Although the area is popular with mountain bikers, there are plenty of people who use les Contamines as a base for col-conquering, for improving their climbing technique (the route from the valley to les Contamines is described as a ‘mini-Col’ by our regular cycling guests) and for watching some of the epic stages of le Tour (de France!).
Patrique at Mermoud Sports, who does competes in l’Etape most years, will not only rent a properly-geared bike out to you, but will also advise on how to tackle whichever col you have in mind, be it the Col de la Colombiere, at nearby La Clusaz, the Col des Aravis, just a bit further on, or the mighty Col des Saisies. Your choice; suffer at will!
This year saw the Tour de France pass over the Col du Galibier, about 3/4 of an hour’s drive from the chalet. It’s not unusual for the Tour to pass within riding distance of Chalet Kiana.
See the Apple app, iCols, for more details. It’s a great tool for planning your pain!
