After arriving and setting up bikes (and having a spot of lunch) we’ll head out for a bike check to visit the incredible natural beauty of the Cirque du Sixt-fer-a-Cheval.

It's a gentle climb alongside the river Giffre arriving at the stunning centre of the Cirque. We then turn around and head back to the chalet.

Today we leave the chalet and ride out along the Giffre valley to the small town of Mieussy. This is the starting point of the Col de la Ramaz which is regularly used in the Tour de France. We wind our way up through lovely alpine meadows and be sure to save some energy for the steep section through the tunnel which hits almost 12%.

We descend part way down the Ramaz and turn off onto the deserted road which leads to the Col d'Encrenaz. This beautiful road leads us over to Morzine where we turn and head up to Les Gets.

This short steady climb takes us through the ski resort and we descend via the small hamlet of Rond on another very quiet road.

Once back in the Giffre valley we cross the river and ride back to Samoens via Morillon and the satisfaction of getting your first day done.

Today we cross the Arve Valley and head into the Aravis mountains.

2 big cols await: The Romme and the Colombière. Both have their own special character.

We arrive at the Romme first and the climb looks daunting as you approach the lower slopes. The road rises away in front of you, hugging the cliff face above Cluses. It is relentless, climbing almost 9km at 9%.

Once over the Romme we descent down to the village of Le Reposoir which is the gateway to the upper slopes of the Colombière. We're now above the tree line and can see the far off col almost as soon as we start climbing. We'll pause for some well needed refreshment at the col, before dropping down into the ski resort of Le Grand Bornand.

From here we descend through the stunning Gorges des Bornes and out into the Arve Valley.

Here we pick up a bike path which leads us to the short and gentle climb up to the Col du Chatillon from where it's a short few kms back to Samoëns.

A recovery day today, keeping close to Samoëns and the river Giffre, while still enjoying two incredibly quiet climbs.

It's likely we won't even meet a single car on the road to Les Esserts (Morillon 1100) which is a tough climb of 4km at 9%.

It is a lovely descent back down to the valley, with views of the spectacular Criou mountain which towers over Samoëns.

From Taninges we climb up to Rond, through perfect forests and past numerous mountain streams. The descent back to Taninges is fast and fun, and leaves only a short ride along the valley to get back to the chalet for a relaxing afternoon enjoying the beautiful town of Samoëns.

Today is a big day out. We tackle the entire Col du Colombière and the brutally steep climb up to the Plateau des Glieres.

taking the road again to Cluses, we cross the Arve and begin the Colombière from Scionzier. This is a monster 17km at an average of 6.8%. The climbing does ease a little in the hamlet of Le Reposoir, before kicking up again towards the col.

After a nice refreshing drink at the top, we descend through Le Grand Bornand and part of the way down the Gorges des Bornes.

This time through we take a left turn onto the tiny road which winds up the cliff face to the Plateau des Glieres. This climb was first used in the Tour de France only in 2018, and created a lot of discussion due to the short gravel section at the top. It was used again in 2020, and the severe gradient caused problems for a lot of riders. Whilst short (6km) is has an average gradient of 10.8%!

Once at the top we'll have a short stop to take in the monument to the French Resistance before descending again to Thoren-Glieres. We're now on rolling roads back towards the Arve valley and the climb up to Chatillon.

Once over the col we're a short spin back along the Giffre to Samoëns.

We begin with the legendary Joux Plane from Samoëns today to finish off your week.

This climb is a Tour de France staple, and tops out at 1684m. We ride through meadows, past working farms, into the Verchaix forest from where we get spectacular views of Mont Blanc. It's worth stopping to take photos at the hairpins (not only to rest the legs!).

We then get above the tree line and reach the col after 11km at 8.8%.

Then we have the ski run descent down into Morzine (the road is a piste in the winter). We ride through the town to Montriond where we start the Joux Verte. This is a beautiful, quiet climb, taking us up to the ski station of Avoriaz. We pass by the "goat village" of Les Lindarets which is always special. Dropping down again to Morzine we approach your final climb of the week.

The Col d'Encrenaz is now taken in the opposite direction from earlier in the week, opening up to give great views over Morzine and towards the peak of the Roc d'Enfer.

All that's left for you now is to descend back to the valley floor and enjoy the spin back to Samoëns where we'll pack up the bikes ahead of the departure tomorrow.