Current as of: March 28, 2024 - 09:20

Cycling the Valais Matterhorn Region

Cycling the Valais Matterhorn Region Trip Notes

  • Ways to Travel: Self-Guided Holidays
  • Programmes: Cycling
  • Activity Level:

    5 out of 7 - Challenging

  • 8 Days: Land Only
  • Ages: 18+
  • Trip Code: C07VL

Trip Overview

Cycle the great Swiss Alps

Home to the infamous Matterhorn, Valais in Switzerland is a land full of contrasts. From majestic mountains at 4,000m high and fascinating glaciers, to unspoilt valleys and sprawling vineyards, there’s something for every adventure seeker to relish on this trip. Accounting for almost 40% of Switzerland’s wine production, Valais is a true paradise for wine lovers.

This sun-kissed valley enjoys 300 days of sunshine a year which bathes the mountains and meadows in a magnificent light. Spectacular bike trails meander over mountain slopes and through speckled forests as you delight in the awe that Valais has to offer you.

You’ll be welcomed each night by traditional alpine hospitality and delicious regional food at our 3* and 4* hotels. Most of your accommodations are situated in beautiful mountain villages and feature a wellness centre for you to relax in after your days cycling.

Highlights

  • Adventure into the homeland of the majestic Matterhorn
  • Follow exceptional single trails down the flanks of the Rhone and Nanztal Valleys
  • Unwind in Leukerbad, renowned for its historical thermal spa and springs

Group

As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. Your luggage is transferred and route notes and maps are provided. The route notes contain an emergency assistance telephone number (operating between 0830 and 2000hrs). In emergency, the local representative is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.

Adult min age: 18

Itinerary

Land Only

  • Start City: Crans-Montana
  • End City: Grimentz

Flight Inclusive

  • Start City: London
  • End City: London

Land Only Itinerary

Day 1
Arrive in Crans-Montana

The two neighbouring resorts of Crans and Montana sit at 1,500m on a sun-drenched plateau high above the Rhone Valley. These twin towns have an impressive view of mountain peaks from the Matterhorn to Mont Blanc; the perfect place to begin your Valais voyage.

Overnight Hotel Valaisia 3*, Crans-Montana.

Day 2
Crans-Montana to Leukerbad

Begin your first ride with a steady climb to Cabane de la Tiéche, a small alpine cabin which is sometimes open for local food and drinks. From here, you’ll ride past stunning Alps as you descend into Varen through the delightful vineyards and vines of the Rhône valley before reaching Leuk. Once in Leuk, the bus will take you to Leukerbad, known for the largest alpine thermal spa in Europe.

Overnight Hotel Quellenhof 3*, Leukerbad.

Distance covered: 17mi (27km)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 3
Leukerbad to Unterbäch

Take a short cable car up to Rinderhütte where one of the most beautiful trails in Switzerland awaits you. Upon reaching Erschmatt, you’ll follow the trail down into the picturesque Rhône valley surrounded by an extraordinary mountain panorama. Once you arrive in Raron, you’ll take the cable car to the next town up in Unterbäch.

Overnight Hotel Alpenhof 3*, Unterbäch.

Distance covered: 21mi (33km)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 4
Unterbäch to Grächen

From Unterbäch, you take the chairlift up to Brandalp where you’ll journey to Moosalp along clear trails. Here you can take a moment to appreciate the remarkable landscapes and even enjoy the legendary Moosalp restaurant cream cake! After your well-deserved break, begin your descent to the Mattertal via the mountain village of Törbel and Stalden valley. The stunning Matterhorn trail will guide you up through the Mattertal and into St. Niklaus where a bus will take you to Grächen.

Overnight Hotel Hannigalp 3*, Grächen.

Distance covered: 21mi (33km)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 5
Grächen to Brig

Today brings you incredible mountain and glacier views as you ride along both the Mattsand Enduro Trail and the Matterhorn Valley Trail. You’ll take a cable car up to Gspon where a beautiful trail leads through the Sädol forest to the Gibidumpass. From here, you’ll follow a lovely leisurely trail down into the wild Nanztal valley where you can take a short break at Alp Nidristi. Finish your day in Brig, an alpine town nestled at the foot of Simplon Pass which leads to the Italian border.

Overnight Hotel Stockalperhof 4*, Brig.

Distance covered: 30mi (48km)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 6
Brig to St Luc

Take the train and cable car from Brig to reach your starting point in Lauchernalp. Today takes you to the magical Lotschental valley with stunning views of Bietschhorn. Descend through alpine forest, passing charming villages before reaching Leuk with its striking castle. Continue through the wine-growing villages of Varen and Salgesch before arriving in Sierre and taking a bus to St Luc.

Overnight Hotel Beausite 3*, St Luc.

Distance covered: 30mi (49km)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 7
St Luc to Grimentz

This is a very special end to your week in Valais! Take the funicular up to Tignousa where you’ll head high above the Val d’Anniviers to Zinal surrounded by the highest mountains in the Alps. The cable car takes you to almost 2,700m to Sorebois where it’s all downhill as you whizz past Lac de Moiry reservoir to the small mountain village of Grimentz.

Overnight Hotel Alpina 3*, Grimentz.

Distance covered: 18mi (29km)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 8
Depart Grimentz

Enjoy a relaxing morning in the comfort of your beautiful hotel before departing for home.

Ascents, descents and distances

All ascents, descents and distances listed above have been measured by our local partners or tour leaders, in many cases with satellite-based mapping software. Please note, different GPS measuring devices can give differing results, particularly on winding paths or in mountainous terrain. Measurements stated throughout these trips notes are given to help you understand the types of terrain and distances you will encounter. Timings stated will vary depending on the pace of your group.

Accommodation

Hotel Valaisia 3*, Crans-Montana

Benefiting from a quiet location next to the Grand Signal-Bella Lui cable car station, this lovely hotel is just 5 minutes from the centre of Crans Montana. The wellness centre features a 33°c salt spa, sauna, massage, and fitness room. In the summer months, you can enjoy a heated swimming pool and sunbathing area in addition to a terrace and garden. The hotel restaurant serves a breakfast buffet and a seasonal four-course menu in the evening.

Hotel Quellenhof 3*, Leukerbad

Located on the spa promenade of Leukerbad, this hotel is conveniently set next to the famous Alpentherme spa and the Torrentbahn cable car station. With ten relaxing baths and a wide range of wellness treatments, Leukerbad Therme is the largest thermal spa in the entire alpine region. The hotel restaurant serves delicious regional dishes, after which you can enjoy the cosy fireside bar.

Hotel Alpenhof 3*, Unterbäch

Sat almost 1,200m above sea level, this relaxing hotel is right next to Raron gondola station and the chair lift station. You can relax in the sauna or enjoy an aperitif before dinner at the hotel bar. Enjoy lovely mountain views from the hotel restaurant or on the cosy sun terrace as a breakfast buffet and regional evening meals are served.

Hotel Hannigalp 3*, Grächen

Around 400m from the village centre, this delightful hotel enjoys a peaceful location in the car-free area of Grächen. Featuring an indoor pool and hot tub, their wellness centre also boasts a sauna, whirlpool, ice fountain, and a relaxation area with a fireplace. There is also a tennis court and ping-pong table available to guests. The restaurant serves delicious Swiss and international cuisine.

Hotel Stockalperhof 4*, Brig

Named after Stockalperhof Castle, a proud landmark of Brig, this boutique hotel offers a modern yet historical ambience. The rooms are high-quality and contemporary, most of which feature a balcony. Their restaurant offers an Italian influence, serving seasonal, healthy cuisine.

Hotel Le Beausite 3*, St Luc

This family-run hotel boasts uninterrupted views of the Matterhorn, set in a lovely sunny location and close to a bus stop. There is a private spa centre by appointment only which includes a jacuzzi with breathtaking Matterhorn views. The hotel restaurant offers a generous selection of dishes made with fresh produce and a raclette night if you’re lucky enough to stay on a Friday.

Hotel Alpina 3*, Grimentz

This lodge style hotel has the authentic charm of a traditional Swiss chalet. Located close to the ski lifts in the peaceful village of Grimentz, there’s a fantastic wellness area with sauna and jacuzzi for you to relax in. Regional and Italian dishes are served in the hotel restaurant along with homemade gourmet desserts.

Transport

Your luggage is transported from hotel to hotel for you.

Joining Instructions

Full joining instructions including route notes, hotel list, map and local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

Location start: Crans-Montana
Location end: Grimentz

Transfer Details

Airport transfers are not included in this trip.

What To Take

Essential Equipment

Seat and handlebar heights will have been set up in advance from the heights you have given us on booking. However, when you receive your bike there will be the opportunity to test and adjust. Electronic bikes are available for this trip, please request one as early as possible as they are subject to availability. Helmets can be requested if you wish, but please be aware we can never guarantee the quality of these so we do recommend bringing your own.

We recommend you bring the following items:
Normal daily clothes
Padded cycling shorts
Cycling gloves
Water bottles
Breathable cycling top
Cycling helmet (compulsory on this trip)
A couple of warm layers
Sunglasses, sun cream and sunhat
Stiff-soled shoes suitable for cycling
Waterproofs and long cycling trousers
For earlier departures you may need some warmer layers
Mobile phone with roaming capabilities

 

Bike Repairs
As you are riding unaccompanied, it is wise to know at least how to repair or change an inner tube before setting off on your bike!  Please visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-QSjw0iDs98&t=3s for a comprehensive guide on fixing a puncture.

The bikes are serviced before being rented out so there should be no problems – however, there are emergency numbers provided in the Route Notes for more complex problems.

If you prefer the familiarity of your own bike, you may, of course, bring it along. Please advise us at the time of booking and you will receive a discount on the price of the holiday, as specified above. You will be responsible for any extra baggage charges, please speak to your sales representative for individual airline fees. Please note, this does not apply to trips within the UK, for which local bike hire is not included.

You will also be responsible for assembling and disassembling your bike as well as bringing along spare parts and any tools specific to it. It is also your responsibility to ensure your bike is roadworthy and suitable for the type of cycling undertaken. If in doubt, the model of local bike hire available should act as a guide and details of terrain, ascent and descent are available both in the itinerary and in the ‘Is this trip for you?’ sections. Our cycling team only carry the relevant spares for the hire fleet. Any clients bringing their own bike should ensure they have adequate cover for loss, damage or theft under their travel, home contents or a specialist insurance policy. If Exodus is confident we have taken all reasonable care to ensure the safety of your bike, in the rare event of loss, damage or theft, you will need to claim under your own insurance policy.

Extra bike accessories

You may like to bring your own pedals and saddle (excluding the seat post) or gel saddle cover to fit to the hire bikes. We encourage this, if it is your preference. However, please note that you are responsible for your own equipment, and removing your saddle/pedals at the end of the trip. We cannot guarantee the return of any bike parts left behind.

Recommended Cycling Clothing

Padded cycling shorts (with loose ‘over-shorts’ where recommended), breathable clothing, and a lightweight waterproof/windproof top. Shoes with relatively stiff soles are better for biking, but are not essential unless you are cycling long distances. Most people want to carry certain items with them during the day while cycling, for this we recommend a large bum bag (fanny pack) or small close-fitting daysack.

Exodus Policy on Cycling Helmets

Wearing a helmet is mandatory for anyone taking part in any guided Exodus cycling holiday. Group members must bring their own helmets, as they are not available for hire, even if they are hiring a bike from Exodus.

For self-guided cycling holidays wearing a helmet is highly recommended. Customers who choose to ignore our advice do so entirely at their own risk and on the understanding that it may affect the validity of their travel insurance. It should also be noted that in some countries, wearing a helmet is a legal requirement.

Cycling of all kinds has its dangers and accidents can happen from time to time. Please ensure that you are properly prepared for the riding you are going to undertake.

Local Bike Details

A quality local hire bike is included in the overall price of our cycling holidays. At the time of booking we will take your height in order to reserve equipment. There may on occasions be insufficient bikes available in the correct size; we will endeavour to find suitable alternative equipment but this cannot be guaranteed. We will tell you before you book whether suitably sized bikes are available.

Conditions 

1. The equipment remains the property of the supplier and you may not sell, hire out or part possession with the equipment.
2. You must not misuse the equipment and must return it in the same condition as when received (ordinary wear and tear excepted). The supplier is entitled to charge for any damage caused to the equipment during the period of hire.
3. You must ensure that the equipment is adequately secured when not in use. In the event of the equipment being lost or stolen, you may be liable for the replacement value of the equipment
4. You must not use the equipment whilst under the influence of drink or drugs and should immediately notify the Supplier in the event of breakdown or loss.

Practical Information

Visa

Switzerland

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Switzerland. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/switzerland
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/switzerland
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/switzerland/entry-requirements
• USA:  www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Switzerland.html

Vaccinations and Health

Switzerland

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, rabies and tick-borne encephalitis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

Local Time

Switzerland's time zone: Europe/Zurich (UTC +01:00)

Electricity

Switzerland's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins, European standard) and J (three round pins) – 230V, 50Hz

Money

Switzerland's currency: Swiss francs (CHF), but euros (EUR) are widely accepted

ATM Availability

Cashpoints are available in all major towns. Credit cards are widely accepted.

Responsible Travel

At Exodus we believe in the power of Responsible Travel.

Every time we travel, we are part of a global movement that creates jobs, builds more sustainable societies, encourages cultural understanding and safeguards common natural and cultural heritage. To learn more about what Responsible Travel means to Exodus click here

Important Information

Your safe participation 

When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary. 

Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity. 

By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred. 

How to Book

  1. Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
  2. Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
  3. Complete your booking and payment

When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.

After booking

You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.

Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.

Trip Note validity

These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.

The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.

Licensing

Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.