Alps Divide is a mixed-terrain bikepacking route, weaving along the Western Alps, from the Mediterranean Sea to Lake Geneva. Crossing back and forth along the national borders of France, Italy and Switzerland.
A 1000km bikepacking journey filled with high mountain passes, alpine pastures, turquoise lakes, and historic military gravel roads. Accumulating 32,000m of climbing along the way – not for the fainthearted! A route that is equal parts tough as it is beautiful.
We spent three years piecing together a 1000km journey, that showcases many of the amazing diverse landscapes the Alps has to offer, whilst taking you on paths less travelled. Spectacular and remote scenery filled with high mountain passes, alpine pastures, turquoise lakes, and historic military gravel roads. To show you beautiful parts of the Alps that you might have not been to before.
The route goes South to North, starting in the picturesque town of Menton on the Côte d’Azur and finishing on the shores of Lake Geneva / Lac Léman in the small town of Thonon les Bains. Of course, the route can be ridden in reverse, but please note that there are some places where the ascent and descent of climbs will not be as optimal in reverse. Hike-a-bike would be increased going North to South. When we created the route we were mindful of making ascents as ridable as possible and descents as fun as possible. Turn the route around and you change that on a good number of the climbs.
The route crosses serious, mountainous terrain. The Alpine environment should not be taken lightly, it is a significant undertaking that will require a high level of fitness, extensive preparation and carefully selected equipment.
As much as we have tried to create as “ridable” route as possible, the going will be tough. The terrain will vary from smooth tarmac to unrideable footpaths. If you are looking for a route where you will ride your bike 100% of the time, then the Alps Divide route is not for you. We have however, included a number of variants so that you can avoid a couple of the hike-a-bike sections.
The few hike-a-bike sections you will encounter on the main route, are however, all well worth the effort for the views and to take you to quiet hidden valleys away from the crowds. Nothing has been included just for the sake of it or to make the route harder.
The majority of the route is on gravel tracks and quiet paved lanes, with just a little single-track. However, in order to link up some of the remote sections, you will occasionally be on busier roads. Whether it’s day or night, you will be sharing these roads with vehicles, please take the upmost of care and make sure you can be seen.
