FAQs for the ride ahead
Bookings
What are the dates for your upcoming tours?
You can find our tour schedule here. If there are dates outside of this schedule that you’d like to discuss, please contact us.
What are the dates for your upcoming tours?
You can find our tour schedule here. If there are dates outside of this schedule that you’d like to discuss, please contact us.
What are the terms of booking, including your cancellation policy and refund options?
Please see our Terms & Conditions on payments and cancellations.
What are the terms of booking, including your cancellation policy and refund options?
Please see our Terms & Conditions on payments and cancellations.
What if I need to cancel or change plans at the last minute?
We understand that circumstances can change and that you might need to alter your plans or cancel a tour. Please keep us informed as best you can via email, so that we can help make any new arrangements if possible. Please see our Terms & Conditions for the specific cancellation policy.
What if I need to cancel or change plans at the last minute?
We understand that circumstances can change and that you might need to alter your plans or cancel a tour. Please keep us informed as best you can via email, so that we can help make any new arrangements if possible. Please see our Terms & Conditions for the specific cancellation policy.
What insurance do you have?
At Swiss Cycology Tours, we have comprehensive liability insurance in place and operate within all relevant Swiss laws. While we’re fully insured as a business, individual health and accident insurance that covers Switzerland is a mandatory requirement for participating in any tour organised by Swiss Cycology Tours.
What insurance do you have?
At Swiss Cycology Tours, we have comprehensive liability insurance in place and operate within all relevant Swiss laws. While we’re fully insured as a business, individual health and accident insurance that covers Switzerland is a mandatory requirement for participating in any tour organised by Swiss Cycology Tours.
What insurance do I need as a rider?
Individual health and accident insurance that covers Switzerland is a mandatory requirement for participating in any tour organised by Swiss Cycology Tours. We also highly recommend that you arrange insurance to cover any unexpected changes, for example, events such as injuries, illness or pandemics. It is the responsibility of the individual to ensure that the necessary insurances are in place before you travel.
What insurance do I need as a rider?
Individual health and accident insurance that covers Switzerland is a mandatory requirement for participating in any tour organised by Swiss Cycology Tours. We also highly recommend that you arrange insurance to cover any unexpected changes, for example, events such as injuries, illness or pandemics. It is the responsibility of the individual to ensure that the necessary insurances are in place before you travel.
About the tours
Why would I ride in the Swiss Alps?
For us at Swiss Cycology Tours we believe that in terms of cycling tours in Europe, the Swiss Alps are still an undiscovered cycling paradise, that affords truly memorable riding away from the noise and crowds. And yes – they may not have the titans of cycling lore, like the Stelvio, Alpe d’Huez and Mount Ventoux, but the riding is certainly no less epic for it. So, if you don’t want to follow the well-trodden path, join us for a truly unique Switzerland cycling holiday.
Why would I ride in the Swiss Alps?
For us at Swiss Cycology Tours we believe that in terms of cycling tours in Europe, the Swiss Alps are still an undiscovered cycling paradise, that affords truly memorable riding away from the noise and crowds. And yes – they may not have the titans of cycling lore, like the Stelvio, Alpe d’Huez and Mount Ventoux, but the riding is certainly no less epic for it. So, if you don’t want to follow the well-trodden path, join us for a truly unique Switzerland cycling holiday.
What is the best time of year for cycling in the Swiss Alps?
Given the altitude of many the passes that we include in our rides, the roads are closed from November to May because of snow. Therefore, our tour window is from June to October, when the weather is warmer and more predictable, and the mountain flora and fauna is at its best. We believe any of the tour date months that we offer would be a wonderful time to visit Switzerland and experience the Swiss Alps by bike.
What is the best time of year for cycling in the Swiss Alps?
Given the altitude of many the passes that we include in our rides, the roads are closed from November to May because of snow. Therefore, our tour window is from June to October, when the weather is warmer and more predictable, and the mountain flora and fauna is at its best. We believe any of the tour date months that we offer would be a wonderful time to visit Switzerland and experience the Swiss Alps by bike.
Can I customise my itinerary or extend the trip with additional destinations or activities?
With Swiss Cycology Tours it’s always possible to customise elements of the route, to meet specific fitness levels and cycling goals. So please contact us and we’re happy to discuss what would work for you
Can I customise my itinerary or extend the trip with additional destinations or activities?
With Swiss Cycology Tours it’s always possible to customise elements of the route, to meet specific fitness levels and cycling goals. So please contact us and we’re happy to discuss what would work for you
How long are the daily rides, and what are the elevation gains and distances?
The full tour is a carefully curated series of rides and climbs designed to inspire and challenge. It involves 5 days of riding, covering a total distance of 500 kms with a total elevation of 12,0000m. Detailed route files will be supplied as part of the pre-tour information pack, and you can learn more about the routes and climbs here.
How long are the daily rides, and what are the elevation gains and distances?
The full tour is a carefully curated series of rides and climbs designed to inspire and challenge. It involves 5 days of riding, covering a total distance of 500 kms with a total elevation of 12,0000m. Detailed route files will be supplied as part of the pre-tour information pack, and you can learn more about the routes and climbs here.
What are the accommodation options?
Our accommodation is based on 4/3-star hotels, meaning that you can relax and recover in comfort. Specific details on the hotels will be shared in the pre-tour information pack. If you’d like to discuss other accommodation options that might better suit your needs, please contact us.
What are the accommodation options?
Our accommodation is based on 4/3-star hotels, meaning that you can relax and recover in comfort. Specific details on the hotels will be shared in the pre-tour information pack. If you’d like to discuss other accommodation options that might better suit your needs, please contact us.
How do I navigate each ride?
Our rides are semi-supported, and you can expect to have to undertake a level of route navigation on your own, or in small groups. Detailed route files will be supplied as part of the pre-tour information pack that you can load to your personal bike computer, and our team van will meet you at various points on each ride, the specific locations of which will be communicated at the start of each day. A short daily morning briefing will give us the chance to talk through the route once more just before you head off.
How do I navigate each ride?
Our rides are semi-supported, and you can expect to have to undertake a level of route navigation on your own, or in small groups. Detailed route files will be supplied as part of the pre-tour information pack that you can load to your personal bike computer, and our team van will meet you at various points on each ride, the specific locations of which will be communicated at the start of each day. A short daily morning briefing will give us the chance to talk through the route once more just before you head off.
Do you offer bike rentals?
Please let us know when booking if you are planning on renting a bike and we can make sure you get the details of local suppliers that we recommend.
Do you offer bike rentals?
Please let us know when booking if you are planning on renting a bike and we can make sure you get the details of local suppliers that we recommend.
Are there any age restrictions for participants?
We ask the riders are at least 18 years of age at the time of the first day of the tour.
Are there any age restrictions for participants?
We ask the riders are at least 18 years of age at the time of the first day of the tour.
Are there options for non-cycling partners or family members to join?
TBC
Are there options for non-cycling partners or family members to join?
TBC
What do you suggest in terms of riding with a phone?
In our experience, most people are used to riding with their phone (if only to take photos for Instagram!). We strongly recommend that people do keep their phones with them while riding, especially to allow us to communicate with you, and vice versa, if necessary. Please check with your local service provider that data usage in Switzerland is included in your phone package.
What do you suggest in terms of riding with a phone?
In our experience, most people are used to riding with their phone (if only to take photos for Instagram!). We strongly recommend that people do keep their phones with them while riding, especially to allow us to communicate with you, and vice versa, if necessary. Please check with your local service provider that data usage in Switzerland is included in your phone package.
Can I take part in the tour on an e-bike?
Yes – but please check to make sure your e-bike can undertake the distances and elevation of the tour, as the availability of charging points outside of hotels and main towns will be limited. And of course, our routes do involve long descents which could be more challenging on a heavier e-bike. Please let us know when booking if you intend to use an e-bike so that we can plan accordingly.
Can I take part in the tour on an e-bike?
Yes – but please check to make sure your e-bike can undertake the distances and elevation of the tour, as the availability of charging points outside of hotels and main towns will be limited. And of course, our routes do involve long descents which could be more challenging on a heavier e-bike. Please let us know when booking if you intend to use an e-bike so that we can plan accordingly.
What if I am not flying into Zurich airport? Can I meet you in Andermatt?
Yes, of course. You are free to make your own travel arrangements to Andermatt, and then from Thusis where the tour finishes. Switzerland has an excellent and reliable train network which can easily accommodate bikes and luggage. You can find more information on train travel in Switzerland here.
What if I am not flying into Zurich airport? Can I meet you in Andermatt?
Yes, of course. You are free to make your own travel arrangements to Andermatt, and then from Thusis where the tour finishes. Switzerland has an excellent and reliable train network which can easily accommodate bikes and luggage. You can find more information on train travel in Switzerland here.
Can meals be catered for specific dietary requirements?
As part of the booking process, we capture any specific dietary requirements. These will be passed on to the hotels that we use and inform the lunch/food choices on the ride itself.
Can meals be catered for specific dietary requirements?
As part of the booking process, we capture any specific dietary requirements. These will be passed on to the hotels that we use and inform the lunch/food choices on the ride itself.
How do you handle luggage during the tour, and will it be transferred between stops?
Your luggage (including bike/bike box) is transferred with you too/from Zurich airport and in between hotels when the tour switches locations.
How do you handle luggage during the tour, and will it be transferred between stops?
Your luggage (including bike/bike box) is transferred with you too/from Zurich airport and in between hotels when the tour switches locations.
About you
How experienced a cyclist do I need to be?
Riding in the mountains is a unique and exhilarating experience, and something that not everyone is able to do regularly. So, while your experience up to now may not have involved many mountain, or consecutive day, rides, a good level of experience in how to ride safely and handle a bike, preferably in small groups, is advisable and would help you get the most out the tour. A specific area in helping to help ensure everyone’s safety, is in having an understanding of, and confidence in, descending.
How experienced a cyclist do I need to be?
Riding in the mountains is a unique and exhilarating experience, and something that not everyone is able to do regularly. So, while your experience up to now may not have involved many mountain, or consecutive day, rides, a good level of experience in how to ride safely and handle a bike, preferably in small groups, is advisable and would help you get the most out the tour. A specific area in helping to help ensure everyone’s safety, is in having an understanding of, and confidence in, descending.
How long are the daily rides, and what is the total elevation gain and distance?
The full tour is a carefully curated series of rides and climbs designed to inspire and challenge. It involves 5 days of riding, covering a total distance of 500 kms with a total elevation of 12,0000m. Detailed route files will be supplied as part of the pre-tour information pack.
How long are the daily rides, and what is the total elevation gain and distance?
The full tour is a carefully curated series of rides and climbs designed to inspire and challenge. It involves 5 days of riding, covering a total distance of 500 kms with a total elevation of 12,0000m. Detailed route files will be supplied as part of the pre-tour information pack.
How do I navigate each ride?
Our rides are semi-supported, and you can expect to have to undertake a level of route navigation on your own, or in small groups. Detailed route files will be supplied as part of the pre-tour information pack that you can load to your personal bike computer, and our team van will meet you at various points on each ride, the specific locations of which will be communicated at the start of each day. A short daily morning briefing will give us the chance to talk through the route once more just before you head off.
How do I navigate each ride?
Our rides are semi-supported, and you can expect to have to undertake a level of route navigation on your own, or in small groups. Detailed route files will be supplied as part of the pre-tour information pack that you can load to your personal bike computer, and our team van will meet you at various points on each ride, the specific locations of which will be communicated at the start of each day. A short daily morning briefing will give us the chance to talk through the route once more just before you head off.
What kind of weather should I expect, and how should I prepare for it?
One of the things that we think make our rides so special, is the mountain passes that we take you over – all of which top out at more than 2,000m above sea level. With this can come some unpredictable weather, and a range of temperatures as you ascend and descend. Our advice is to dress in layers, so that you adjust what you wear as necessary. But don’t worry too much, as our tour van is always on hand, allowing you to rest and warm up as needed, and of course, to carry any spare kit that you don’t want to ride with.
What kind of weather should I expect, and how should I prepare for it?
One of the things that we think make our rides so special, is the mountain passes that we take you over – all of which top out at more than 2,000m above sea level. With this can come some unpredictable weather, and a range of temperatures as you ascend and descend. Our advice is to dress in layers, so that you adjust what you wear as necessary. But don’t worry too much, as our tour van is always on hand, allowing you to rest and warm up as needed, and of course, to carry any spare kit that you don’t want to ride with.
What kit do you recommend I bring?
Our full recommended kit list will be supplied as part of the pre-tour information pack, but in general you should look to pack clothing that takes into account a variety of weather conditions and temperatures, and enough to last for the duration of the tour. Gloves and a rain jacket are likely essential. In terms of refuelling, a range of energy bars and gels will be provided by us, and bike tools will be available for communal use, so you only need to bring the essentials to ride with.
What kit do you recommend I bring?
Our full recommended kit list will be supplied as part of the pre-tour information pack, but in general you should look to pack clothing that takes into account a variety of weather conditions and temperatures, and enough to last for the duration of the tour. Gloves and a rain jacket are likely essential. In terms of refuelling, a range of energy bars and gels will be provided by us, and bike tools will be available for communal use, so you only need to bring the essentials to ride with.
What are the expectations of the people taking part in the tour?
On our tours you can expect to meet people from different countries, backgrounds and with different cycling abilities and goals. We ask the people respect and embrace this collective moment of being together and remember that we are all connected through a shared love of cycling. We also want to create as small an impact on the environment as possible, so please join us in keeping the landscape clean and litter free at all times.
What are the expectations of the people taking part in the tour?
On our tours you can expect to meet people from different countries, backgrounds and with different cycling abilities and goals. We ask the people respect and embrace this collective moment of being together and remember that we are all connected through a shared love of cycling. We also want to create as small an impact on the environment as possible, so please join us in keeping the landscape clean and litter free at all times.