop for a coffee, it's up the valley toward the Col du Grand St Bernard at 2,649m, the third highest road in Switzerland. A bite of lunch with the monks before continuing our journey down the valley back to Le Chable. A great varied 80km loop that includes a bit of everything.
Day 3 - Le Chable - Martigny - Le Marracotte - Emosson Dam - Le Chable
We explore more of the valley today heading down to the valley floor and ascending through Marracotte along the Martigny - Chamonix train line to Finhaut to where we pick up the Tour de France 2016 route to Emosson Dam. There is also an optional ride to a dam higher up where you can see dinosaur prints but with a 20% average gradient you certainly have to be up for it and have to work for it! Luckily, the road is at least paved. Lunch is taken at the top of the Emosson dam overlooking Chamonix and Mont Blanc. The descent back is a mix of gravel and road to Martigny where we catch the train back to Le Chable. A 70km loop ride with 2,000m of vertical over varied terrain.