ALPINE BIKE

SELF GUIDED MOUNTAIN BIKING HOLIDAY

ALPINE BIKE SWITZERLAND - SELF GUIDED BIKING HOLIDAY SUMMARY Ride the and experience huge climbs, epic descents and the spectacular mountain scenery on The Alpine Bike trail. The Alpine Bike Trail is a 665 km fully sign-posted mountain bike trail across Switzerland through the Swiss Alps. The Alpine Bike Trail passes through some of the most spectacular Alpine Passes and is perfect for fit riders with good technical skills as some of the descents are very challenging.

Starting in the East of Switzerland in Scuol the fully way marked trail passes through some of the best mountain scenery Switzerland offers. It goes without saying that the riding is mind-blowing. You stay in famous resorts including St. Moritz and and ride past the . This trip delivers a true mountain biking adventure of epic proportions.

Macs Adventure offers “Alpine Bike Switzerland” in three sections of unforgettable riding. So you can choose to simply bike a fiver or six day section or take on the full transalpine challenge from Scuol to

Aigle. Your holiday includes hand-picked overnight accommodation in high quality hotels, country inns, Tour: Alpine Bike Switzerland and guesthouses, daily door to door baggage transfers, comprehensive route notes, a detailed map and Code: BSSwAB pre-departure information pack as well as emergency support. Type: Self-Guided Mountain Biking Holiday Price : See website Dates: 1st June—15th Oct HIGHLIGHTS Biking Days: 5, 10 or 16 Nights: 6, 11 or 17 Start: Scuol Finish: Distance: 210, 250 or 665km  Breathtaking views of the Eiger, Mönch and as you bike through the Grade: Strenuous .  Traditional Swiss hospitality in this spectacular mountain area.  Big Alpine climbs and even bigger descents.  Arriving at a new village each afternoon after a great day of riding. IS IT FOR ME?  Achieving a true Trans Alps mountain bike adventure. This is a challenging mountain bike tour suitable for experienced and skilled mountain bikers. If the though WHY CHOOSE A SELF GUIDED MOUNTAIN BIKE HOLIDAY WITH US? of between 1000 and 1500m of ascent/descent through spectacular alpine scenery gets you hot under Macs Adventure is a small, energetic company dedicated to delivering adventure excellence. We are the collar this is the trip for you. passionate about delivering outstanding mountain bike holidays where every last detail is taken care of. As active mountain bikers with a passion for travel we understand what makes for an unforgettable adventure. Great trails, breathtaking scenery and warm, welcoming accommodation, all backed up by outstanding customer service. WHAT’S INCLUDED?

Each holiday we offer is unique, tailor made to meet your requirements. From your contact with Macs Accommodation: Hand-picked 3 and 4* hotels and Adventure you will deal with a local specialist who knows the region intimately. They will help you to make country inns in ensuite rooms. the most of your time biking in Switzerland with their in-depth knowledge of the route, accommodation and Meals: Breakfast included. Lunch and dinner not included but always available at accommodation or must-see attractions on the way. nearby. Self guided mountain bike holidays are an unforgettable way to discover some of the best riding Baggage Transfer: Door-to-door baggage transfer. Guidebook: Guidebook including maps Switzerland has to offer. Choose your own start dates, customise your itinerary and ride with your Support: Emergency Helpline mountain biking friends. Free to ride at your own pace and discover hidden singletrack you will discover Travel: Not included, transfers available. the beauty of the landscape, the most amazing biking and true essence of Switzerland.

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SELF GUIDED MOUNTAIN BIKINGSELF GUIDED MOUNTAIN HOLIDAY BIKING HOLIDAY

ALPINE BIKE SWITZERLAND DETAILED ITINERARY: BSWSA1 Sta. Maria to Livigno (IT) 35 km Code: BSwSA (1361m) Days: From 7 to 18 (5-16 Days Riding) The Val Mora valley is renowned for its SECTION 1: SCUOL TO THUSIS (210KM) Nights: From 6 to 17 magnificent mountain landscape and rich wildlife. Average Daily Distance/Height: 42 Km/1420m Description: The first section of The Alpine Bike From the Passo Val Mora (1934m), the route Route passes through the Swiss National Park crosses the border to Italy and leads on to the DESCRIPTION and the well known mountain resorts of Livigno Lago di S.Giacomo and Lago di Livigno and the The Alpine Bike Trail is a challenging but and St.Moritz on its route through this beautiful well-known Winter and Summer sports resort of inspiring mountain bike route across Switzerland. section of the Swiss and Italian Alps. Livigno / IT. Overnight Livigno Days/Biking Days: 7/5 We offer the route in three separate sections so DAY 4 you can choose to ride just one 200km section or Nights: 6 combine two or even three together for a 665km Average Daily Distance/Height: 42km/1209m LIVIGNO to ST.MORITZ 44 km epic. Grade: Strenuous (1196m)

GRADE Day Route Km The Chaschauna pass is one of the highest obstacles on the Alpine Bike route at 2694m This route is graded strenuous as it passes high. This is followed by a descent down to through a tough mountain region, averages over 1 Arrive Scuol 0 Oberengadin and on to S-chanf and a relaxing 1400m ascent/descent each day and both the 2 Scuol to Sta.Maria 40 journey through the champagne climate on to ascents and descents are technical at times. 3 Sta.Maria to Livigno(IT) 35 St.Moritz. Overnight St. Moritz or surrounding Although some of the route is on good paths and 4 Livigno to St.Moritz 44 area. minor roads much of the route is on rough and 5 St.Moritz to Bivio 50 challenging singletrack and some days you will 6 Bivio to Thusis 54 DAY 5 resort to pushing. 7 Onward Travel 0 ST.MORITZ to BIVIO 50 km (1170m) NAVIGATION The stretch along the magnificent Oberengadiner Total Distance 210 This route is fully signposted but we recommend lakes is pure pleasure. The easy going, however, that you can read a map and use a compass. ends just before the Malojapass (1815m) where DAY 1 even the strongest mountain bikers are sure to ITINERARY Arrive Starting Point: Scuol walking by the time they reach the Pass da Sett Choose from one of the following itineraries or (Septimerpass 2310m). Overnight Bivio join two or more sections together for a longer, We recommend flying to Zurich and catching the more challenging holiday. train for making use of our transfer service to the DAY 6 start at Scuol. BIVIO to THUSIS 54 km (1150m) DAY 2 The valley stretch from Bivio down to Scuol to Sta.Maria 40 km (1172m) Tiefencastel and Thusis (720m) offers a chance to relax and offers a cracking mixture of fire The first stage leads from Scuol on the border roads and singletrack riding. Overnight: Thusis. with the Swiss National Park along to the little Alpine village of S-charl and over the Pass da DAY 7 Costainas (2251m) into the Münstertal valley. Onward Travel Overnight Sta.Maria. It is an hour and a half transfer to Zurich by DAY 3 minibus or you can travel by train.

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SELF GUIDED MOUNTAIN BIKING HOLIDAY

Safien to Lumbrien 41 km (1591m) DETAILED ITINERARY: BSWSA2 DETAILED ITINERARY: BSWSA3 A varied and interesting days riding through SECTION 2: THUSIS TO classic mountain bike territory. The route which SECTION 3: MEIRINGEN TO AIGLE (211KM) first passes through the Tomulpass (2412m), (250KM) popular with mountain bikers, down to the Description: Five days of classic riding through Valsertal valley. In Vals, a visit to the thermal Description: Riding perfect mountain bike trails the heart of Switzerland. You will visit the baths, built by a renowned architect, is a must – through the picture perfect Bernese Oberland Safiental valley, home of the Wals culture, the route then leads on to Lumnez. you will experience mountain bike heaven. After Surselva, one of the last remaining regions six days of grin inducing riding you reach Aigle where Rhaeto-Romance languages are spoken DAY 4 on . and of course cross some huge alpine passes. Lumbrien to 44km (1050m) Days/Biking Days: 8/6 Days/Biking Days: 7/5 Nights: 7 Nights: 6 A breathtaking day of riding starts with a long Average Daily Distance/Height: 41km/1345m Average Daily Distance/Height: 42km/1326m and steep climb through classic Swiss mountain Grade: Strenuous Grade: Strenuous scenery to Alp Nova (2078m). An almost continuous fast and fluid 25km descent ends at Day Route Km Day Route Km Trun on the valley floor. There are various places of interest in the 10km’s before you reach 1 Arrive Meiringen 0 1 Arrive Thusis 0 Disentis and its hot springs. 2 Meiringen to Grindelwald 28 2 Thusis to 25 3 Grindelwald to 40 3 Safien to Lumbrien 41 DAY 5 4 Interlaken to 63 4 Lumbrien to Disentis 44 Disentis to 44km (1800m) 5 Adelboden to 44 5 Disentis to Andermatt 44 6 Gstaad to Col des Mosses 45 6 Andermatt to Meiringen 57 An absolutely world class day of riding through 7 Col des Mosses to Aigle 30 7 Onward Travel 0 high alpine scenery. A long and tough climb 8 Onward Travel 0 (including some pushing) eventually ends at Maighelspass. The descent through meadows of Total Distance 250 Total Distance 211 Alpine flowers is fast and technical and will test even the most skilled riders. DAY 1 DAY 1 DAY 6 Arrive Starting Point: Meiringen Arrive Starting Point: Thusis Andermatt to Meiringen 57km We recommend flying to Zurich or Geneva and We recommend flying to Zurich and catching the (1600m) catching the train for making use of our transfer train for making use of our transfer service Another wonderful day of riding takes you up a service to the start at Meiringen. (1h30) to the start at Thusis. Overnight Thusis. rocky alpine track that leads ever higher to the DAY 2 Sustenpass (2255m). Your efforts are rewarded DAY 2 with a fantastic view as the glacier covered Meiringen to Grindelwald 28km Thusis to Safien 25 km (1974m) Bernese Oberland reveals itself. The downhill (1402m) that follows is surrounded by huge mountains The start is brutal as you climb over 1000m to and glaciers. Today’s route offers the very best the Alps have cross the Glaspass (1816m) into the Safiental to offer: crossing the Grosser Scheidegg valley, which is home to the traditional DAY 7 (1962m) provides breathtaking views of the Walserhaus buildings made from dark wood. Onward Travel.Train (2h00) or private transfer famous Bernese Oberland peaks of Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. The glacier village of DAY 3 (1h300) to Zurich. For Geneva add an extra hour. Grindelwald is also the perfect place to take a

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SELF GUIDED MOUNTAIN BIKING HOLIDAY

break. Col Des Mosses to Aigle 30 km If you wish to reduce the number of days or (790m) nights we can tailor your trip to your DAY 3 requirements by combining stages or perhaps The route leads on to Leysin and to the Yvorne Grindelwald to Interlaken 40 km shortening the route. vineyards, ending in the little town of Aigle, (1188m) renowned for its white wines and located by Lake HOLIDAY INFORMATION Take a side trip from (2061m) Geneva. A relaxing finish to a fabulous mountain to by rack railway through the bike adventure. Eiger. Facing the Eigernordwand the route Accommodation DAY 8 climbs steeply to Kleine Scheidegg to emerge You will stay in carefully selected local 3 and 4 into a tourist trap, but the steep and technical Onward Travel star hotels each night, although in remote descent to Lauterbrunnental via awaits locations the hotels may be more basic. Ensuite you. A gentle coast take you to Interlaken. Geneva Airport is 1 hour by car &1h30 by train. double/twin rooms with ensuite bath or shower DAY 4 and w/c are booked as standard. A traditional DETAILED ITINERARY: BSWSA4 Swiss breakfast is included each morning. We Interlaken to Adelboden 63km specifically choose the hotels to ensure that you (2200m) ALPINE BIKE TRAIL: SCUOL TO AIGLE enjoy every minute of your stay. All offer a warm (665KM) A technically easy but physically challenging day welcome to bikers, traditional hospitality and delicious local food. as you climb and climb and then climb some Description: A true trans Alp mountain biking more. The views are great but don’t hold your adventure for the truly dedicated mountain biker Single Rooms breath for any technical singletrack. looking for the ultimate Alpine biking adventure. Days/Biking Days: 18/16 This self guided mountain biking holiday is not DAY 5 Nights: 17 available to solo bikers. If you require single Adelboden to Gstaad 44km (1100m) Average Daily Distance/Height: 42km/1420m rooms in your party we will of course try to Grade: Strenuous accommodate your request, subject to The Hahnenmoospass (1950m), the magnificent Itinerary: Combine sections 1,2 & 3. availability. A single supplement will be payable. valley, the Saanenmöser mountain Travel: We suggest you fly into Zurich and out of pass and finally the resort of Gstaad, popular Geneva. Accommodation Location with celebrities, all ensure that this is a relaxing We will always try and accommodate you at the stretch through the picture-perfect landscape of RECOMMENDATIONS locations detailed in the itinerary, but because of the Bernese Oberland with no big obstacles to limited availability we may have to occasionally tackle. accommodate you at an alternative location. We East to West DAY 6 will inform you if this is the case. Accommodation We only offer this route from East to West due to will always be ride in/ride out. Gstaad to Col Des Mosses 45 km the logistics of our baggage transfer system. (1662m) Meals Additional Nights The route reaches another challenging point A traditional breakfast is included each morning. between and Château d’Oex, giving you Many of our clients choose to add extra nights Lunch and dinner are not included so you are the opportunity to experience the world of the along the route, either for a break or to explore free to choose from the available options. Most of Alpine dairies and cheese production at close more of Switzerland on your bike or on foot. A your accommodations will more than happy to range in Pays d’Enhaut. rest day is highly recommended if you are doing provide a packed lunch on request and this can 2 or more sections. be booked on arrival. Alternatively you can pick DAY 7 up lunch from local shops and convenient lunch Fewer Days/Nights stops on the way. Dinner is available either at your accommodation or nearby restaurants.

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SELF GUIDED MOUNTAIN BIKING HOLIDAY

Baggage Transfer  Travel Insurance. but for UK residents would recommend the services of Sports Cover Direct whose Venture  Personal Equipment. Your bags will be transferred from your Guard Product is suitable for our walking accommodation as per your itinerary and moved  Taxi transfers or public transport should you holidays. They can be contacted as follows. onto your next overnight accommodation each need to skip a stage. Phone: +44845 120 6400 day. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag Web: www.sportscoverdirect.com of up to 20kg per person. TRAVEL INFORMATION Responsible Tourism Equipment Getting to/from Switzerland We operate adventures in some of the most Your information pack has a detailed equipment spectacular wilderness areas in Europe and try We recommend flying into Zurich for tours on the list. You will need a good quality mountain bike to operate in an environmentally aware and east of Switzerland and Geneva for those on the and gear for a day out on the bike in the sustainable manner. We do this by: mountains. west. Operating walking and biking adventures which All start and end points are accessible by rail and Bike Hire are a low impact form of sustainable tourism. taking your bike on the train is no problem. Full suspension mountain bike hire is available. Encourage the use of public transport for travel We offer a minibus transfer service from all Bikes are Concept Cycle bikes with Deore disc to or from our adventures by supplying detailed airports to all start/end points for a fixed fee per brakes, Rock Shox Tora forks and weigh 12.8kg. information on the services available. Price available on booking. person. We operate small group adventures which Availability Financial Security minimize the impact on the environment and other users. This biking holiday is available between 1st of Total Payment Protection Policy (topp) cover: June and 15th October. You can start on any In compliance with the UK Package Travel, We support local business by buying local and date that suits your travel plans and you will find Package Holidays and Package Tours using locally owned accommodation and up to date availability on our website. Note that Regulations 1992 an insurance policy has been services. some of the high passes may still be snow arranged with Travel & General Insurance We encourage the use of Carbon Offsetting as covered into June. Company plc to protect customers’ prepayments travel does have a hidden cost. Air Travel paid in respect of: PRICE produces an inordinate amount of Carbon  non-flight inclusive packages commencing and Dioxide emissions which contribute to climate returning to the UK change. Help to minimise the impact of your journey by offsetting your carbon emissions. Visit Please check our website for current prices.  the ground handling aspects of packages where the customer is responsible for The Carbon Neutral Company for further details. Included arranging travel to the destination offered in Web: www.carbonneutral.com this literature (subject to the terms of the  Hotel accommodation in ensuite rooms with insurance policy), for: breakfast. HOW TO BOOK  a refund of such prepayments if customers  Door to door baggage transfer. have not yet travelled  A detailed info pack, route notes and map for  making arrangements to enable the holiday to Once you have read all the information in this the group leader. continue if customers have already travelled or factsheet or our website and decided on your in the unlikely event of our financial failure.  Emergency telephone helpline in the event of preferred itinerary, visit our website or give us a a problem. Travel Insurance call to confirm availability. You can then book by any of the following methods: Excluded We strongly recommend taking out travel insurance to cover cancellation or curtailment of  Travel to the start finish point of your tour.  Book Securely Online: your holiday. We do not sell Travel Insurance, www.macsadventure.com  Lunches, dinners, snacks and drinks.

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SELF GUIDED MOUNTAIN BIKING HOLIDAY

 Telephone: +44 (0) 845 527 7871  Fax/Post: Download or request a booking form and post it to Macs Adventure, Unit 510, 355 Byres Road, Glasgow, G12 8QZ, UK or fax it to +44 (0) 845 527 5688 Please don’t hesitate to contact us by phone on +44 (0) 845 527 7871 or email: [email protected] if you have any queries and one of our expert customer service team will be happy to help.

“ Cara and I had originally planned too ride the route unsupported. In the end we went with Macs Adventure and loved every second of it. Having a change of clothes ferried from one hostel or B&B to the next was nothing short of luxurious. Superb picnic lunches were a real treat, and it was great not to have to scrabble around with a bunch of soggy OS maps when it poured down. As the riding was so good it also meant we could make the most of the trails without a heavy backpack weighing us down. The Atmosphere at Macs Adventure was superb; organised but laid back, like we were with a bunch of mates." Cass Gilbert writing in What Mountain Bike Magazine about one of our mountain bike holidays - February 06 “Hey guys; We really had a fantastic time. Thanks for making our trip quite memorable, and putting up with two old folks.” Dick Gowin, Atlanta, USA BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE Macs Adventure has arranged an insurance policy with Travel & General Insurance Plc to ensure that all monies you pay for a trip are fully protected.

Macs Adventure has been operating since 2003 and operates according to the highest professional standards and the Working with VisitScotland Code of Conduct.

TO BOOK PLEASE VISIT WWW.MACSADVENTURE.COM OR CALL +44 (0) 845 527 7871