The Alps are truly rugged and spectacular. Snow can be a problem on many Alpine routes over 2,000m but most of these should be clear by early June. Passes over 2,400m should be possible in good weather by early July with passes over 2700m by August. These are approximate and are based on average weather conditions for the time of year. It is also important to note that North and East facing slopes will hold the snow much later than those exposed to the sun. Always try to choose a clear fine day for your route and avoid higher routes after fresh snow. Beware of rivers rising after heavy rain. Any route over 2,000m may prove dangerous if attempted in bad weather.

If you are NEW to this sort of cycling it is strongly advised that you try some easy routes before attempting any of the harder ones.

Local weather forecasts can often be obtained at tourist information offices. Always be prepared for the worst weather even if it looks like a clear fine day. Carry plenty of water to guard against dehydration and it is a good idea to carry a couple of spare meals with you if you are camping. The food may come in very handy!

Please note that some restrictions on the use of bikes may have been introduced since these notes were compiled - particularly in National Parks - you are advised to check beforehand.

Maps

Michelin 74, 77, 81 and 84 for French Alps; 217, 218 and 219 for Swiss/N.Italian

IGN available in 1:25 000, 1:50 000 (some areas) and 1:100 000

Italian TCI 1:200 000 maps are available but have less detail than the corresponding Michelin maps.

The F&B (Freytag & Berndt) 1:50 000 maps cover Western Austria and the Dolomites. Sheets of the Dolomites are preceded with the letter S.

Pass/Col

Height (m)

Route start-finish

km

Path or Rough Road

Time (hrs)

V.A.D.

Maps
IGN 100,000

Maps
Michelin 200,000

La Brigue-Col de Tende

2102

La Brigue-frontier-Col de Tende

52

r.r.

12

E

61

84

Col de la Moutiere

2454

St-Dalmas-le-Selvage-Bayasse

6.5

road/r.r.

1.5

E

61

81

Colle della Gardetta

2437

San Giacomo-Pratorotondo

22.5

path/r.r.

7

E/M

61

81

Colle della Esischie/Morti

2370

Prazzo-Pradleves

13

r.r.

4

E

61

81

Varaita-Maira ridge

c2310

Busca-Colle Sampeyre etc

c40

r.r.

10

E

77

Col de Parpaillon

2643

La Condamine-Crevoux

22.5

r.r.

6

E

54

81

Col de Valbelle

2372

Embrun-Guillestre

17.5

r.r.

4

E

54

77

Col de la Croix/Barracun

2373

Abries-Bobbio Pellice

27

path/r.r.

9

M

54

77

Route des Cretes

2536

Sestriere-Colle Delle Finestre

48

r.r.

10

E

54

77

Colle della Finestre

2176

Susa-Chambons

17.5

r.r.

4

E

54

77

Col d'Eychauda

2425

Le Monetier-L'Argentiere la Bessee

17.5

path/r.r.

8

M

54

77

Col d'Arsine

2348

Villar d'Arene-Le Casset

16

path

6

M

54

77

Col de Granon

2413

Chantemerle-Val des Pres

14.5

road/r.r.

3

E

54

77

Col des Rochilles

2496

Nevache-Plan Lachat (Ref)

11

path/r.r.

4

M

54

77

Col de Souchet

2365

Besse-La Grave

17.5

path/r.r.

6

M

54

77

Col de Pres Nouveaux

2292

Besse-St.Sorlin d'Arves

22.5

path/r.r.

8

M

54,53

77

Col de la Vanoise

2515

Pralognan-Entre deux Eaux

14.5

path/r.r.

5

M

53

74

Col du Palet

2652

Tignes-Champagny

14.5

path

6

M

53

74

Col de Nivolet

2612

Pont Valsavaranche-Ceresole

8

path/r.r./road

3

M

53

74

Cormet d'Areches

2109

Areches-Aime

8

r.r.

2

E

53

74

Col di Chavannes

2603

Pont Serrand-Col de la Seigne path

14.5

path/r.r.

7+

D

53

74

Col de la Seigne

2516

Les Chapieux-Courmayeur(TMB)

16

path/r.r.

6

M

53

74

Col du Joly

1989

Hautleuce-Les Contamines

6.5

path/r.r./road

1

E

53

74

Col des Glieres

1440

Thorens Glieres-Le Petit Bornard

3

path

1

E

45

74

The routes are marked with a rating system called V.A.D. = Very Approximate Difficulty.

E = Easy, anything from a short rideable rough section between metalled roads to fairly long paths needing some wheeling. (sometimes hard work)
M = Moderate, often hard work, possibly occasional lifting
D = Difficult, usually hard work, sometimes involving short carries
S = Severe, much carrying, sometimes double carrying (bike, then luggage)
VS = Very severe, like severe but more so, scrambling may be involved

Times given in these guides do not allow for stops. They are often based on very little experience, so we will be glad to hear from you if you have used any of these routes.

Abbreviations:

m = height in metres
km = distance in kilometres (approximate)
path/r.r. = path or rough road
hrs = time taken to complete the route in hours (see above)
V.A.D. = Very Approximate Difficulty (see above)

The following are publishers of maps:

F&B = Freytag & Berndt
Mair = Mairs Geographischer Verlag (Austria/Germany mainly)
LDS = Landeskarte der Schweiz (Swiss 1:100,000, 1:50,000, 1:25,000)
Michelin = France/Switzerland at 1:200,000, Spain, Italy, Austria, Germany at 1:400,000
IGN = Institut Geographique National