EPIC Trans Swiss

Today’s ride sets the tone for the week. Leaving the hotel you’ll start climbing the lower slopes of the Col du Pillon. At the summit of the Pillon, French quickly switches to German as you enter this German-speaking region of Switzerland. The ride continues with the stunning Mittelberg and Jaunpass climbs before the descent to Thunersee and the end of a sensational day of riding in the Swiss Alps.

Tip: have a coffee-stop in Gstaad, the absolute picture perfect Swiss town – and they have fantastic coffee and pastries too!

Grosse Scheidegg is the highlight of today’s ride. This remarkable climb winds its way through some of the highest peaks in Europe, including the famous North Face of the Eiger. Ask any cyclist who’s had the good fortune to ride this climb and they will no doubt tell you that it’s in their list of Top 10 climbs in Europe – it’s that good! The fun continues after Grosse Scheidegg with the 25km (15 miles) Grimselpass, topping out at 2,200m (7,200ft).

Tip: the road to Grosse Scheidegg is closed to regular traffic from Grindenwald – but there are regular shuttle buses taking hikers to the summit. The buses can take up most of the road on the switchbacks – so just keep an eye out for them and stay well to the right if you’re on a switchback.

The “spectacular” theme continues, with an amazing loop over 3 Hors-Categorie climbs. Highlight of the day is, without a doubt, the cobbled Saint Gotthardpass. Only the Swiss could maintain such perfect cobbles, painstakingly repairing the road every spring. There are 2 other roads that lead to the summit, so you can enjoy the old, cobbled road without any traffic. In addition to the Saint Gotthard you’ll also conquer the Nufenenpass and the Furkapass, both of which rise to over 2,400m (7,900ft).

Tip: the St Gotthardpass is definitely one to enjoy and take in the surrounding scenery. Climbing 13km (8 miles) on cobbles is tough, even if they are very smooth, so best not to push too hard and just enjoy the ride.

Your journey eastward across the Swiss Alps continues with this magnificent ride across the Furkapass and the Oberalppass. On the Oberalppass keep an eye out for the famous Glacier Express train which runs alongside the road, linking St Moritz and the Matterhorn. The ride ends with a sensational 25km (15 miles) stretch of single-lane road perched high above the valley

Tip: as you’re climbing the Furkapass, look off to your left for some incredible photo ops of the Grimselpass switchbacks in the distance

Today’s ride features the Albulapass, one of the top climbs in Switzerland and often included in the annual Tour de Suisse stage race. From the hotel, enjoy the first 35km through typical Swiss countryside before reaching Filisur and the start of today’s main climb, the Albulapass. The summit lies 23km up the road at 2,300m (7,500ft) so you’ll need to pace yourself for this huge HC climb. From the Albulapass, enjoy the long descent to your hotel in St Moritz.

Today’s ride doesn’t need much introduction. On the agenda is the mighty Passo Stelvio! 24 km (15 miles), 48 switchbacks and an average grade of almost 7.5%, the Stelvio is one of those climbs that every cyclist has to ride at least once in their lifetime. You’ll start the day climbing the Ofenpass from Zernez 21 Km (13 miles) which provides the perfect warm-up before tacking the Stelvio. From the Ofenpass, enjoy the long descent to Prato Allo Stelvio and the start of your final climb and the end of a wonderfully epic ride!

Tip: the Stelvio is a long and challenging climb. Make sure to pace yourself and don’t forget proper hydration and nutrition all the way up the climb.

Unfortunately, your trip across Switzerland has come to an end.

Our shuttle will drop you off at Milan Malpensa Airport.