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The Col du Galibier is Back!

Ride Epic Cols with the BoC Team

The Alpine Escape is the original BoC Escape. Since 2018 we've been operating this event, and for good reason. With an amazing choice of climbs on our doorstep, this trip will allow you to ride not only the highest Cols of Europe, but we'll also take you on some hidden climbs and some of the most stunning routes in Europe. Our trip will also allow you to ride many of the climbs that have featured in the Alpine stages of the Tour de France and Etape du Tour in recent years, such as the Col de l’Iseran, Cormet de Roselend, Notre Dame du Pre, and back for 2024 - the Col du Telegraphe and Col du Galibier.

Fully Supported

From the moment you arrive in Geneva, you will have nothing to think about other than riding and relaxing in our Alpine guesthouse. We'll provide everything for you, including airport transfers, daily cooked breakfasts and three course dinners with our in house chefs, energy drinks and bars, route guidance and van support on each ride, as well as Band of Climbers cycling kit.

The itinerary of the trip is as follows (although it is subject to change based on weather conditions and cols being open day to day)

Day 1 : Arrival 

Arrive at Geneva Airport, at or before 11am. You will meet the BoC transfer team who will drive you and your bike to the chalet. (2.5hrs approx.) After arriving at the chalet, we'll have a light lunch, set up our bikes and have an easy afternoon spin up our first climb to get the legs moving after your flights.

A three course dinner with wine is served at the chalet each evening around 7:30pm.

Distance : 41km : Elevation 1200m.

Day 2 : Crossing into Italy 

Today we'll ride many of the familiar routes of the Tour de France and the Criterium du Dauphine, as we cross the border into Italy and back.

We begin with a long and steady 35km climb of the Col du Petit St Bernard. At almost 5% all the way up, it's a gradual welcome to the Alps, before the steep stuff begins later in the day.

After we leave the ski resort of La Rosiere we'll ride to the summit of the Petit St Bernard, where the French and Italian Borders meet. We'll cross the border and descend the incredible Italian side of the climb into La Thuile. We'll regroup, and enjoy coffee and lunch in this scenic town. We'll then head further into Italy, and head on a loop over the super steep climb of Colle San Carlo, with an average gradient of 10% for 10km. 

Once we pass the summit, we ride back to La Thuile, and back up the Italian side of the Col du Petit St Bernard, and back into France. We come back via a slight detour down the 'Pink Road' to get familiar with it before we climb this section tomorrow. 

Distance : 133km : Elevation 3200m.

Day 3 : Europe's Highest Double 

A new route for our 2024 Alpine Escape, today we climb both sides of Europe's Highest Paved Col, the massive Col de l'Iseran. At 2770m, the Iseran is a true giant. We begin our day with a drive to the ski resort of Val d'Isere. We begin our ride here, to avoid the heavy traffic on the slower slopes.

We climb right from the start, with a 14km ascent of the northern side of the Iseran, before we drop down to Bonneval Sur Arc for a coffee stop on the southern side. From here, we turn back, climb the much tougher southern side, back to the summit. 

We then face a 30km 'rolling descent' before adding one final climb to the legs, the steep Pink Road. No trip to the Alps is complete without climbing this section, and today is the day. 

Distance : 114km: Elevation 2800m.

Day 4 : The rest day 

Today we won't venture too far from the chalet, staying at a much lower elevation, riding one of our favourite climbs in the region, Notre Dame du Pre, which has featured twice in the Tour de France, including in 2023. A shorter day, we've found adding an 'easier day' helps prepare the body for the 4000m queen stage to follow.

Distance : 68km : Elevation 1700m + option to add a further 12km climb

Day 5 : The Queen Stage - Galibier

As Queen Stages go, this is a big one. Today we face 3 legendary climbs in a new route for 2024. First up is The Col du Telegraphe, followed by the massive Col du Galibier. A huge descent to Bourg d'Oisans down the Col du Lautaret follows, before we face one final climb of the Col de la Croix de Fer, with a descent of the Col du Glandon to Le Chambre. 

A point to point ride, our day begins and ends with a 1 hour drive. First to the foot of the Telegraphe, before we ride back to Le Chambre, for a ride home in the support van.  

This new route for 2024 is one we're super excited about and we can't wait to ride it with you.

Distance : 150km : Elevation 4100m

Day 6 : The Beautiful Roselend

For our final ride, we head to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the French Alps. The stunning Cormet de Roselend to Beaufort and back via the brutally tough Col du Pré. A hard day today on climbs featured in the 2018 and 2023 Tour de France.

After the Roselend, we'll drop into Beaufort for the best cafe stop in the Alps, before riding over the lesser known Col du Saises on a loop which takes us back to Beaufort. We then hit the toughest climb of the day, the Col du Pré, before rejoining the Cormet de Roselend and ride back to Bourg St Maurice on the best descent in the Alps. 

Distance : 125km : Elevation 3200m

Day 7 : Departure Day : We'll help you pack up your bikes, and after breakfast we'll transfer you back to Geneva Airport for your flight departures home. With all those memories to take with you. Any return flight should be after 9.30am.

This trip is limited to just 12 places.

 

What is Included?

• 6 night stay in a shared twin room in our Alpine Chalet - complete with outdoor hot tub, and en suite bathrooms.
• Daily cooked breakfasts and three course dinners - cooked in house by our private chef, served with wine at dinner.
• In house laundry service
• Daily van supported rides and mechanical support
• Ride Guides from Band of Climbers
• All energy gels, drinks and bars
• Airport transfers to and from Geneva Airport in private vehicles
• 1 x Exclusive Band of Climbers Escapes Jersey

What is not included?

• Flights
• Insurance
• Spare parts or equipment
• Medical Cover
• Bike hire
• Coffee or cafe-bought snacks/lunch during rides
• Additional nights accommodation

Please note all guests will be required to sign an entry waiver in order to take part in a Band of Climbers Escape. The waiver will be sent to you after your place on the Escape is confirmed. 

Costs

Total cost for the Escape is £1850.00 per person. £200 non-refundable deposit is payable upon booking your place, with the balance of £1650 to be paid 14 weeks before the Escape begins.

All prices include VAT and taxes where applicable. For any questions about the trip, please email us at hello@bandofclimbers.com.

Recommended Flight Info 

Arrivals : Please fly into Geneva Airport BEFORE 11:00am on Sunday 9th June 2024, in order to join our scheduled transfer for our riders at circa 11:30am. If you cannot find a flight that lands before 11:00am. We suggest flying in a day early, on the 8th, and staying in an airport hotel overnight (not included).

Departures : Please book a return flight AFTER 09.30am from Geneva Airport on Saturday 15th June to your chosen destination. Our scheduled transfer is based on the earliest flight time of all guests. But your flight should not be before 09.30am due to the transfer time to the airport. Any flights booked before 09.30am will require a private transfer at an additional cost of £300.

Refunds and Cancellations

Read our guest, and organiser refund POLICY HERE.