THE RIDING EXPERIENCE

High Alpine Trails surrounded by ancient glaciers, perfectly built Flow Trails descending the Swiss Mountains, and miles upon miles of untouched trails! We’ll start our adventure in the beautiful valley of Davos with unparalleled Swiss hospitality and world-class lift-accessed singletrack in a region that is known for outdoor activities. After 4 days we will ride into the St Moritz Flow Country that offers some of the best riding experiences in the Alps.

We have a wide variety of trails to show our guests and a couple that we leave as a secret until we get there, surely something not to be missed as it could be one of the best trails you have ever ridden. This trip will provide once-in-a-lifetime experiences on endless stretches of flow trails as well as a stop in Livigno, Italy – the “Little Tibet” of Europe. Over the course of the trip, you’ll enjoy beautiful glacier views, the spectacular Bernina Express and a dynamic lifestyle that only Switzerland can offer. Once you land let us take care of all your needs so all you have to do is ride your bike! In good hands: Our LGA team and Swiss Mountain Bike Guides have numerous routes through the valleys and inside knowledge to the best-kept secrets in the valleys as they have lived in these regions for their entire lives.

THE CULINARY EXPERIENCE

Every morning you will be treated with healthy Swiss breakfasts before we start our day. We host 2 group dinners (Welcome & Farewell) at local restaurants. Swiss meals are known for their quality & local ingredients as each region we visit has its own unique flavor. The group will have lunches at various mountain huts, restaurants and cafe’s while you take in the 360′ Swiss Mountain views.Explore the best of Switzerland: Private brewery tour at the highest brewery in the Alps, lunch amongst the 4000-meter peaks and two inclusive group dinners serving local specialties are included. We leave these open so each guest can explore new foods to try.

THE LODGING EXPERIENCE

Rest your body, mind, and soul along the way in our partner Swiss Bike Hotels. These Hotels cater to the cyclist and offer everything from bike cleaning, repair stands, and free laundry service every night to keep your clothes fresh. Our location is ideal to access a wide variety of shops, restaurants, bars and local attractions. All of our partner bike hotels are within walking access to the towns so you can explore each location during your visit. Free WiFi, daily breakfast, and comfortable twin rooms await you at our favorite hotels in the areas. Massage services and wellness programs are available after a long day in the saddle (optional add-on).

SAMPLE ITINERARY

Day 1 – Arrival Day

Fly into Zurich Airport (ZRH) by 11 am where the LGA team will be there to travel with you to Davos. In some cases, you may need to plan your arrival the day before. There are many hotels near the airport offering shuttle service so it is easy to meet the group back at the airport by 1 pm. We suggest using Booking.com to find a nearby hotel.

Le Grand Adventure Tours welcomes you to Switzerland! One of our all-time favorite places in the world! All guests will rendezvous at Zurich International Airport (ZRH) and meet the LGA Team. From here we will transfer you through the rolling green hills of Switzerland and into the beautiful town of Davos. Inspiring views await you at our Swiss Bike Hotels. This will be your home for the first half of the trip to explore this truly amazing area. We will build/assemble bikes if you brought one or we will visit our partner shop- Bike Academy Davos to pick up your rental bike. Possible ride depending on conditions. Tonight is your time to relax by the hotel fire, explore the town, and enjoy a fresh cooked meal from a local chef at our Welcome dinner. Steep yourself in Swiss culture and immerse into European life.

Hotel: Swiss Bike Hotels
Included Meals: Welcome Dinner

Day 2 – 7

The first half of the trip you will enjoy mountain biking the famous Davos Mountains. Thousands of miles of trails awaits you at one of Europes best bike destinations and home to the only IMBA Epic trail in all of Europe. These trails are arguably some of the best in the world and we will show you the best of the best every day.

The Davos range has several areas to ride over the course of our stay in this stunning valley: Ride Davos- Jacobshorn, Klosters A-Line, Sertig Valley, IMBA Epic and many other high alpine trails that only our guides know the best way to access. This huge valley offers some of the longest, high alpine, and expansive terrain in Switzerland. Drop into to 4,000 feet of vertical every day (some days close to 10,000 vertical!), covering miles of high alpine, perfect singletrack, with endless areas to stop along the way to see glacier waterfalls and the true beauty of the Swiss Alps.

From perfect flow trails to smooth singletrack through the forest, and into remote fields with long backcountry stretches, this is a true once in a lifetime cycling adventure. Davos has something for everyone and at the end of the day enjoy a train ride back to town after exploring the high alpine of Switzerland.

The second half of the trip you will enjoy mountain biking the legendary mountains of the St Moritz & Pontresina areas. Thousands of miles of trails await you at one of Switzerland’s top bike destinations and home to some of the biggest 4000-meter peaks in the country. These trails are arguably some of the best in the world and we will show you the best of the best every day.

The Engadine Valley has several areas to ride over the course of our stay in this stunning valley: Ride the Bernina Pass, experience the true Flow Country of St Moritz, hop aboard the famous Glacier Express train to the top of the Bernina Pass and into the Corvaligia Area, and one of our favorites- the Trais Fluors trail which is a true high alpine gem. There are many more options such as Corvatsch or Livigno which is home to an amazing network of flow trails as well as being a host for many World Cup races. Our guests have the option to explore thousands of miles of trails that only our guides know the best way to access. This huge valley offers some of the longest, high alpine, and expansive terrain in Switzerland. A true Enduro lovers dream location to bike. Daily rides can exceed over 5,000 feet of downhill vertical every day, covering miles of high alpine, perfect singletrack, with endless areas to stop along the way to see glacier waterfalls and the true beauty of the Swiss Alps.

Ride the famous Bernina Pass, St Moritz flow trails, and the Corvaligia Areas. One of our favorite all-time rides is the Trais Fluors trail that can be connected to a wide range of options allowing for a stunning 10,000 day of vertical. Exploring the Corvatsch area in the morning opens the doors to a wide network of trails near glacier peaks and long, smooth, valley descents.

Every day wake up to a great breakfast buffet with fresh cooked local favorites so you are ready to go for the day. Both hotels have a bike area that will allow you to get your bike dialed in and ready for a great day of biking ahead. Guests will be able to have lunch at local villages and mountain lodges through the week. Our guides will maximize your riding time every day so you get to make the most of your time on the trail and enjoy the local towns. Enjoy riding each day using trams, lift serviced access, trains, and shuttles to maximize individual time and enjoyment.

Hotel: Swiss Bike Hotel
Included Meals: Daily Breakfast | Farewell Dinner

Day 8: Departure Day

Guests will be departing Pontresina on Saturday around 8 am after a great 6 days of riding! Join us for breakfast and then pack up, say our goodbyes and enjoy a 3-hour train ride back to Zurich where you can catch a flight home or enjoy a night in the beautiful city walking along Lake Zurich. We recommend selecting a departure after 1 pm from Zurich. If you would like to spend another night in Zurich, please contact us and we can help you make arrangements.

Included Meals: Breakfast

NOTE: This itinerary is an example. The tour may be altered to adjust for weather and conditions. Our guides will plan the tour around the conditions to make sure you have the best trip possible.

FAQ

Check out our General FAQs section. Here you will find answers to your general questions.

What Should I Bring With Me?

Mountain Bike Gear:
Mountain bike (if you need a rental bike please contact us)
Bike Helmet & HeadBand for Sweat Protection
Hydration Pack-Backpack or water bottles (2)
Mountain Bike gloves
Mountain Bike jersey or tops
Bike Shorts & Padded chamois shorts recommended
Leg warmers or longer tights (depending on weather)
Rain jacket & Insulated layers (depending on conditions)
Socks- ankle high or taller recommended
Mtb bike shoes (or athletic shoes if using flat pedals)
Eye protection-sunglasses

Misc/Recommended:
Sunscreen
Extra Snacks/performance food\Extra tubes & patch kit for bike tube repairs. Guides will assist in repairs & will have extras
Optional: cycling computer, cell phone, camera
(We can assist with some gear, please feel free to contact us)

Après Clothing:
You will be in the Alps for a week so please bring proper clothing for when you’re not on the trails.

Travel Requirements:
Current Passport
Credit card, cash and/or traveler’s checks
ID or driver’s license
Medical insurance cards
Prescriptions or other medications
Important phone numbers
Proof of Travelers Insurance
Emergency contact & Medical info

Can I Reserve My Trip With a Deposit?

Yes, you can reserve your trip with a Deposit for all tours. Reservations are available immediately once a trip is announced and up to 90 days prior to the Date of Departure. The Deposit amount is twenty percent (20%) of the Tour Price. When booking within 89 days or less prior to the date of departure, the full amount is due at time of booking.

When Should I Make My Travel Arrangements?

Please wait until you receive confirmation from Le Grand Adventure Tours before making any travel arrangements. Our team is happy to assist you with any travel needs.

When is The Final Payment For This Tours Due?

Final payment is due no later than 90 days prior to departure, or 7 days from booking confirmation if booking is within 90 days.

What Is Your Cancellation Policy?

• 90 days or more prior to Departure: LGA will retain the deposit as an “Adventure Deposit” for a future trip. A full refund will be given.
• 89-60 days prior to Departure: LGA will retain 50% of the total Tour Price and the deposit will be held as an Adventure Deposit for a future trip.
• 59 days or less prior to Departure: LGA will retain 100% of the total Tour Price.
  Le Grand Adventure Tours cannot be held responsible for snow and/or weather conditions. Trips cannot be canceled or amended on the basis of snow and weather conditions.

What Is Your Refund Policy?

No refunds, reimbursements or discounts will be granted if, for any reason, Client misses the Tour, fails to join the Tour, leaves the Tour, is dismissed from the Tour, or cannot fully participate in the Tour. Any Refunds will be at the discretion of Le Grand Adventure Tours if you are involuntarily forced to leave a tour for any reason.

What Type of Mountain Bike Should I Bring?

A full suspension mountain bike is the best option.

Can I Rent a Mountain Bike?

We can rent a bike through our partner shop Bike Academy Davos. Please provide advanced notice so we can help you reserve gear, thank you.

What is the Best Way to Get There?

Fly into Zurich Airport (ZRH) by 11 am where the LGA team will be there to travel with you to Davos. In some cases, you may need to plan your arrival the day before. There are many hotels near the airport offering shuttle service so it is easy to meet the group back at the airport by 1 pm. We suggest using Booking.com to find a nearby hotel.

What Is The Weather Going To Be Like?

What you will need to bring depends of course largely on the weather you can expect on your trip. For the most accurate weather please check the Davos & St. Moritz forecast through Weather Underground a few days before your trip. We will be in the high alpine mountains so bring clothes that will keep you cool and/or warm in a wide variety of conditions.

What is The Group Size?

Small group sizes that don’t exceed 10 guests.

Do We Need to Tip Our Guides? If So, What is Standard?

Gratuities are not included. Tips are accepted at your discretion based on the overall trip experience provided by our team.

Do I Need Trip Insurance?

Trip Insurance is Not Included: We require trip insurance for all trips abroad. Protecting your trip & safety is our priority!
We recommend World Nomads as they are the ultimate in travel protection and global emergencies and evacuations.

How Long Does It Take to Fly to Switzerland?

Flight time from the West Coast of the United States to Zurich is approximately 11.5 hours if you book a non-stop flight. From the East Coast the flight time is approximately 8 hours.

Can I Use My Credit Card in Switzerland?

Credit cards are widely accepted, but Amex is not always accepted. Better stick with Visa. You will need some cash – but just for casual expenses. Most things can be paid for by credit card. The currency is CHF/Swiss Franc. EUR is not the currency of Switzerland (even if it is sometimes accepted by some merchants at a bad exchange rate). It never makes sense to carry too much cash on you – anywhere. Withdrawing cash from your checking account using your US cash/debit card is usually much cheaper than converting dollar bills at an exchange desk and you will get the BEST Exchange rate. Many credit cards charge a foreign transaction fee around 3-5%. This may be the time to get yourself a fun new rewards travel credit card that comes with “No Foreign Transaction Fees.” We never leave home without it.

Which Languages are Spoken in Switzerland?

The four national languages of Switzerland are German, French, Italian and Romansh. In the Davos & St. Moritz area they speak German or a Swiss-German dialect. You will find English is widely spoke all over Switzerland. It is still great to learn a few of the day to day vocabulary to be polite.

Is It Safe to Travel to Switzerland?

Switzerland is very safe. Always take regular precautions whenever abroad to save yourself from any potential headaches that could interfere with your travels.

I Heard Switzerland is Expensive, How Expensive is it?

With its plethora of international banks, the country is a center for global wealth. This means prices are high, but people are paid quite well. The supermarket sells pre-made meals for between 5-9 CHF. Bars and cafés are the cheapest food option, cost about 9-15 CHF for a lunch special. Restaurants with table service are around 20 CHF for lunch and 40 CHF for dinner (starter, main, and drink) to start. You’ll typically find pizzas for around 20 CHF in a restaurant. If you’re dining out (but still trying to stick to a budget), you’ll spend an average of 25-45 CHF a day on food.