EPIC Trans Swiss

EPIC Trans Swiss

Part fairytale, part Alpine adventure - arguably the most scenic of all our trips

It’s really hard to match Switzerland for it’s incredible scenery, unique charm and the sheer volume of iconic and challenging climbs. An absolute must for any avid cyclist who loves to climb.

Overview

Details

Next Departure

June 7th 2025

From

USD $5,895

Duration

8 days / 7 nights

Non-Rider Friendly

No

Rental Bike

USD $550

Ride Program

Total Distance

Total Elevation

Daily Av. Distance

Daily Av. Elevation

Overview

Join us on a magnificent ride through some of the most incredible landscapes in Europe. Nowhere are the Alps more stunning than in Switzerland, and our Trans-Swiss Challenge captures the very best of the Swiss Alps.

Ride the incredible St Gotthardpass – one of the few cobbled passes in Europe – and Grosse Scheidegg – with it’s views of the famous Eiger, one of the most dramatic climbs in Europe. In addition to these 2 unique climbs, you’ll also conquer the Furkapass, Albulapass, Nufenenpass, Ofenpass, Grimselpass, and the legendary Passo Stelvio!

Few trips are blessed with such an impressive list of famous, breathtakingly beautiful – and challenging climbs!


star star star star star
EPIC Trans Swiss
Wonderful. In my case made particularly special by doing it with one of my sons. The staff were so much fun to be with and ...

Bill Glahn, USA — 2015

star star star star star
EPIC Trans Swiss
The Trans Swiss trip is truly a spectacular experience with amazing scenery, challenging climbs, and great support from the Thomsen team. The Trans Swiss trip ...

Bob Goland, USA — 2022

star star star star star
EPIC Trans Swiss
Excellent support and accomodation.

Peter Aquilina, Australia — 2015

See more reviews
Cycling helmet, sunglasses and shoes illustration

Itinerary

Day Description Distance Elevation Hotel
01 Bienvenue en Suisse! Hotel Villars
02 Through the Alpes Vaudoises to Thunersee Belvédère Strand Hotel
03 Grosse Scheidegg Hotel Astoria Ulrichen
04 St Gotthard Pass - on cobbles! Hotel Astoria Ulrichen
05 Furkapass Hotel Sarain
06 Albulapass Hotel Bären
07 The Passo Stelvio Grand Hotel Bagni Nuovi Bormio
08 Arrivederci
Daily Averages
Itinerary View Itinerary View
Map View Map View
01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08

Itinerary Detail

Day 1

Distance

Elevation


Bienvenue en Suisse!

Your trip starts at Geneva Airport where our staff will be there to meet you before the transfer to your hotel in the beautiful Alpine resort of Villars-Sur-Ollon in the Swiss Vaud Alps.

After lunch, orientation meeting and bike build-up, you’ll head out for your first ride in the Swiss Alps.

Trans Swiss Thomson trip

Day 2

Distance

Elevation


Through the Alpes Vaudoises to Thunersee

Today’s ride sets the tone for the week. Leaving the hotel you’ll start climbing the lower slopes of the Col du Pillon. At the summit of the Pillon, French quickly switches to German as you enter the German-speaking region of Switzerland. The ride continues with the stunning Mittelberg and Jaunpass climbs before the descent to Thunersee and the end of a sensational day of riding in the Swiss Alps.

Tip: have a coffee-stop in Gstaad, the absolute picture perfect Swiss village – and they have fantastic coffee and pastries!

Day 3

Distance

Elevation


Grosse Scheidegg

Grosse Scheidegg is the highlight of today’s ride. This remarkable climb winds its way through some of the highest peaks in Europe including the famous north face of the Eiger. Ask any cyclist who’s had the good fortune to ride this climb and they will no doubt tell you that it’s in their list of Top 10 climbs in Europe – it’s that good! The fun continues after Grosse Scheidegg with the 25km (15 miles) Grimselpass, topping out at 2,200m (7,200ft).

Tip: the road to Grosse Scheidegg is closed to regular traffic from Grindenwald – but there are regular shuttle buses taking hikers to the summit. The buses can take up most of the road on the switchbacks – so just keep an eye out for them and stay well to the right if you’re on a switchback.

Day 4

Distance

Elevation


St Gotthard Pass - on cobbles!

The “spectacular” theme continues, with an amazing loop over 3 Hors-Categorie climbs. Highlight of the day is, without a doubt, the cobbled Saint Gotthardpass. Only the Swiss could maintain such perfect cobbles, painstakingly repairing the road every spring. There are 2 other roads that lead to the summit, so you can enjoy the old, cobbled road without any traffic. In addition to the Saint Gotthard you’ll also conquer the Nufenenpass and the Furkapass, both of which rise to over 2,400m (7,900ft).

Tip: the St Gotthardpass is definitely one to enjoy and take in the surrounding scenery. Climbing 13km (8 miles) on cobbles is tough, even if they are very smooth, so best not to push too hard and just enjoy the ride.

Day 5

Distance

Elevation


Furkapass

Your journey eastward across the Swiss Alps continues with this magnificent ride across the Furkapass and the Oberalppass. On the Oberalppass keep an eye out for the famous Glacier Express train which runs alongside the road, linking St Moritz and the Matterhorn. The ride ends with a sensational 25km (15 miles) stretch of single-lane road perched high above the valley

Tip: as you’re climbing the Furkapass, look off to your left for some incredible photo ops of the Grimselpass switchbacks in the distance

Day 6

Distance

Elevation


Albulapass

Today’s ride features the Albulapass, one of the top climbs in Switzerland and often included in the annual Tour de Suisse stage race. From the hotel, enjoy the first 35km through typical Swiss countryside before reaching Filisur and the start of today’s main climb, the Albulapass. The summit lies 23km up the road at 2,300m (7,500ft) so you’ll need to pace yourself for this huge HC climb. From the Albulapass, enjoy the long descent to your hotel in St Moritz.

Day 7

Distance

Elevation


The Passo Stelvio

Today’s ride doesn’t need much introduction. On the agenda is the mighty Passo Stelvio! 24 km (15 miles), 48 switchbacks and an average grade of almost 7.5%, the Stelvio is one of those climbs that every cyclist has to ride at least once in their lifetime. You’ll start the day climbing the Ofenpass from Zernez 21 Km (13 miles) which provides the perfect warm-up before tacking the Stelvio. From the Ofenpass, enjoy the long descent to Prato Allo Stelvio and the start of your final climb and the end of a wonderfully epic ride!

Tip: the Stelvio is a long and challenging climb. Make sure to pace yourself and don’t forget proper hydration and nutrition all the way up the climb.

Day 8

Distance

Elevation


Arrivederci

Unfortunately, your trip across Switzerland has come to an end.

Our shuttle will drop you off at Milan Malpensa Airport.

Map & Profile

Climb Distance Elevation Av. Grade Category
toggle arrow Panex Plambuit
from Ollon
8% 1
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
Climb Distance Elevation Av. Grade Category
toggle arrow Col du Pillon
from Ormont Dessus
8.4% 3
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
toggle arrow Mittelberg
from Gstaad
6.6% 1
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
toggle arrow Jaunpass
from Jaun
8.1% 2
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
Climb Distance Elevation Av. Grade Category
toggle arrow Grosse Scheidegg
from Grindelwald
8.5% HC
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
toggle arrow Grimselpass
from Innertkirchen
6.4% HC
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
Climb Distance Elevation Av. Grade Category
toggle arrow Nufenenpass
from Ulrichen
8.1% HC
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
toggle arrow St Gotthardpass
from Airolo
7.2% 1
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
toggle arrow Furkapass
from Hospental
5.5% 1
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
Climb Distance Elevation Av. Grade Category
toggle arrow Furkapass
from Oberwald
6.4% 1
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
toggle arrow Oberalppass
from Andermatt
5.8% 2
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
toggle arrow Obersaxen
from Trun
5.4% 2
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
Climb Distance Elevation Av. Grade Category
toggle arrow Albulapass
from Filisur
6.2% HC
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
Climb Distance Elevation Av. Grade Category
toggle arrow Ofenpass
from Zernez
4.2% HC
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
toggle arrow Passo Stelvio
from Prato allo Stelvio
7.4% HC
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
Climb Distance Elevation Av. Grade Category
No major climbs today

Climbs

Day 01
Day 02
Day 03
Day 04
Day 05
Day 06
Day 07

Climbs

Category Climb Day Difficulty Length Ele. Gain Av. Grade
1 Panex Plambuit (from Ollon) 01 96 8%
3 Col du Pillon (from Ormont Dessus) 02 67 8.4%
1 Mittelberg (from Gstaad) 02 65 6.6%
2 Jaunpass (from Jaun) 02 71 8.1%
HC Grosse Scheidegg (from Grindelwald) 03 111 8.5%
HC Grimselpass (from Innertkirchen) 03 133 6.4%
HC Nufenenpass (from Ulrichen) 04 124 8.1%
1 St Gotthardpass (from Airolo) 04 96 7.2%
1 Furkapass (from Hospental) 04 76 5.5%
1 Furkapass (from Oberwald) 05 93 6.4%
2 Oberalppass (from Andermatt) 05 59 5.8%
2 Obersaxen (from Trun) 05 48 5.4%
HC Albulapass (from Filisur) 06 112 6.2%
HC Ofenpass (from Zernez) 07 55 4.2%
HC Passo Stelvio (from Prato allo Stelvio) 07 167 7.4%
Show moreShow less

Dates & Prices Illustration

Dates & Prices



Date Booking Status Availability Price / Per Person Single Supplement Non-rider Discount
2025
Jun 7 - 14
Taking Bookings
Places Available
USD $5,895
USD $950
USD $1,120
Book this trip
Aug 30 - Sep 6
Taking Bookings
Places Available
USD $5,895
USD $950
USD $1,120
Book this trip
Close

Waiting List


Sign up to the waiting list for this departure, to be notified if a space becomes available. Please fill out the information below:



    Trip Hotels

    Hotel Villars

    Belvédère Strand Hotel

    Hotel Astoria Ulrichen

    Hotel Sarain

    Hotel Bären

    Grand Hotel Bagni Nuovi Bormio


    What's Included

    What's Included What's Not Included
      Accommodations & Meals arrow
    • 8 days / 7 nights fully accompanied trip
    • All accommodations
    • All breakfasts
    • All dinners
    • Sit-down lunch on the first day
    • Picnic lunches during the rides
    • Transportation arrow
    • Pick-up at Geneva Airport
    • Drop-off at Milan Malpensa Airport
    • All transportation during the trip
    • All luggage & bike box transfers
    • Cycling Support arrow
    • 1 x Support Van & 1 x Ride Leader per 8 guests (approx.)
    • Experienced bike mechanic
    • Park Tools Toolkit
    • Daily ride gpx files provided
    • Nutrition during the ride arrow
    • Energy bars, gels and sports drink
    • Variety of snacks and local specialties for picnic lunches
    • Bottled water
    • Post-ride recovery food
    • Airfare
    • Travel and personal insurance
    • Additional hotel expenses i.e. phone charges, mini-bar, gratuities
    • Staff gratuities
    What's Included
      Accommodations & Meals arrow
    • 8 days / 7 nights fully accompanied trip
    • All accommodations
    • All breakfasts
    • All dinners
    • Sit-down lunch on the first day
    • Picnic lunches during the rides
    • Transportation arrow
    • Pick-up at Geneva Airport
    • Drop-off at Milan Malpensa Airport
    • All transportation during the trip
    • All luggage & bike box transfers
    • Cycling Support arrow
    • 1 x Support Van & 1 x Ride Leader per 8 guests (approx.)
    • Experienced bike mechanic
    • Park Tools Toolkit
    • Daily ride gpx files provided
    • Nutrition during the ride arrow
    • Energy bars, gels and sports drink
    • Variety of snacks and local specialties for picnic lunches
    • Bottled water
    • Post-ride recovery food
    What's Not Included
    • Airfare
    • Travel and personal insurance
    • Additional hotel expenses i.e. phone charges, mini-bar, gratuities
    • Staff gratuities

    Travel details - airport departures

    Pick-up/Drop-off Info

    Arrival

    Pickup Location Time

    Geneva Airport

    9:00am

    OR

    Holiday Inn Express Geneva Airport

    View website arrow

    9:00am

    Departure

    Drop Off Location Time

    Milan Malpensa Airport

    12:00 noon


    Rental Bikes

    Specialized Aethos Expert

    Frame

    Aethos FACT 10r Carbon

    Groupset

    Di2 Shimano Ultegra

    Weight

    699g (size 56)

    Wheels

    Roval C38

    Chainrings

    52/36T

    Cassette

    11-34t (12-speed)

    Sizes

    49, 52, 54, 56, 58, 61

    USD $550

    View Details


    EPIC Trans Swiss

    If you love to climb - Switzerland needs to be on your bucket-list