10 epic Alpine challenges
Road Cycling Collection by komoot
10
Tours
74:41 h
712 mi
102,950 ft
As a road cyclist, you will be familiar with the proverbial ups and downs of a good cycling challenge. You love the arduous effort it takes to get up a seemingly endless ascent, while the anticipation of an upcoming descent drives you up even the steepest of hills. When you're done, you swear on your favorite saddle that you'll never do that again—just to start researching your next adventure barely 48 hours later. Sound familiar?
If so, we’ve got just the right thing for you: In this Collection, we’ve compiled ten truly extraordinary challenges for you. And not just anywhere —in the Alps, one of Europe’s most epic mountain ranges, the place where cycling legends were born. These mountains have long served as the venue of the toughest stage races and are world-renowned for their brutal but beautiful climbs. And while you’re sure to wear yourself out on each of our suggested Tours, the rewards are worth the effort: The magnificent landscape of the Alps, with its breathtaking views and thrilling hairpin descents, are compensation enough for all of your hard work—making for a truly unforgettable experience.
In our Collection, it's the mountain passes that take centerstage: Each Tour evolves around at least one pass – a mix of real classics, some modern twists, and—of course—including a ton of insider tips. We also offer a range of levels of difficulty, from super tough rides that you may want to split into several stages (something we took into account and where we've made appropriate recommendations) to a few shorter rides suitable for more novice road cyclists.
Whichever Tour you choose, however, just keep in mind that you will be traveling in Alpine terrain. Plan realistically and book your accommodation in advance. especially if you want to break your ride up into stages. Check ahead of time if there are any travel restrictions, if the passes are open, observe the weather forecast and be prepared for unexpected changes. Take enough food and drink with you, pack your emergency tool and bring plenty of spare parts. Last but not least, make sure that your phone has got enough battery and your GPS device is charged, and consider taking a fully charged power bank with you if you plan on completing one of the longer Tours.
Get it right, and be in for an unforgettable time in the Alps.
On The Map
Tours & Highlights
- 11:38109 mi9.3 mph17,825 ft14,275 ftExpertExpert road ride. Very good fitness required. Some portions of the Tour may require you to push your bike.
Alpe d'Huez is one of the most famous Tour de France climbs. Exceptional is this driveway alone, because it has managed here to create a myth of cycling from a not really nice retort ski resort, as in 1953 for the first time the peloton of the Tour de France the 21 bends - each one after one of Stage…
by komoot
- 07:1465.9 mi9.1 mph10,525 ft10,525 ftExpertExpert road ride. Very good fitness required. Some portions of the Tour may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
This tour takes you straight over three legendary passes in Switzerland and is thus despite a manageable 107 kilometers in length a real challenge. You will exceed three times the magical 2000-meter mark and work out a total of 3220 vertical meters.
Start is in Andermatt in the canton of Uri. From here…
by komoot
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- 03:0224.8 mi8.2 mph4,925 ft2,225 ftExpertExpert road ride. Very good fitness required. Some portions of the Tour may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
Albula is certainly not the first name to fall when talking about challenging alpine passes. It's a pity, because he has a lot to offer, which is why we want to recommend the Albula as an extraordinarily beautiful challenge. Actually, he has everything that makes the racing cyclist's heart beat faster…
by komoot
- 04:1241.0 mi9.8 mph6,375 ft6,375 ftExpertExpert road ride. Very good fitness required. Some portions of the Tour may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
The Queen of the Pass roads, Passo dello Stelvio or Stelvio - there are many names that all describe the same thing. 1844 meters in altitude and around 25 kilometers on Italy's highest road pass, whose 48 bends among roadies are among the best-known and most popular climbs of all and thus undoubtedly…
by komoot
- 13:47147 mi10.6 mph18,250 ft18,275 ftExpertExpert road ride. Very good fitness required. Some portions of the Tour may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
238 kilometers and 5500 meters in altitude are an announcement, regardless of whether you are going for the round as a professional at race pace or simply want to do it the way "being there is everything". For over 30 years there is the Ötztaler. He is one of the oldest cycling marathons in the Alps…
by komoot
- 05:4251.6 mi9.1 mph9,000 ft8,150 ftExpertExpert road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
It is Austria's highest mountain and even if you will not climb its summit at 3798 meters, there are some delicacies waiting for you on the Grossglockner High Alpine Road. While the first few kilometers from the starting point in Bruck still go by as a casual rolling, the track sets with some delicious…
by komoot
- 07:1469.5 mi9.6 mph9,950 ft9,950 ftExpertExpert road ride. Very good fitness required. Some portions of the Tour may require you to push your bike.
This tour can be described as an insider tip. Bovec is a small pearl in the Alps. Located on the Soča Valley, this friendly region in the heart of the Triglav National Park is a paradise for outdoor sports enthusiasts, especially road cyclists. This is ensured by the temperate climate, the good infrastructure…
by komoot
- 07:1879.7 mi10.9 mph9,375 ft9,350 ftExpertExpert road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
The Mont Ventoux can be climbed in three ways. We have worked out all three parts for you. Start and finish is always in Bédoin, so you can make this challenge as a three-day stage ride.
If you're a bit of a bitch, you have the opportunity to live this passion on the Ventoux: Just drive all three Ventoux…
by komoot
- 11:2997.1 mi8.5 mph11,575 ft11,550 ftExpertExpert bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
The Mont Ventoux can be climbed in three ways. We have worked out all three parts for you. Start and finish is always in Bédoin, so you can make this challenge as a three-day stage ride.
If you're a bit of a bitch, you have the opportunity to live this passion on the Ventoux: Just drive all three Ventoux…
by komoot
- 03:0427.1 mi8.8 mph5,150 ft5,150 ftExpertExpert road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
The Mont Ventoux can be climbed in three ways. We have worked out all three parts for you. Start and finish is always in Bédoin, so you can make this challenge as a three-day stage ride.
If you're a bit of a bitch, you have the opportunity to live this passion on the Ventoux: Just drive all three Ventoux…
by komoot
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Collection Stats
- Tours10
- Distance712 mi
- Duration74:41 h
- Elevation102,950 ft
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