Gran Fondo Samoëns

Kilometres of riding 30 km

Metres of climbing 400m

After your transfer from Geneva Airport to Samoëns we’ll get checked in to the hotel and set up the bikes. Late afternoon we will take a quick ride out in the valley, maybe having a quick look at the climb up to Les Esserts (one of the climbs in the Gran Fondo). 

Kilometres of riding 61km

Metres of climbing 1330m

Today we take on your first Tour de France climb (and a key climb in the Gran Fondo) – the Col de la Ramaz. This climb has featured in the Tour five times in the past (1981, 2003, 2010, 2016 and 2023). You will climb it from Mieussy (14km at 7%) after a good warm up down the valley to prepare the legs for the effort. 

The climb is pretty steady for most of the way, but be ready for the steep few kilometres through the tunnel before the road arrives at the plateau of Sommand. From here there is just a few kilometres left before you crest the col at 1619m. Be sure to stop for the views of the Mont Blanc range before heading down through the ski station of Praz de Lys and the forested descent to Fry. We descend to Taninges on the quiet road we climbed yesterday and spin home up the Giffre valley to Samoëns. 

Kilometres of riding 65km

Metres of climbing 1210m

Today’s route takes us out along the floor of the Giffre valley to Taninges. From here you will take an extremely quiet road that climbs steadily up to Rond. You will ride through alpine forests before meeting the road to the Col d’Encrenaz. You might not think it possible but this road is even quieter than the one to Rond – and feels like you are riding into complete wilderness. There’s a cafe at the top where we’ll stop for refreshment, before dropping down into Morzine, and picking up the road back through Les Gets whose enjoyable descent takes us back into Taninges. From there it is a quick spin back up the valley to the village for lunch.

We’ll pick up the race pack in the evening and prepare the bikes for day 1 of the Gran Fondo before getting a good night’s sleep. 

Kilometres of riding 130km

Metres of climbing 3980m

We’ll be up and breakfasted early before rolling down to the start line for day 1 of the Gran Fondo.

The Grand Fondo route is 130km with almost 4000m of climbing. You’ll ride the Joux Plane, Joux Verte (Avoriaz), and the Col de la Ramaz (as well as a few other smaller bumps).

The Medio Fondo option is shorter at 85km and 2800m of ascent. You’ll ride the same cols, just in a more compact route versus the Gran Fondo. 

Whichever route you choose the finish is up at the ski station of Les Praz-des-Lys. Fortunately from there it is just downhill and flat back into Samoëns where we’ll have a hearty dinner and an early night ready for day 2. 

Kilometres of riding 140km

Metres of climbing 4300m

Today we’ll wake up (hopefully) refreshed and ready for day 2 of your challenge.

The Grand Fondo route for day 2 is 140km with 4300m of climbing. You’ll ride the climb to Les Esserts, the Col de Jambaz, Joux Plane, and finish on the climb to the ski station of Samoëns 1600.

The Medio Fondo option is shorter at 112km and 3000m of ascent. You’ll ride the same cols, again just in a more compact route versus the Gran Fondo. 

Whichever route you choose the finish is up at the ski station of Samoëns 1600. Like day 1, it is a downhill freewheel back into Samoëns where we can grab some celebratory drinks before heading for a big dinner. 

Kilometres of riding 36km

Metres of climbing 720m

We’ll have a late start today and head out after lunch to spin out the legs following your weekend efforts. 

The Cirque de Sixt-fer-à-Cheval is a must-be-seen-to-be-believed dead end valley with countless waterfalls cascading down hundreds metres of sheer rock faces. The ride out there is a gentle climb all the way, with a  stop at the cafe guaranteed. On the way back to Samoëns we’ll take a detour to climb up to the refreshing Cascades de Rouget. 

Your transfer will leave for Geneva airport after breakfast.