Question 1

ARRIVAL (Geneva)

Accepted Answer

LOCATION: ZURICH AIRPORT
DETAILS: …

Question 2

Women only options

Accepted Answer

All our trips are available as women-only ride options on request, of course at zero extra cost. This means that your guide will be female, and, whenever possible, also the support staff with the vehicle.

Question 3

ARRIVAL, GEAR RENTAL & TRANSFER"

Accepted Answer

LOCATION: ZURICH AIRPORT
DETAILS: …

Question 4

ARRIVAL, GEAR RENTAL & TRANSFER"

Accepted Answer

LOCATION: ZURICH AIRPORT
DETAILS: …

Question 5

What is included in my trip?

Accepted Answer

There's a different set of included features depending on the type of tour. Please check out our One-Day (javascript:void(0))and Multi-Day (javascript:void(0))tour pages to find out more.

Question 6

Women only options

Accepted Answer

All our trips are available as women-only ride options on request, of course at zero extra cost. This means that your guide will be female, and, whenever possible, also the support staff with the vehicle.

Question 7

Private tours only, no random groups."

Accepted Answer

Custom itinerary & route design, designed along your bucket-list-lines, our own inspirations, or a healthy mix of both.

Question 8

Private tours only, no random groups"

Accepted Answer

Choose from our selection of one-day trips to spend a great day riding in the alps.

Question 9

TOUR de LAC d’ANNCEY WARM-UP

Question 10

When is the best time to plan a Monumentalps trip?

Accepted Answer

The passes we ride reach high altitudes. Just for perspective: Stelvio, the highest, paved mountain pass is at 2757 m or 9045 ft above sea level. Therefore most of the times the roads will be closed because of the snow and will only be accessible for a limited time per year.
 
As a general rule of thumb one can say the high Alpine passes open sometime in June and close sometime in October. In our opinion the best period is July and August as well as September. That's because in July and August the weather is usually the most suitable and in September the summer holidays are over which means there will be little traffic. We are more than happy to make time frame suggestions depending on the trip you want to take.

Question 11

How strong are your guides? Will I be able to follow them?

Accepted Answer

Try them! But honestly - they are here to adapt to your riding and not the other way around :) We use a questionnaire prior to your ride with Monumentalps and/or riding data from Strava etc. to match you with the guides we think would be best suited. If you have any specific requests as per the guides, please let us know in our pre-ride onboarding process.

Question 12

WARM UP RIDE

Accepted Answer

LOCATION: VAL MUSTAIR (CH) & LIVIGNO (IT)
RIDE DISTANCE: 60 km, 25 mi
ELEVATION: 800m, 2500 ft
DETAILS: We use a one-of-a-kind tunnel built by the hydro-electric power plant company, look at the dam they built, and ride along lake Livigno, a ride often used by pro teams preparing at altitude for the big tours. After crossing the (tax free!) alpine town of Livigno, we ride up the Forcola di Livigno to give you a first taste of alpine climbing. Frequent stops along the way to fine-tune your gear, get coffee etc.

Question 13

LAKE BRIENZ BLISS & WARM UP RIDE

Accepted Answer

LOCATION: Brienz, Switzerland
RIDE DISTANCE:ELEVATION:DETAILS: We ride through pristine Aare valley with its many bovine inhabitants, along Lake Brienz with its incredible color, sporting some of the most impressive mountain faces as a backdrop. This day is make sure you are comfortable and familiarised with your bike and the Swiss kind of riding.

Question 14

Who picks the guide for my trip?

Accepted Answer

We use your provided information to match you with the guide we deem best. You are welcome to tell us your preferences, too. Women only options are available.

Question 15

TELEGRAPHE & GALIBIER

Question 16

Local Ride Guide

Accepted Answer

Our tour guides are members of the local cycling community and share our burning passion for cycling the alps. Our guides cover a wide range of skill levels: from the more casual rider to gritty QOM or KOM hunters. We also cover a wide range of age groups and genders. All guides are fluent in English as well as the local language and can provide all the know-how of the passes as well as all the (ride) support you might need.

Question 17

Local Ride Guide

Accepted Answer

Our tour guides are members of the local cycling community and share our burning passion for cycling the alps. Our guides cover a wide range of skill levels: from the more casual rider to gritty QOM or KOM hunters. We also cover a wide range of age groups and genders. All guides are fluent in English as well as the local language and can provide all the know-how of the passes as well as all the (ride) support you might need.

Question 18

STELVIO. 🏆

Accepted Answer

LOCATION: VAL MUSTAIR (CH)
RIDE DISTANCE: 100 km, 70 mi
ELEVATION: 2000m, 6500 ft
DETAILS: Let’s be honest - today is why you’re here. Stelvio. Switchbacks after switchbacks. The G.O.A.T. and highest paved mountain pass in Europe. We leave in the early morning to ride down the valley of mustair, passing a UNESCO-heritage historic monastery, and cross into Italy at the bottom of the valley. After a short flat(ish) last warm up, the climb up Stelvio begins. Once you have earned your bucket list tick, we descend on the other side, and also add the Umbrail Pass to the collection with just a short saddle, so two passes for the effort of (almost) one.

Question 19

GROSSE SCHEIDEGG

Accepted Answer

LOCATION: Brienz, Switzerland
RIDE DISTANCE:ELEVATION:DETAILS: We would like to call this a hidden gem, but it’s in plain sight. One of our founders’ favorite passes, full stop. The pass road is closed for car traffic, and it gets more spectacular after every turn. The descent goes to Grindelwald and its century-old alpine history with some of the world’s most famous mountain faces, before we return to Brienz along pristine lake Brienz

Question 20

I have special dietary requirements - can these be considered?

Accepted Answer

We love this question, as it is an opportunity to point to our values. (javascript:void(0))The answer is YES.
 
We know about the dietary requirements a lot of our guests have, and it will be no problem to meet them. For instance, we carefully select our accommodation partners in regards to their capability with a vegetarian or vegan diet. Just let us know while we plan your tour.

Question 21

What if the weather is bad for my booked tour?

Accepted Answer

Our tours happen outside, and while we prefer sunny weather ourselves, the Alps also have their own magic in less optimal weather. For multi-day tours (javascript:void(0))it means that we will adapt our plans meaning we will find an alternative route.
 
For one-day tours,(javascript:void(0)) you are free to cancel up to 24 hours before the start of the tour. If the weather is really bad, we would also contact you from our side to suggest alternatives.

Question 22

SEE HOW YOU FEEL & WEATHER RESERVE

Accepted Answer

LOCATION: VAL MUSTAIR (CH)
RIDE DISTANCE: up to you!
ELEVATION: up to you!
DETAILS: After yesterday, let’s see how you feel! Maybe ride Stelvio from the other (Swiss) side? Go to the spa in Bormio (IT), or check out the historic monastery in Val Müstair and cross the border to eat Gelato in Italy? Up to you. We also keep this day as a reserve in case the weather did not allow for Stelvio on Day 3.

Question 23

I can’t bring my own bike, may I rent one?"

Accepted Answer

Of course! We work with different local suppliers depending on where we’re going. Let us know that you would like to rent a road bicycle and we will find a solution most suitable for you.

Question 24

ALPE d’HUEZ

Question 25

No minimum number of participants

Accepted Answer

Because just you are the participant(s). We don't do ad-hoc groups. This trip is just for you, your own group of friends or family. Decide who you want to bring, you won't be mixed with other people or groups.

Question 26

No minimum number of participants

Accepted Answer

…because just you are the participant(s). We don't do ad-hoc groups. This trip is just for you, your own group of friends or family. Decide who you want to bring, you won't be mixed with other people or groups.

Question 27

GRIMSEL & FURKA

Accepted Answer

LOCATION: Andermatt, Switzerland
RIDE DISTANCE:ELEVATION:DETAILS: Grimsel is a perfect mix of sights and effort in its own. Long, but never overly steep, the road straddles along gorges and waterfalls, sometimes car free and on short cobble stone sections - before we descend on Switzerland’s most fun descent to Gletsch. After this we climb Furka on the other side of the valley, with famous historic hotel Belvedere sitting in a hairpin close to the top. The ride down to Andermatt is more technical.

Question 28

Can I do this on an e-bike?

Accepted Answer

In theory, yes. However, the Monumentalps experience is designed for road bikes only and the fact that we aim to earn the earn the full bragging rights :) But still: If you want to bring somebody along as part of your group who would prefer joining on an e-bike, then we can look into that.

Question 29

On-trip flexibility

Accepted Answer

Because this is your tour, and your tour only, we will have the possibility to make changes to the trip as we go. Bad weather, or worse: bad legs? We will figure out a plan B for the day.

Question 30

REST / WEATHER RESERVE

Accepted Answer

LOCATION: Andermatt, Switzerland
RIDE DISTANCE:ELEVATION:DETAILS:

Question 31

TRANSFER & DEPARTURE

Accepted Answer

LOCATION: ZURICH AIRPORT
RIDE DISTANCE: nope
ELEVATION: nuh-uh
DETAILS: Give us your money and 5 stars on Tripadvisor. Thanks!

Question 32

On-trip flexibility

Accepted Answer

Because this is your tour, and your tour only, we will have the possibility to make changes to the trip as we go. Bad weather, or worse: bad legs? We will figure out a plan B for the day.

Question 33

REST / SIGHTS / WEATHER RESERVE

Question 34

What kind of hotels will we be staying in?

Accepted Answer

For our multi-day tours,(javascript:void(0)) by default we are aiming for nice, authentic and sustainable hotels that we are certain you will like. But because every tour is planned individually anyway, we can also adapt to your requests - if you want to splash out to stay in The Chedi, (https://www.thechediandermatt.com/en/)for instance. Just let us know while we fine-tune your tour.

Question 35

Why are you only offering private tours? Can I not join an existing group?

Accepted Answer

We only offer private tours. It enables us to provide the best possible experience to our guests. Especially on long and demanding climbs like the Alps, the performance levels and expectations differ immensly from person to person. This might lead to a lot of waiting for the faster riders. As such, we limit our tours to private tours, free to book for individuals or private groups of people.
 
There's one exception, and these are our free supported social group rides, which happen about twice per year. More information on this will be on the website soon.

Question 36

THE GOTTHARD DOUBLE

Accepted Answer

LOCATION: Andermatt, Switzerland
RIDE DISTANCE:ELEVATION:DETAILS: Today we climb Gotthard. Twice. Once from the North on the historic Gotthard pass road, and then from the South over the famous Tremola road. Did we mention cobble stones? Did we mention quasi car-free? If you thought it can’t get better after all these other days - well - it just might!

Question 37

Lunch & Snacks

Accepted Answer

One-Day trips include a cold cycling lunch & snacks only

Question 38

CROIX DE FER

Accepted Answer

Enter your answer here

Question 39

Support vehicle & driver

Accepted Answer

On-ride hybrid or fully electric support vehicle with your baggage, spare tubes, tools, and a Monumentalps trip representative. This vehicle will also be used for local transfers.

Question 40

MADELINE

Accepted Answer

Enter your answer here

Question 41

Accommodation & Meals

Accepted Answer

All overnight stays in great hotels including all breakfast and dinners. Monumentalps work with excellent quality and comfortable hotels that have a focus on local cuisine, sustainability, and authenticity. All stays include our care package: daily cycling laundry service and safe bicycle storage at no extra charge. Vegetarian & vegan options are available on request and a true non-issue.

Question 42

Authentic experience in great surroundings

Accepted Answer

Riding on pass roads with a rich history that are true works of art, staying in quaint alpine lodges*, eating Raclette for dinner (OK, not every night)*, diving into the local culture, immersion of not just the roads but also the villages, the food and all its history. All this will bring you countless photo opportunities and unforgettable memories – on top of some of the world’s best cycling.

Question 43

How dangerous is it to ride the Alps?

Accepted Answer

Like any outdoor activity that contains traffic, riding the Alps on a bike is not risk-free. The biggest risks are the people riding "stronger" vehicles - meaning, car, busses and bikes. Please listen to the safety suggestions of our guides, and don’t take unnecessary risks. While we plan our trips to avoid traffic as best as we can, there will always be other road users. Please note that you must wear a suitable cycling helmet at all times, no exceptions.
 
You are also responsible of taking care of your own insurance. Monumentalps does NOT cover any kind of personal insurance protection.

Question 44

WEATHER RESERVE / RECOVERY RIDE

Accepted Answer

OCATION: Andermatt-ish, Switzerland
RIDE DISTANCE:ELEVATION:DETAILS: To the Victorinox Swiss Army Knife museum?

Question 45

Cycling Fuel

Accepted Answer

On-ride cycling snacks & drinks, refills along the way.

Question 46

Can you help me with getting my own bike onto a plane?

Accepted Answer

We can try - easiest if you just book the flight with us too. We know what airlines, transfer airports etc. work best for bike transport and can adjust accordingly. This also enables us to include the CO2 offsetting (javascript:void(0))right into your flight booking.

Question 47

REST / SIGHTS / WEATHER RESERVE

Accepted Answer

Enter your answer here

Question 48

Born Sustainable

Accepted Answer

Our experience happens around some of the world’s greatest natural wonders, so it is an absolute no-brainer for us to preserve the environment. We aim to reduce our emissions as much as possible. We are sustainable by design - find more information on our our values page (link).

Question 49

SIGHTS, TRANSFER TO AIRPORT & BYE"

Accepted Answer

LOCATION: Andermatt, Switzerland
RIDE DISTANCE:ELEVATION:DETAILS: Visit Lucerne or the Victorinox Swiss Army Knife museum along the route, fuck knows.

Question 50

Born Sustainable

Accepted Answer

Our experience happens around some of the world’s greatest natural wonders, so it is an absolute no-brainer for us to preserve the environment. We aim to reduce our emissions as much as possible. We are sustainable by design - find more information on our our values page

Question 51

ISERAN (includes car transfer)

Question 52

Question 53

Authentic experience in great surroundings

Question 54

REST / SIGHTS / RESERVE

Question 55

TRANSFER TO GENEVA

Question 56

When do I need to pay?

Question 57

What is your cancellation policy?

Question 58

Who are your guides?

The Monumentalps Difference

FAQ

​​The Monumentalps Difference

FAQ

The Monumentalps Difference