France
The Big Six
La Marmotte with Sportive Breaks
Please note that the Marmotte date has been changed to 25th of June 2023
The original European sportive and still one of the hardest. The Marmotte takes in four giant alpine climbs, all legendary from the Tour de France finishing with the mighty Galibier and then Alpe d’Huez. A serious challenge! 2021 saw a tweak to the classic route and a new Ultra route option with over 6500m of climbing.
Stay in Alpe d’Huez with us for 3 or 4 nights. We offer a choice of hotels. Our support includes mechanic service, guided rides and private feed stations. We also offer Marmotte entry in wave 2 (2000 – 4000) with 07.30 start, a group meal night and airport transfers from Geneva airport.
Please book the 4-night package if you want to take part in the Grimpee de L’Alpe; Alpe d’Huez Time Trial on Friday morning.
Hotel options – all available for 3 or 4 nights or longer on request
- Hotel Le Castillan – prices from £449
- Hotel Le Petit Prince – prices from £399
- Chalet Hotel La Belle Etoile – prices from £399
Weekend Highlights
Weekend Highlights
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Spread your payments: Our payment plan is an interest-free payment method where you will have the opportunity to spread payment for your booking
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Guaranteed Entry: In Wave 2 (2001 - 2000). Guaranteed entry available to either the Gran Fondo (07:30 start wave) or the Ultra Fondo
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Private Feed Stops: Drop off your day bags, re-energise with sports nutrition + savoury food on the Galibier & the final climb.
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Mechanic support: Expert mechanics on hand all weekend.
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Guided Warm Up Rides: On Friday & Saturday before the sportive to some great local routes close to Alpe d'Huez.
| Sportive Distance | Sportive Elevation | Sportive Difficulty | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Long Route | 177km | 5000m+ |
5/5
Back to back long days with plenty of climbing. Suitable for good club riders.
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What's Included
Accommodation
Choice of 3* hotels
Included Meals
Bed and Breakfast
Guided Warm Up Ride
On Friday & Saturday
Private Feed Stop
Access to our private feed stations
Mechanic
On hand all weekend
Additional Extras
Transfer
From Geneva airport (GVA)
Sportive Entry
In Wave 2 at 07.30. £110 for either Gran Fondo or Ultra Fondo
Included Meals
Group Meal Night at £25 per night
La Marmotte
La Marmotte is known to be one of the hardest sportives to participate in. Taking place in September this year, our travel packages include tackling the four alpine climbs which have become legendary thanks to the Tour de France. This route is a serious challenge and a fantastic achievement.
What is La Marmotte Sportive?
La Marmotte is the ultimate cycling test and also the oldest sportive in the cycling calendar. At 174km, this one-day classic includes conquering famous climbs from the Tour de France including the Galibier, and the Glandon. The Marmotte is a race with two cut off points. You need to have passed the top of the Galibier before 16.00 and the start of the Alpe d’Huez climb in Bourg d’Oisans before 18.00 otherwise you will be eliminated from the race. If you’re eliminated your bike will go on a bike trailer and you will be transported to the finish in Alpe d’Huez. Once you finish in Alpe d’Huez, there’s no need to worry as you are staying near the finish.
First held in 1982, this is still one of the most popular cycling events in the world and a bucket list sportive all riders should try at least once.
Itinerary
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Thursday 22 June 2023 : Optional early arrival day
Please make your way to Alpe d’Huez today or make use of our optional airport transfer from Geneva airport where our team will meet you. The transfer takes 3 hours from Geneva. Please arrive today if you would like to do the Alpe d’Huez Time Trial tomorrow (Grimpee de L’Alpe).
This evening we will meet in Smithy’s tavern for our group meal night which is bookable as an extra at £25 per night.
Friday 23 June 2023 : Arrival Day and Alpe d'Huez ITT
| Distance | Elevation | Difficulty | |
|---|---|---|---|
 Short Route |
14 | 1125 |
4/5
Plenty of climbing but suitable for most regular riders.
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Please make your way to Alpe d’Huez today or make use of our optional airport transfer from Geneva airport where our team will meet you. The transfer takes 3 hours from Geneva. Today is the Grimpee de L’Alpe Event (book our 4 day package for entry). This is the official ADH time trial. Also today we will run a short (but punchy) guided ride down Alpe d’Huez, over the Balcons and back up the Sarenne departing Alpe d’Huez at 14.30.
This afternoon you have the opportunity to go to the expo to collect your race bib for tomorrow and our tour leaders and bike mechanics are available for you. The evening is free for you to eat out in one of Alpe d’Huez’s many restaurants or you can join us at our meal night in Smithy’s Tavern (available at £25 per night).
Saturday 24 June 2023 : Preparation Day
| Distance | Elevation | Difficulty | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short Route |
45 | 1203 |
2/5
Flat to rolling day with max one main climb.
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After breakfast and preparing the bikes, we will take you on a supported, guided ride that takes in the Vilard Reculas climb which is the easiest way to get back up to Alpe d’Huez. We will descend down to Bourg d’Oisans, ride along the valley floor and climb back up to Alpe d’Huez.
We’ll be back at the hotel in the afternoon for you to rest and get prepared for tomorrow. This evening our bike guides will do a race briefing to run through Marmotte day logistics and of course the route.
The evening is free for you to eat out in one of Alpe d’Huez’s many restaurants or you can join us at Smithy’s for the meal night (available at £25 per night).
Sunday 25 June 2023 : The 2023 Marmotte
| Distance | Elevation | Difficulty | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Long Route |
175 | 5516 |
5/5
A Queen Stage day: multiple classic climbs and an epic ride.
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We have an early start this morning. Early breakfast is arranged. The Marmotte start is done in waves. You will be allocated a start pen with a time that you have to enter the pen plus a start time. Previous editions have started between 07:00 and 08:30.
- 06:00 – 07:00 – Start check-in
- 07:00 – Start 1st wave
- 07:30 – Start 2nd wave
Today we provide:
- A clothing drop-off at the start
- Private feed stations
This afternoon and early evening we’ll assist you with re-packing your bikes ahead of travel. The evening is free for you to eat out in one of Alpe d’Huez’s many restaurants or you can join us at Smithy’s for the meal night (£25pp). After the meal, we’ll have a celebratory get together at Smithy’s bar to celebrate your achievement.
Monday 26 June 2023 : Departure Day
After breakfast, we offer our optional transfer back to Geneva airport.
Sportive Options
The famous Marmotte Granfondo Alps finishes with the legendary Alpe d’Huez. The famous 21 hairpin bends must be conquered before the final release of the finish. It takes courage to overcome the 177 kilometres and 5,000 altimeters of this epic cycling challenge.
The route features 5 of the most legendary passes in France: in order of appearance on the route: the Glandon, the Telegraph, the Galibier, the Lautaret, and finally the final ascent of Alpe d’Huez. Whether you aim for a certain time or you just want to finish, every participant leaves Alpe d’Huez with a satisfying feeling and bragging rights knowing that they have conquered this challenge.
| Distance | Elevation | Difficulty | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Long Route | 175 | 5516 |
5/5
Very challenging: multiple tough sectors and a full day epic ride.
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Accommodation
Hotel le Castillan
268 Route de la Poste, 38750 Alpe d'Huez
Our base in Alpe d'Huez is the lovely Hotel le Castillan. Number one rated on Tripadvisor for a reason. The family that run the Castillan are friendly and the hotel has everything you need for a great cycling break. Ideally located in the centre of the resort, the charming hotel Le Castillan allows you to take advantage of the countless sports and cultural activities associated with Alpe d'Huez in both summer and winter. At your feet, the ski slopes, the hiking trails, the 21 mythical bends of the Alpe for an unforgettable bike ride! There's nothing like a caring hotel, run by the same family since 1955, to make your stay in Alpe d'Huez a success. Its privileged location in the Vieil Alpe district, its comfort and friendliness invite you to enjoy the good life!
Langley Hôtel Le Petit Prince
Route de la Poste, 38750 Alpe d’Huez
Langley Hôtel Le Petit Prince is a family-friendly 3-star hotel. The town centre of Alpe d'Huez, with a bank, newsagent, small supermarket, outdoor swimming-pool, and sports centre is within a 5-minute walk. All rooms are modern and cosy, some of which have balconies overlooking the beautiful valley.
Belle Étoile Chalet hotel
Rue du Coulet 38750 Alpe d’Huez
Chalet hotel Belle Étoile features a sauna, sun terrace and outdoor spa where you can enjoy magnificent views of the valley and the mountains. The rooms are comfortable and are available exclusively as single (1 double bed) or twin rooms (2 single beds). Each room has its own bathroom and toilet, duvets and hairdryer. The entire chalet is non-smoking and there is free WIFI. The hotel also offers a sauna and a spacious outside area where it is possible to relax after a long day’s ride. Belle Étoile is located in the old town of Alpe d'Huez. Here there is a particularly charming atmosphere with authentic houses in stone and wood. There is a string of cosy cafes, international sports bars and top-notch restaurants. It's all within a few minutes walk.
Airport Transfers
Our optional transfers take 3 hours from Geneva.
Transfer 1 : Depart Geneva Airport at 11.00 (for flights arriving by 10.00)
Transfer 2 : Depart Geneva Airport at 16.00 (for flights arriving by 15.00)
Transfer 1 : Depart Alpe d’Huez at 07.00 (for flights departing after 12.00)
Transfer 2 : Depart Alpe d’Huez at 10.00 (for flights departing after 15.00)
Dates & Book Now
Sportive Breaks are part of the Destination Sport Experiences group. When clicking on the booking link below, you will be taken to the Destination Sport Experiences booking engine. If you have any questions, please do contact our team [email protected]
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