Electric Tour du Mont Blanc

This is a point-to-point trip, with each night in a different location. We will cross through 3 countries on a loop trail to return to our starting destination.

The singletrack trails we ride are old hiking paths linked by sections of gravel, asphalt and doubletrack roads and are accessed by a few lifts but mostly by climbing. Trail surfaces feature fixed rocks and rock gardens, with some dirt in lower sections, switchbacks and steep sections. Expect some exposure at times, mostly open alpine riding and some forested sections in lower valleys.

19-43km, 4-6 hours

No, your luggage will be moved from hotel to hotel each day.

We have chosen a route that should be 100% rideable, but there is no shame in walking your bike on a section that makes you uncomfortable. Ride conservatively, and within your limits.

On this adventure, we spend all seven nights at small, cozy, family-run hotels with private rooms.

All breakfasts, two lunches and three dinners.

The food along the Mont Blanc route is a delicious mix of French, Italian, and Swiss cuisines, offering hearty and comforting meals perfect for refueling. In France, enjoy Savoyard specialties like raclette, fondue, and tartiflette, along with fresh bread and pastries. Italy’s Aosta Valley serves up homemade pasta, creamy risottos, polenta, and rich espresso. In Switzerland, expect rösti, cheese fondue, and world-class chocolate. Mountain refuges often provide simple but satisfying three-course meals, while local markets offer fresh bread, cheese, and cured meats for trail snacks. Each region adds its own unique flavor to the adventure.

Yes, on the optional riding day in Courmayeur, Italy, laundry services are available, or you can hand-wash your own clothes.

It is imperative when signing up for one of our trips that you are confident that your riding ability matches the required riding ability for the trip, regardless if it’s an eMTB or MTB trip. If you have the required ability level for the trip but little (or no) experience on an eMTB this is fine, our guides will give you tips to help you learn to ride these assist-bikes. They are intuitive and you will be a pro within a few days. Read more about the benefits of eMTBs in one of our Trail Tales.

eMTB’s generally come in two battery sizes, sub-400 Wh and 750 Wh (or above). On our trips we utilise the bigger battery bikes which allow riders to easily ride four to six hours in higher-assist modes. Riders will carry their chargers daily, if needed we will charge batteries over lunch to further ensure that riders do not run out of juice. Note that the bigger battery bikes have greater torque and make the bikes heavier.

As it is with any bike on any ride, a personal bike or rental bike, a short ride or long ride – mechanical issues can, and will, occur. As it has been for 20+ years of running our trips we are aware of this possibility and prepared to deal with issues if needed. We help riders to avoid mechanicals by performing bike checks and with general bike care. Note that mechanicals and breakdowns are at your cost (including potential itinerary interruptions or changes), on rental eMTB’s or personal MTB’s.

We source the best rental bikes available in each region through our partner bike shops. We ensure that rental bikes are inspected, well-maintained and have appropriate tires, brakes and extra parts. We know that quality bikes and components are paramount to a good experience. Note that a rental bike will never be as comfortable as one’s personal bike, riders must expect some adjustment and compromise when riding the rental bikes. For some destinations, there is the option to upgrade to a high-performance eMTB.

Upon registration for your trip you will be asked to input your height, weight (for suspension set up) and preferred frame size. We will then communicate the bike brand, model and specs to you. Flat pedals are included on bikes, if you ride clip pedals, you are required to bring your own pedals. Bikes also include a set of brake pads, tire levers, a multi-tool and tubes. It is suggested to bring your own pump and specific tools. It is also suggested to bring your own saddle for added comfort and related riding gear: helmet, globes, knee pads, eye protection, hydration bag, etc.

In the majority of countries that we run our trips protection insurance is not available. If it is available we will communicate this to you. Riders are 100% responsible for all damages to rental bikes – you must inspect your bike for existing damages (take photos) before the first ride. If damages occur while riding the rental bike we will communicate the details and cost to you upon completion of the trip. Once agreed upon your credit card on file will be used to cover cost of damages from the bike shop where bike was rented from.

eMTBs have four or five assist modes (from eco to turbo). On most days, we ride in the middle level to ensure that we are conserving battery. As on any bike, eMTBs perform best when pedalling at a consistent and relatively fast cadence (70-90 RPMs). They are heavier than regular bikes, which takes some adjustment, as the weight is often low on the bike, which adds stability in loose rocks and increased speeds. Riders must look further ahead when riding e-bikes and change gears well in advance (while light pedalling). With the pedal-assist, there is added stress on the drivetrain, and it is suggested to lower saddle height slightly and move weight forward more than usual on steeper climbing sections. For more information, check out one of our Trail Tales. 

With the exception of a few trips (Treasure Islands and Mediterranean Dreams) we try to avoid mixing e-bikes and acoustic mountain bikes on our trips. However, on private departures, we are able to host a mixed group to help groups ride together. Our policy with mixed groups is that the pace of the ride follows acoustic riders, and e-bikers will have a “cruisier” experience and must be patient and expect to wait at times.

In the big mountains, weather can change quickly and drastically – it could be 30 degrees Celsius one day and then freezing on a mountaintop the next day. Summertime in the Alps is typically beautiful, however it can rain and sometimes even snow, so be prepared for all types of weather conditions.

We recommend that you purchase some Swiss Francs & Euros at home prior to departure. It’s best to have this cash in hand before departure as bank machines are hard to find on this route.

Gratuities for your Big Mountain guides may be given at your discretion in response to their professionalism and leadership throughout the week. We suggest 5-10% of the trip price per individual guest to be divided among your guiding team as a tipping standard.