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Geneva to Nice Mont Ventoux Route

if it doesn't Challenge you, it won't change you
3 December, 2020

Geneva to Nice Mont Ventoux Route

Geneva to Nice Mont Ventoux Route

The Geneva to Nice Mont Ventous Route is an epic 8-day cycling trip starts on the shores of Lake Geneva before heading through the French Alps towards the sun-drenched beaches of Nice. Unlike the traditional Route des Grandes Alpes, this route provides riders with the opportunity to ride one of the most famous mountains in the history of the Tour de France, the ``Giant of the Provence`` Mont Ventoux.
Geneva to Nice Mont Ventoux Route

The Geneva to Nice Mont Ventoux Route is a demanding cycling challenge that begins on the shores of Lake Geneva and takes you through the French Alps and the Provence to the sun-drenched beaches of the Mediterranean Sea.

During your 7-days of cycling, your will experience unforgettable scenery ranging from spectacular mountain peaks, stunning limestone cliffs, majestic gorges, and colorful lavender fields.

This trip will include many of the famous cyclings climbs that feature within the Tour de France, Col de la Colombiere, Col des Aravis, Cormet de Roselend, Col du Telegraphe, Col du Galibier, Col d’Iozard, and the mythical Mont Ventoux.

This trip will consist of 7 days of riding over a total distance of 950km, including 17 major climbs equalling just over 19000m of climbing.

FULLY SUPPORTED RIDES

Whilst out on the road riders will be accompanied by knowledgeable guides providing advice, encouragement, and help with any minor mechanical problems. They are also there to ensure each day is full of fun and most of all safe.

A support vehicle will carry energy bars, freshwater, and energy drinks to help keep rider’s performance levels to their maximum. This vehicle will also carry a range of spare parts and tools to assist with any minor mechanical problems.

FITNESS & CYCLING ABILITY

The Geneva to Nice Mont Ventoux Route will involve some long days in the saddle so you need to have a good level of fitness, stamina, and bike handling skills to accomplish this iconic journey.

BASIC ITINERARY

DAY 1 – Meet at Geneva Airport, transfer to Hotel, Assemble Bikes

DAY 2 – Geneva to Megeve

DAY 3 – Megeve to Meribel

DAY 4 – Meribel – Valloire

DAY 5 – Valloire – Gap

DAY 6 – Gap – Sault

Day 7 – Sault – Digne-les-Bains

Day 8 – Digne-les-Bains – Nice

Day 9 – Departure, Transfer to Nice Airport for a midday flight

Legendary Climbs
Quick Glance

Here’s a quick breakdown of the details concerning the Geneva to Nice Mont Ventoux Route cycling holiday.

Location:                Geneva – Nice

Duration:                8 Nights

Holiday Type:        Guided & Fully Supported

Activity:                 Geneva to Nice Mont Ventoux Route

Price:                      £1590 Per Person

Difficulty:              9/10

CLICK ON A TAB FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS EVENT

ITINERARY

This is a general itinerary to demonstrate how the Geneva to Nice Mont Ventoux Route week is structured. If you would prefer your week to include more distance, less distance, or different climbs then please contact us, we are willing to provide you with a week that meets all your needs.

 

ARRIVAL

SATURDAY – G2N – ARRIVAL

A member of the Classic Cycling Tours team will be waiting to greet you in the arrivals area at Geneva Airport. The transfer time to our hotel will take approximately 15mins.

Once at the hotel there will be the opportunity to assemble your bike. We have a good selection of tools, track pumps and bike stands available for your use. There will be an option to go for a short ride to ensure that everything is in working order.

Before dinner, there will be an introductory briefing outlining the schedule and route for Sunday’s ride.

DAY 1

SUNDAY – G2N – GENEVA TO MEGEVE

Our first day of riding starts on the shores of the beautiful Lac Geneva, before heading out of Switzerland into France. The first 50km will include some short climbs providing us with the ideal warm-up for the biggest climb of the day, the Col de la Colombiere. This is a category 1 climb, 16.6km in length, summit height of 1613m, the average gradient is 6.8%, and the maximum gradient is 12%. The first 6km of the climb up to the village of Le Reposoir are fairly easy allowing you to settle into a good climbing rhythm. Once past the village, the remaining 10km gets harder with the gradients continuously sitting between 9% -11%.

The descent of the Col de la Colombiere is not too technical, there are several wide hairpin bends just before the village of Le Grand Bornand where you should take care but overall it is a fun descent.

Once a Le Grand Bornand we have a short ride to the start of our second climb of the day in the village of Le Clusaz. The Col des Aravis is 8km in length with gradients mostly between 5%7%, the summit height is 1487m. During this climb, you will have fantastic views of the Aravis range and towards the summit stunning views of Mont Blanc.

The descent down the Col des Aravis is technical and narrow in places, so some caution is needed. The road will twist and turn down to the small village called Flumet, from there we will have 10km more riding to our overnight hotel in Megeve.

Route Details

DISTANCE:  106.46 Km

ASCENT:  2331m

RIDE TIME:  3hrs 45mins

CLIMBS:  Col de la Colombiere, Col des Aravis

LINK TO RIDE:  https://www.strava.com/routes/2763053321425552044

DAY 2

MONDAY – G2N – MEGEVE TO LES ALLUES

Our day begins with a steady descent to the start of the first climb of the day, Col des Saisies. This climb is 15km in length, with an average gradient of 5%, and a maximum gradient of 9%, and a summit height of 1657m. The start of the climb begins with a series of switchbacks through an alpine forest before opening out into stunning meadows and traditional alpine villages.

After descending the other side of the Col des Saisies we will follow a valley road to the beautiful village of Beaufort whilst being surrounded by spectacular views of distant mountain pecks.

After a well-deserved coffee, we will start the second climb of the day, Cormet de Roselend. This pass was first included within the Tour de France in 1979 and has since featured 12 times. The climb is 20.3 km in length, an average gradient of 6%, a maximum gradient of 9.8%, and a summit height of 1967m. The first part of the climb is straight but then comes some serious switchbacks that take you to a beautiful stretch of turquoise water called “lac de Roselend“.

The road around the lake is slightly downhill and provides the perfect place to get some photos. Once at the far side of the lake, you will pass an old chapel and you will see the road rearing up in front of you, this section of the climb is the most spectacular as you steadily rise above the lake. Now, with the lake behind you, the scenery in the last 4km becomes more and more rugged until you finally reach the summit.

The descent to Bourg St Maurice requires great care as the first part is quite steep and twisty.

From Bourg St Maurice we keep descending to the town of Moutiers before we finish the day by climbing the first 6km of the Col de la Loze. Our overnight accommodation is in the charming traditional French village of Les Allues.

Route Details

DISTANCE:  119.62 Km

ASCENT:  3203m

RIDE TIME:  4hrs 15mins

CLIMBS:  Col des Saisies, Cormet de Roselend, Col de la Loze

LINK TO RIDE:  https://www.strava.com/routes/2802229094176163246

DAY 3

TUESDAY – G2N – LES ALLUES TO VALLOIRE

Our third day on the road starts with a nice descent down to Moutiers before we head out on quiet backroads towards Fession-Sur-Isere and the first climb of the day.

Col de la Madeleine. This is one serious climb, at 26km with an average gradient of only 5.4% but it’s climbing where the gradient just keeps ramping up reaching 12.5% towards the summit at 2000m.

The Col de la Madeleine has appeared within 22 editions of the Tour, so that tells you how highly regarded this climb is. It is a beautiful climb starting with some hairpin bends through a forest before opening out to reveal cascading waterfalls and surrounding high mountain pecks.

Once at its summit, you will have views into the Maurienne Valley and other famous climbs like the Col du Glandon, Col de la Croix de Fer, and the mighty Mont Blanc.

After taking the time to relax with a coffee and some famous salty curved chips we will descend the opposite side to the village of La Chambre. This descent is very fast in places with over 40 bends to negotiate so we recommend exercising some caution.

From La Chambre, we have a nice 6 km easy section of flat road to our second climb of the day, Lacets de Montvernier. This short climb featured in the 2015 Tour de France and consists of 17 hairpin bends over a distance of 2.5km. That works out to a hairpin every 150 meters, the road is narrow and the hairpins are very sharp, the average gradient is around the 8% marker.

After descending back down into the valley floor we make our way to the small town of St Michel de Maurienne. The road climbs gradually up into the town center before we turn sharp right onto the Col du Telegraphe. This is another climb that is regularly visited by the Tour de France, having featured 19 times. The climb its self is 12km in length with an average gradient of 7.3% and a maximum gradient of 9%. The summit high is 1566m and the climb is mostly wooded providing you we protection from the elements.

Once at the summit you have a short 5km descent into Valloire and our overnight stay.

Route Details

DISTANCE:  113.21km

ASCENT:  3271m

RIDE TIME:  4hrs 15mins

CLIMBS: Col de la Madeleine, Lacets de Montvernier, Col du Telegraphe

LINK TO RIDE:  https://www.strava.com/routes/2802231665410308082

DAY 4

WEDNESDAY – G2N – VALLOIRE TO GAP

Day four takes us through from the Central French Alps into the Southern French Alps.

We will climb two iconic climbs today, first up will be the Col du Galibier. This is one of the most celebrated climbs of the Tour de France. From Valloire, the climb is 18km in length with an average gradient of 7%, maximum gradient of 11% and a summit height of 2646 metres.

The first 1km out of the village is quite tough but ten you get an easier section the French call the “false flat“, this section will take us up to the 12km to go marker. From here the gradient slowly racks up all the way to the summit. It will be a tough climb, but the views from the summit will make it all worthwhile.

The descent is very fast and open to all the elements, the road surface is bumpy in places so great care should be taken at all times. After 10km you will reach a junction at the summit of the Col du Lautaret, on a sunny day you will have stunning views over the Massif des Ecrins glaciers.

From the Col du Lautaret we continue to descend for a further 28km to the town of Briancon, at 1326 metres this is the highest town in France.

The Col I’ozard starts from almost the centre of the town, it is 19km in length with an average gradient of 5.8%, a maximum of 9% and a summit height of 2360 metres. This is one of the best climbs in terms of scenery the barren scree slopes change colour during the day from pink in the morning to yellow in the afternoon sun.

Once at the summit you can look forward to a 45km descent to the town of Embrun on the shores of the 3rd largest artificial lake in France, Lake Serre Poncon. After crossing the lake we have 40km of undulating road to our hotel in the large town of Gap.

Route Details

DISTANCE:  165.66 Km

ASCENT:  3115m

RIDE TIME:  6hrs

CLIMBS:  Col du Galibier, Col d’Izoard

LINK TO RIDE:  https://www.strava.com/routes/2802233310596904946

DAY 5

THURSDAY – G2N – GAP TO SAULT

With the giant mountains of the French Alps behind us, we head toward the colourful lavender fields of the Provence. At this point, we move away from the “Route des Grandes Alp” to allow you to do another iconic climb the “Giant of the Provence“, Mont Ventoux. At 21km in length with an average gradient of 7.2% and a summit height of 1912m, this climb would appear on most cyclists wish lists.

Our route up this iconic mountain will be from the Malaucene side. The first 2km are steep with an average gradient of 9%, this is followed by an easier section with gradients around 4, 5, 6% up to the 9km marker. The next section is tough with the gradients going over 10% (12% in places). The road swings right then left before it straightens ahead of you for 1km, the road then twists slightly taking you up to a mini-roundabout. More steep climbing takes you around some hairpin bends and out of the tree line. At this point you will be greeted with fantastic views of the famous red and white television and board-casting tower still 250m above you, the final two hairpins are steep but provide magnificent views to the north where on a clear day you can see the Alps

The descent to our overnight stay in Sault is fast and technical in places, after 4km you past the “Tommy Simpson” Memorial. A further 2km down the mountain we will come to Chalet Reynard and the turning to Sault. From here the road enters a forest and twists its way through the trees before opening out to reveal colourful fields of fresh lavender.

After a short climb, we reach the beautiful town of Sault and our overnight accommodation

Route Details

DISTANCE:  176.44 Km

ASCENT:  2453m

RIDE TIME:  6hrs 15mins

CLIMBS: Col de la Saulce, Mont Ventoux

LINK TO RIDE:  https://www.strava.com/routes/2802234757549903278

DAY 6

FRIDAY – G2N – SAULT TO DIGNES-LES-BAINS

After two long days in the saddle, you have a shorter easier day to look forward to today. From Sault with have 5km of fairly flat road before we reach the start of the Col de l’Homme Mort (Dead Man Pass). This climb is no way near as bad as the name suggests, at 8.4km with an average gradient of 4.2% and a maximum gradient of 7% this climb is over before you know it.

The descent down the opposite side of the Col de l’Homme Mort is on a narrow twisting road so take your time and enjoy the views.

Once we reach the main road we gradually start climbing again this time just over 3km to the summit of the Col de la Piguiere. With this small climb over we now have a stretch of road which is mostly downhill for 55km before it slowly climbs for 7km into the town of Digne-Les-Bains and our stopping point.

Route Details

DISTANCE:  90.46 Km

ASCENT:  837m

RIDE TIME:  3hrs 10mins

CLIMBS:  Col de l’Homme Mort, Col de la Piguiere

LINK TO RIDE:  https://www.strava.com/routes/2802236026452901596

DAY 7

SATURDAY – G2N – DIGNES-LES-BAINS TO NICE

Well, it’s finally here, your last day of riding takes us over an undulating route to our finishing point in Nice. The day begins with some flat roads into the center of Digne-Les-Bains before we reach the first climb of the day, Col du Corbin. This climb is actually two climbs in one, the first 6.4km being the Col de Pierre Basse at an average gradient of 4.2% and a maximum gradient of 8%. The second 4.6km is the Col du Corbin, the road snakes its way through a forest before opening out at the summit providing you with fantastic views of the surrounding area.

The descent should be taken with great care because the road surface is quite rough in places.

After making our way over a few small climbs we get to the lovely market town of Castellane on the river Verdon. The landscape here is stunning, giant rocky outcrops and deep blue rivers provide us with the perfect backdrop to our ride.

After stopping for some lunch we head toward the highest point of today’s ride, the medieval village of Greolieres. This beautiful village is perched on a ridge against the southern flanks of the Cherion mountain. The ruined castle and ancient chapels make Greolieres a magnificent setting and definitely worth a few photos.

The road now goes downhill for 40km all the way into Nice taking us through the famous Gorge du Loup. This stretch of road is cut into the rocks, with some short tunnels, hairpin bends, and numerous cascading waterfalls.

Your epic journey is complete with a flat ride along the “Promenade des Anglais” in the heart of Nice and the welcome sight of the Mediterranean Sea.

Route Details

DISTANCE: 146.78 Km

ASCENT:  2019m

RIDE TIME:  5hr 15mins

CLIMBS:  Col de Pierre Basse, Col du Corobin, Col des Leques, Col de la Colle

LINK TO RIDE:  https://www.strava.com/routes/2802237473331251630

DEPARTURE

SUNDAY – G2N – DEPARTURE

Unfortunately, your Geneva to Nice Route des Grandes Alpes week has come to an end, we will provide you with an airport transfer to Nice Airport for a midday flight.

WHAT IS INCLUDED

Geneva/Nice Airport Transfer
Support Vehicle and Guides
8 Nights Accommodation
8 Evening Meals (Alcohol Not Included)
8 Continental Breakfasts
7 Freshly Made Pack Lunches

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

Flights
Visas (If Required)
Alcoholic Drinks
Room Service & Mini-Bar
Travel Insurance
Personal Injury Insurance

FOOD

Every morning we will provide you with a continental-style breakfast. Afternoon snacks consisting of bread, cheese, ham, pasta, and cake will be available in the chalet after your ride. Additionally, we will provide a delicious two-course evening dinner on 8 evenings.

AIRPORT MEET AND GREET

On your arrival at Geneva Airport, you will be greeted by a member of our team. We kindly ask you to range your inbound/outbound flights to arrive/depart as close to midday as possible.

ACCOMMODATION

You will be accommodated on a shared room basis during the Geneva to Nice Mont Ventoux cycling holiday. Individuals traveling alone will be paired up with someone of the same gender. However, if you would prefer a room for yourself then a single supplement charge will be added, please contact us for prices. Please note this option is only available subject to availability.

GUIDES PLUS SUPPORT VEHICLE

You will be accompanied on the road by English-speaking guides and a support vehicle. The support vehicle will carry a range of tools, freshwater, energy bars, energy drink (powder form), and an item of extra clothing you would like to have at your disposal.

YOUR BIKE

We strongly recommend that you have your bike serviced to guarantee it is in perfect working order before your cycling holiday. If you are not mechanically minded, get your local bike shop to service it for you. Areas of particular importance are:

To begin with check our rims and if they are worn, cracked, or badly dented replace them with new rims or a complete wheel.

2: check and if required replace brake blocks.

3: check that your wheels are “true” and spoke tension is correct.

4: check and if required, adjust, grease, or replace ALL bearings and quick release skewers.

5: check and if required replace brake and gear cables.

6: check and if required tighten all bolts (esp. crank, bottom bracket, headset, stem, and handlebars.

Finally, check the chain, cassette, and chainrings for wear.

You should familiarise yourself with some basic repairs before your cycling holiday, like changing an inner tube and fixing a puncher. A member of our team will always be on hand to help, but having these basic skills will help keep delays down to a minimum.

BIKE HIRE

If you decide not to bring your bike, we recommend using  “Bcyclet” for your bike hire. They provide a great selection of carbon bikes made by Scott. For your comfort, we recommend bringing your saddle and pedals. For pricing and availability please use the following link: Bcyclet

EQUIPMENT LIST

HEAD

Cycling Helmet (mandatory)
Sunglasses / Eye Protection

UPPER BODY

Base Layer
Cycling Jersey
Long-Sleeved Cycling Jersey (optional)
Good Padded Cycling Shorts
Lightweight Waterproof Jacket
Gillet

ARMS & HANDS

Arm Warmers
Cycling Gloves
Long Fingered Cycling Gloves (optional)

LEGS

Full-Length Leg Warmers
Knee Length Leg Warmers

FEET

Cycling Shoes
Socks
Overshoes

FITNESS PREPARATION

Being in good physical condition will result in a more enjoyable holiday. For this reason, we recommend partaking in an achievable fitness program before your cycling holidays Obviously, the best way to prepare is to get out on your bike and include some long rides in hilly terrain. However, swimming, running, and circuit training are good for developing your aerobic fitness and stamina.

INSURANCE

At Classic Cycling Tours the safety and well-being of our guests are of the utmost importance to us. Unfortunately due to the nature of cycling and the terrain you will be riding in accidents can occur. Therefore, you must have Personal Injury Insurance that covers you in the event of an accident whilst on a cycling holiday. If you don’t have any cover, we prescribe utilising “Yellow Jersey” cycle protection

PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU ARE ULTIMATELY RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR SAFETY THROUGHOUT THE GENEVA TO NICE MONT VENTOUX CYCLING HOLIDAY

COVID-19 INFORMATION

We understand that people have lots of concerns about booking holidays at present given the ever-changing travel restrictions being put in place around the world due to COVID-19.

Therefore, we have given a lot of thought to how we will respond to any future impact these uncertainties may have on our customers and ourselves.

SAFETY

Our number one priority is, and will always be, to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our customers, staff, and partners. Therefore, we would always act on the official advice from the French Government and British Government and Foreign and Commonwealth (FCO).

Because we manage our own accommodation and vehicles we truly believe that we can react to any safety measures which are deemed necessary to provide our customers with a safe cycling holiday.

2022 SEASON 

We currently remain optimistic and hopeful that restrictions will be eased in time for the 2022 cycling season allowing us to operate all of our cycling holidays & cycling events.

WHAT IF I DECIDE NOT TO TRAVEL

If we are legally able to provide you with your cycling holiday or cycling event, and you decide not to travel for whatever reason, then this would be deemed “cancellation by you” and would be subject to our standard Terms & Conditions.

Due to these uncertain times, we would allow you to pass your booking on to another person at no ex-charge.

WHAT IF MY FLIGHT GETS CANCELLED

Our cycling holidays & cycling events do not include flights, therefore this element of your holiday is ultimately your responsibility.

WHAT IF WE HAVE TO CANCEL YOUR HOLIDAY

If we find that your cycling holiday or cycling event cannot take place due to COVID- 19, we will contact you as soon as possible and offer you the choice of:

1: Postponing your cycling holiday or event to a specific date within the 2022 season.

2: Postponing your cycling holiday or cycling event to an unspecified date within the 2023 season.

3: Cancelling your cycling holiday or cycling event and receiving credit for 100% of monies paid to use against a future cycling holiday or cycling event.

DEPOSITS & BALANCE PAYMENTS

Due to all the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 we have decided to make the following amendments to our normal Terms & Conditions in relation to payments:

1: In order to secure your cycling holiday or cycling event we have reduced the deposit payment to 5% of the total booking cost.  (this payment will be subject to the terms set-out in paragraph “WHAT IF WE HAVE TO CANCEL YOUR HOLIDAY“).

2: Balance payment will be delayed until 3 weeks before your arrival date. (this payment will be subject to the terms set out in paragraph “WHAT IF WE HAVE TO CANCEL YOUR HOLIDAY“).

COVID-19 INFORMATION

Before your cycling holiday or cycling event, we will send you an email detailing information in terms of what you can expect concerning local restrictions. We will also include any extra safety measures we’ve put in place due to COVID-19.

You will also receive an email asking you to complete a basic  “Self – Certification Form” to confirm that, to the best of your knowledge:

1: You have not been in contact with anyone suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19

2: You (and everyone within your household) are free from any COVID-19 symptoms

3: You are not traveling against the advice of your national, regional, or local governments.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

We would advise that you take out a comprehensive travel insurance policy as soon as you book your cycling holiday or cycling event. It is a requirement of our Terms & Conditions that you have an appropriate policy in place for your trip, insurance cover is not just there to cover you whilst you are away, it will also cover you for cancellations or anything else that might go wrong (such as injuries) before your trip.

BOOKING TERMS & CONDITIONS
1. BOOKING CONDITIONS

A holiday booking shall be made between Alpsports Limited operating under the name of Classic Cycling Tours, whose registered office is at 40 Queens Grove Road, North Chingford, London, E4 7BT (“, Alpsports Ltd”, the “Company”, “we” or “us”) and the person making the booking (the “, Client” or “you”) and the contract between the Company and the Client shall be governed by these booking terms and conditions. A contract for young persons cannot be made unless at least one member of the party is at least eighteen years of age and is the lead name on the booking. When booking, you: (i) guarantee that you have authority to accept and do hereby accept on behalf of your party, these booking terms, and conditions; (ii) confirm that you have brought the terms of the holiday contract to the attention of each member of your party; (iii) hereby agree that you will bring the terms of the holiday contract to the attention of anyone who is added or substituted at a later date; and (iv) guarantee to pay the full costs of the holidays of all those persons mentioned in the booking and of anyone who is added or substituted at a later date.

2. CONTRACT

No contract shall exist between the Client and the Company until (i) deposits or full payment (as applicable) has been received by the Company and a confirmation invoice (an “Invoice”) has been issued by the Company, or (ii) in the case of telephone bookings made within 10 weeks of departure, and where payment is due by debit or credit card, the Company processes your credit/debit card payment and provides oral confirmation of the booking to you, at which time a contract shall immediately come into existence. When making a telephone booking in such circumstances you are deemed to have accepted these booking terms and conditions at the time of making your telephone booking; an Invoice will be sent to you subsequently.

When you receive your Invoice, please check all the details carefully to ensure that they are correct, as the Invoice, together with these booking terms and conditions form the basis of the contract between you and us. Information contained on our website also forms part of the booking contract (subject to clauses 5 and 12 of these booking terms and conditions). If there are any discrepancies in the Invoice, please bring these to our attention within 7 days of issue, otherwise, we will assume that the details shown are correct and amendment charges may be levied where changes are subsequently necessary. We reserve the right to amend any obvious errors in the Invoice including those which concern the price. We will do this as soon as we notice the error but no later than 7 days after issuing the Invoice and no later than 24 hours before departure in the case of late bookings.

3. DEPOSIT & CONFIRMATION

A deposit of 30% of the total holiday cost is payable at the time of booking (the “Deposit”). The Deposit is non-refundable. On receipt of the Deposit, the Company will send you the Invoice showing the arrangements booked, the balance payable by you, and when the balance is due. For bookings made within 10 weeks of departure full payment for the holiday must be made immediately to confirm your reservation.

4. BALANCE PAYMENT

Where a Deposit has been paid, full payment of the balance (as shown on your Invoice) must reach the Company not less than 10 weeks before the start date of your holiday (the “Due Date”). You shall be liable for full payment for all those persons named on the booking and for any persons added or substituted at a later date. If payment shall not have been received by the Due Date, the Company shall have the right to cancel the booking, retain the deposit paid, and levy cancellation charges. Any money paid by or on behalf of the Client to an agent, under or in contemplation of a contract with the Company, is held by the agent as agent for the Company until the date on which the agent pays the money to the Company. Any payment made by Visa Credit or Master Card will be subject to a 2% handling fee.

5. PRICES

Although every effort is made to ensure that the prices quoted on the Classic Cycling Tours website are accurate at the time of publication we cannot guarantee these prices and you must check the price of your chosen holiday at the time of booking, at which time the correct current price will be advised to you.

Once your booking has been accepted we reserve the right to levy surcharges in the event of changes to the Company’s costs in dues, taxes, or government action (such as increases in VAT or any other government-imposed increases) or concerning the exchange rates that have been used to calculate the cost of your holiday. In cases where the Company has received payment in full from the Client by the due date stipulated for the latest payment on the Invoice, the Company will not impose any surcharges after payment in full has been received.

Your holiday price does not include:

Holiday insurance (which you must have)
The cost of outbound and/or return Flights
Bike Rental
Room supplements for reduced occupancy
Entertainment and provision of food and/or beverages to visitors to the chalet who are not listed on the invoice.

6. AMENDMENTS BY CLIENT

If you wish to change any details of your booking you must inform us as soon as possible and confirm the details in writing; any changes to your booking will only be effective once the Company has confirmed acceptance of such changes to you in writing. If we can accept the change we will do so without charge, save for amendments to services the Company has arranged on your behalf (such as bike hire or transfer seats) where we will charge an amendment fee as charged to us by the relevant supplier plus an additional administration fee of £30 per person for each relevant change. Any changes made within 6 weeks of departure may (at the Company’s absolute discretion) be treated as a cancellation and cancellation charges will apply as detailed in these booking terms and conditions.

7. CANCELLATION BY THE CLIENT

Cancellations must be notified to us by the Client immediately in writing (sending the letter by recorded delivery, with the postal receipt kept as proof), at 40 Queens Grove Road, North Chingford, London, E4 7BT and will only be effective when we receive the written notice of cancellation at our offices. In all cases of cancellation by the Client, the Deposit and any amendment charges will be forfeited. Cancellation periods are calculated from the date your written notification of cancellation is received in our offices. If you cancel before the scheduled date of arrival at the chalet, the following cancellation fees expressed as a percentage of the total holiday cost payable by the person(s) canceling (including, but not limited to, extras such as bike rental and private transfers; excluding any amendment charges) will become immediately payable by you to the Company.

Period Before Departure                     Cancellation Charge Per Person
More than 12 weeks.                              50%
Between 8 weeks and 6 weeks.            60%
Between 6 weeks and 4 weeks.            80%
Within 4 weeks                                      100%

If no written notice of cancellation is received and you and/or other members of your party do not travel, cancellation is deemed to have been received in respect of such persons on the scheduled day of arrival at the chalet. If a member of your party wishes to cancel, this may mean that the chalet is under occupied and could result in other members of your party having to pay any applicable supplements to retain the booking.

The Company reserves the right to re-sell any part of a canceled holiday and this does not affect its right to levy cancellation fees.

8. CHANGES AND ALTERATIONS BY THE COMPANY

Arrangements for holidays are made many months in advance, and changes can occur. We must reserve the right to make alterations to holiday and website details both before and after any booking has been confirmed. Most of these changes are minor and in all cases, we will advise you or your travel agent of any changes at the earliest possible opportunity. If a significant change becomes necessary you will have the choice of (i) accepting the change in arrangements; (ii) purchasing an alternative holiday from us and paying or receiving any price difference; or (iii) canceling your holiday and receiving a full refund. In all cases of a significant change, we will pay you compensation as set out in the table below except where the change is made as a result of unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control, the consequences of which could not have been avoided even with all due care which shall include but are not limited to those circumstances set out in clause 9 (Force Majeure) below. No compensation is payable in respect of minor changes and no other claim for compensation and/or expenses will be accepted.

Period Before Departure        Compensation Per Person
More than 12 weeks.                 nil
Between 4 and 12 weeks.         £15
Between 2 and 4 weeks.          £25
Less than 2 weeks.                   £30

9. FORCE MAJEURE

The Company cannot accept liability for any costs, losses, or expenses incurred by you or any member of your party or pay any compensation if we are forced to cancel, curtail or in any way change your holiday or if the performance or prompt performance of our contractual obligations is prevented or affected by circumstances amounting to ‘Force Majeure. Such circumstances shall include but are not limited to, war or threat of war, riot, civil strife, political dispute, terrorist activity (actual or threatened), industrial disruption (actual or threatened), natural disasters (including but not limited to avalanches or volcanic eruptions/ash-clouds), nuclear disaster, epidemics or health risks, fire, technical problems with transport/machinery/equipment, closure or congestion of airports or ports, border closures, adverse weather conditions, governmental action and similar events beyond our control.

10. CLIENT LIABILITY

The Client hereby accepts responsibility and agrees to guarantee payment for (i) any chargeable services requested by you or any member of your party, and (ii) any damage or loss caused by you or any member of your party.

The Company shall be entitled to recover from the Client the cost of breakages (estimated if not precisely known) and/or damage to the chalet and/or Company property (including but not limited to vehicles and equipment) caused (either with or without intent) by you or by any member of your party. We reserve the right to recover these costs from your credit/debit card. The Client undertakes, for and on behalf of himself/herself and each member of the Client’s party, to behave in such a manner to not prejudice the Company’s reputation with the owners of its chalets, its suppliers, or other clients of the Company.

If in our reasonable opinion, you or any member of your party behaves in such a way as to cause or be likely to cause (i) danger, upset, or distress to other guests, employees of the Company or any third party; or (ii) property damage, the Company shall be entitled, without prior notice, to terminate the holiday of the person or persons concerned and the Company shall have no further contractual obligations towards such person(s) including to any return travel or transfer arrangements made on their behalf. Such person(s) shall have no right to claim a refund for their holiday (or any part of it) and the Company shall have no liability in respect of financial loss or other claims, damages, or expenses incurred by them as a result of such termination. The breach of this clause by any one person shall grant the Company the right to demand immediate vacation of the accommodation by every person named on the booking. The Company accepts no responsibility for the action of its guests and shall not be held liable for any claim or demand made against them (or as a result of their actions) by any third party.

11. ALPSPORTS LTD LIABILITY

We endeavor to make sure that the holiday which you book with us is supplied and the services performed or provided by us are performed or provided using reasonable skill and care. If any part of your holiday is not provided as promised, it is your responsibility to show that reasonable skill and care has not been used if you wish to claim us. We accept responsibility for the acts/omissions of our employees or agents, suppliers, and subcontractors where they were at the time acting within the course of their employment or carrying out work that we had asked them to do under a contract of agency or supply with the Company. In all cases (except where personal injury, death, loss, and/or damage to luggage or personal possessions results), our liability is limited to the relevant total holiday price of the person(s) affected. It is a condition of this acceptance of liability that you notify us of any claim in writing within 28 days of your return from holiday.

In the case of loss and/or damage to luggage or personal possessions (including money), the Company will not accept any liability as it is a condition of your booking (and therefore reasonably assumed by the Company) that you and all members of your party have taken out appropriate insurance to cover such loss and/or damage before traveling. If local restrictions or an injury or other enforced absence to one or more of our employees causes our normal service to be curtailed or restricted, this will not be accepted as a cause for compensation claims.

The Company will not be responsible or pay you compensation for any injury, illness, death, loss, damage, expense, cost, or another claim of any description if it results from:
the act(s) and/or omission(s) of the person(s) affected;
the act(s) and/or omission(s) of a third party unconnected with the provision of the services contracted for and which were unforeseeable or unavoidable;

unusual or unforeseeable circumstances beyond ours or our supplier(s) control, the consequences of which could not have been avoided even if all due care had been exercised; or
an event which either ourselves or our suppliers could not, even with all due care, have foreseen or forestalled.

12. WEBSITE INFORMATION AND ACCURACY

All reasonable care has been taken to ensure that the descriptions, facts, or opinions on our website are correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. Chalet plans and resort maps should only be used as an indication of layout. Scale and dimensions are subject to error and furniture and room arrangements are subject to change. Opinions expressed are personal to the authors and photographs only relate to a specific destination when specifically captioned. The Client should bear in mind that with the information given about the resort and certain of the facilities available within the resort, we cannot guarantee accuracy at all times or that any particular activity will take place as these services are not under our control.

13. COMPLAINTS

Should a problem arise during your holiday, we request that you inform our staff in the resort at the time the problem arises so that we are provided with the opportunity to deal with the problem. If you fail to do so you deprive us of the chance to investigate your complaint and to do our best to rectify any problems. If we are unable to resolve matters whilst you are on holiday and you remain dissatisfied, you must write to Alpsports Ltd, 40 Queens Grove Road, North Chingford, London, E4 7BT within 28 days of your return from holiday, giving all relevant information. If you fail to follow this simple complaints procedure, your right to claim compensation will be affected or even lost and we regret that we cannot accept liability in respect of any complaints which are not notified entirely following this clause.

14. INSURANCE

It is a condition of booking that all persons named on the booking have insurance which provides sufficient travel and sports insurance. As a minimum, such insurance should cover medical costs, mountain rescue and emergency repatriation, third-party liability, travel disruption, cancellation, and personal effects. Insurance policies usually specify the maximum amount covered in the event of any loss or damage and most do not cover mobile telephones and some may have exclusions for certain “extreme” sports. We suggest you and the members of your party check the limits of cover of your chosen policies. The Company cannot accept responsibility if you or any members of your party do not take out adequate travel insurance or where any losses exceed the amount for which you/they can claim under your/their chosen policy.

We strongly recommend “Yellow Jersey Cycle” insurance if you do not have any cover.

15. TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS

You should plan to arrive at your chalet accommodation after 2.30 pm on arrival day and leave by 11 am on your departure day. If you wish to leave luggage at the chalet before 2.30 pm on the arrival day, this can be arranged but we ask that notice is given before the date of your scheduled arrival.

16. USE OF HOT-TUB

Guests use the hot tub at our accommodation at their own risk and the Company can accept no responsibility for accidents/injuries sustained while using these facilities. Children must be supervised at all times. The Hot-tub is normally out of use for at least one day per week for cleaning cleaned. Should any leisure facility become unavailable for any reason, we cannot guarantee we will be able to repair or replace it during your holiday and do not offer compensation for inconvenience or curtailed use in such an event.

17. FOOD ALLERGIES

For our catered chalet program we have a well-developed Food Allergy Policy in place, to avoid any allergic reaction incidents, and shall exercise reasonable care to avoid specified food and drink ingredients if special diets are agreed upon at the time of booking and confirmed in writing (by email or registered post) at least 14 days before the scheduled arrival date. However, in choosing to stay with us, you accept the following facts: that no food allergy system can ever provide a 100% guarantee against any contact with a specified foodstuff; that items such as eggs, dairy products, and nuts are constantly present in chalet kitchens and dining areas; that our staff cannot police what snacks third parties, including other guests, may bring into contact with the allergic person.

Extreme Food Allergies: where a food allergy is so severe that the slightest exposure to the substance in question could cause a life-threatening anaphylactic reaction (for example where a reaction may be triggered other than by actually eating the foodstuff – such as by smell alone, or by minute trace elements on the hands of a staff member or another person), you must advise us in writing of the severe nature of the allergy at the time of booking. We then reserve the right to advise you that, in our considered view, the controls we can implement in the ski chalet environment are insufficient to guarantee the relevant person’s safety, in which case, should the relevant person (or in the case of a child, it’s legal guardian) choose to proceed with the booking, that person does so entirely at their own risk, and would be asked to confirm this in writing to confirm the booking. If you fail to advise us of a known extreme allergy at the point of booking, you will be in breach of contract, and we will therefore have no liability to you or any other person in the event of any incident.

18. INTERNET ACCESS

Complimentary internet access via wifi is available in our chalets. Please note, however, that we cannot guarantee continuous and uninterrupted internet connection due to technical circumstances out of our control. Internet is intended for straightforward web browsing and checking of e-mails, it is NOT for live streaming or downloads (including music & films).

19. SECURITY

All of our rooms are equipped with a safe for securing guests’ valuables and all bedrooms have been fitted with lockable doors. However, we cannot be held responsible for the damage to, or loss, or theft of personal belongings or ski equipment from our chalet accommodation (see also clause 14 (Insurance).

21. SMOKING

Smoking is prohibited throughout our chalets. A guest who breaches this policy will be liable for any cleaning costs resulting from such breach and accepts liability for all consequential damages sought against Alpsports Ltd by its other guests and/or the property owners.

22. GENERAL

Headings within these booking terms and conditions are for reference purposes only and all images are intended to give a general impression only.

These booking terms and conditions and any contractual and non-contractual matters arising from them are governed in all respects by English law and shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

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17 Cols, 19000m of climbing, 950km of riding

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Steve & Anna, Owners

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