From the glacier of Mont Blanc to the roman town of Aosta

The route is entirely based in the Valle d'Aosta, divided into 6 stages over 245 kilometres and 6,300 metres of elevation gain. This is a difficult trek requiring a good level of training and technical proficiency. The recommended training is for at least 700-800 kilometers by mountain bike rides with high elevation gains (in line with the stages listed) and technically challenging trails. Along the route you will be confronted with a range of surfaces including asphalt, unpaved roads and a net prevalence of cycle trails. Every day will include a memorable descent, and panoramas are an integral part of each day. Stopovers and breaks are organised in various, comfortable locations (hotels, refuges and farmhouse restaurants) with plenty of food prepared in traditional Valle d'Aosta style. The second stage will include an afternoon off to take advantage of the splendid Prč Saint Didier health spa or to visit the village of Courmayeur. During the fifth stage it will be possible to visit the historical city centre of Aosta.

DEPARTURE LOCATION: Courmayeur-Prč Saint Didier (Aosta)

ITINERARY
1- Arrival at Prč Saint Didier, meeting with organisers, short briefing and bicycle check-up.
2- From Prč Saint Didier to La Thuile at 1,450 m. by bus. Ascent to Col Chavannes at 2,600 m., descent to Lake Combal at 2,000 m. then on to Courmayeur along the course of the Veny Valley, before continuing by trail to Prč Saint Didier. Elevation gain: 1,200 m. Km: 35
3- From Prč Saint Didier to Challancin at 1,600 m. by minibus. Ascent to Col Fetita at 2,550 m. and descent to La Salle, 1,000 m., over a stupendous trail and return to Prč Saint Didier by bicycle. Afternoon off (Prč Saint Didier health Spa or visit to Courmayeur). Elevation gain: 1,000 m. Km: 34Transfer to Vens by minibus. Dinner and accommodation.
4- With a splendid panorama over the Gran Paradiso valleys between 1,800 and 2,220 metres altitude, we will cycle as far as the Chaligne Refuge at the entrance to the Gran San Bernardo valley where we will be able to visit characteristic Valle d'Aosta pastures where Fontina, a typical Valle d'Aosta cheese (including tasting), is produced in the summer months. Elevation gain 1,300 m. Km 34
5- We will continue into the valley through splendid pine woods and take a break close to the village of Bosses to taste the typical "Le Jambon de Bosses" ham, before continuing towards Valpelline in the foothills of the Gran Combin where we will pass the night in the "Vieux Alpage" farmhouse-hotel. Elevation gain: 1,500 m. Km: 45
6- After entering the Valpelline valley and crossing the town, we will alternate between technically challenging trails and quiet unpaved roads to reach Aosta at 550 m., an historical town with city walls, theatre and triumphal arch still standing from the times of the Roman Empire. Elevation gain: 500 m. Km: 45
7- Today we will ride as far as the cable car by bicycle and ascend to the Pila ski resort.We will then choose from two options for reaching the Villeneuve sports centre: a relaxing ride through splendid forests with a limited elevation gain, or ascending by ski lift to approx. 2,700 m. and descending a challenging trail to the Cogne valley at 1,200 m. after pushing the bicycles on foot for a short distance. Elevation gain: 800 m. Km: 49 (1,500 metres descent in a single trek!!!!)We will return by train from Villeneuve to Prč Saint Didier. Goodbye and thanks for the trip.

EQUIPMENT: Normal equipment required for mtb treks, with suitable clothing for the altitudes we will be reaching. We can prepare our backpacks each day according to weather conditions. Put everything you think will be useful, including specific spare parts for your mtb, in the luggage that will be following us. Please make sure that your mtb is in top condition.

PRICES: 900 euros per person for groups of at least 4 people, covering:
-a qualified guide for 6 days
-six days of half board accommodation in stopover points
-picnic on the 5th day to try "jambon de bosses" ham with locally produced Valle d'Aosta wine
-luggage transport and transfers where necessary.
Where possible for the number of places available, we can also organise trips for accompanying persons following by car. Half board will be free for anyone available to take care of baggage transport. On request, we can organise transport to and from various airports and hotel accommodation in Prč Saint Didier for the last night of the tour.

NOT INCLUDED: lunches, various drinks, anything not specified in the list above.

2011 DATES: 31 July to 06 August