La Marmotte

2017 Marmotte Gran Fondo Alps

July 2, 2017

Duration: 3 days Distance: 170km

The 2017 Marmotte Alps date has been confirmed as Sunday July 2 2017. Every year the Marmotte Granfondo takes place on a tough course in the French Alps around the Alpe d’Huez. We offer guaranteed entry, top notch staff support, airport transfers and a variety of hotels in Alpe d’Huez so you can focus on the riding whilst we look after the rest.

Please note that the 2017 Marmotte will take place on a Sunday rather than the usual Saturday. Book now to secure your place.

DETAILS
We have been working on the Marmotte as official UK tour operator for a lot of years. We provide excellent travel packages with staff support so you can focus on the riding.

2017 Marmotte Gran Fondo weekend

Thursday June 29 – Optional early arrival day
Friday June 30 – Grimpee de L’Alpe Alpe d’Huez time trial and main arrival day
Saturday July 1 – Registration day, event expo, Sports Tours International race briefing
Sunday July 2 – Marmotte day
Monday July 3 – Departure day

Why stay in Alpe d’Huez?

One of the things to decide on is whether you choose to stay in Alpe d’Huez or in the valley for your Marmotte weekend. We have chosen to stay in Alpe d’Huez for the following reasons:
1. Alpe d’Huez is the venue of the event expo and registration
2. After you finish the Marmotte, you only have to go a short distance back to your hotel
3. It tends to be a lot cooler at altitude than in the valley which will enhance your sleep quality
4. Spending a couple of days in Alpe d’Huez will help you to acclimatise to the altitude
5. The atmosphere before and after the event is great in Alpe d’Huez
We have 2 star, 3 star and 4 star hotel options and hotel stays are available for 3 or 4 nights on the advertised board basis.

Included with your Marmotte itinerary
- 3 or 4 nights at your chosen hotel in Alpe d’Huez
- 3 or 4 breakfasts
- 3 or 4 evening meals (if you book a hotel which includes this)
- Bike storage at your chosen hotel
- All hotel taxes
- A Sports Tours International cycling jersey made by Santini – More information
- Our staff service. Please see details below
Our staff service on the Marmotte includes:
- A Marmotte race briefing at the Palais des Sports
- Mechanical support from our professional mechanics
- Daily hotel visits from our team of bike guides
- 2 additional feed stations on the Galibier and on the Alpe d’Huez bends
- A day bag service on Marmotte day with bag available at our food stop on the Galibier
- We will collect your clothing from you after you descend to the start in Bourg d’Oisans on race day and deliver it back to the hotel for you
- Airport meet and greet and return airport transfers – if you book this service
Also available
- We offer return airport transfers from Geneva or Lyon airport for you, your luggage and your bike at set times at just £99 return if booked with our travel package – More information below.
- Guaranteed La Marmotte Entry. Available as an extra at £110 (includes €10 chip deposit which will be refunded to you in cash after the Marmotte)
- La Grimpee Alpe d’Huez time trial. Available as an extra at £15 (use same chip as Marmotte) – this now takes place on Friday before rather than the usual Sunday after the Marmotte
- Bike rental options – £129 for a Trek Carbon bike with Shimano 105 and £189 for Shimano Ultegra – More information here
- Travel Insurance – do not travel without insurance and don’t forget to insure your bike. Please visit our insurance page
Airport transfers

Please book these in advance based on your flight arrival time. You will book a specific transfer so we can’t guarantee that there is space on another transfer if you decide to change last minute although we will do all we can to accommodate any changes.

Friday June 30th – Arrival day:

We will welcome you at Geneva and Lyon airport and our transfer vehicle will transport you and your bike to Alpe d’Huez leaving Geneva airport at 14.00 and 19.00 and Lyon airport at 10.00, 16.00 and 20.00. If you take the late 19.00 transfer from Geneva or the 20.00 transfer from Lyon and you are staying at a hotel with evening meals included then a cold buffet will be waiting for you on arrival. For those who are not staying at a hotel with evening meals included, we will propose a simple meal on arrival which can be paid for locally.

Monday July 3rd – Departure day

Geneva transfer

Departing Alpe d’Huez at 07.00 for flights from 12.00 and at 10.00 for flights from 15.00.

N.B. Please note that if you have booked a place on the early transfer and then miss it, we cannot guarantee that there is space on the 10:00 transfer for you and your bike.

Lyon transfer

Departure transfers to Lyon airport are available on Monday at 05:30 for flights after 10.00 and 11:30 for flights after 16.00.

N.B. Please note that if you miss the 05:30 transfer, we cannot guarantee that there is space on the 11:30 transfer for you and your bike.

Trophee d’Oisans:

It is possible to use this entry for the Marmotte only if you don’t want to do the other events of the Trophee d’Oisans. Available at £160 if booked with our travel package or at £170 without travel package for entry into the Trophee d’Oisans which includes 4 events; the Vaujany, the Prix des Rousses, the Marmotte plus the Grimpee de L’Alpe. Have a look at our Trophee d’Oisans cycling week here.

Read More
Now taking place on a Sunday rather than the traditional Saturday, the Marmotte Gran Fondo is one of the toughest one day cyclo-sportives that you can do. There is 170km with 5000 metres of ascent to be conquered. Climbs scaled are: Col du Glandon (1924m), Col du Telegraphe (1570m), Col du Galibier (2645m), Col du Lautaret (2058m) and Alpe d’Huez (1880m).

For a review of the 2016 event, have a look at Jim’s blog here

Just like the Etape du Tour, there are rolling road closures, feed stops etc, before finishing in Alpe d’Huez. You will get your own personal time for the event, together with a classification. This is what people riding the Marmotte strive for – will you get a gold, silver or bronze? Our hotels are well situated in Alpe d’Huez, so you wont have too far to go afterwards from the finish. Upon return to your hotel, you can choose to do what you wish, so either relax or celebrate!

The route is very challenging as you expect from the Marmotte with 170km distance and 5000m of climbing. There’s a great article worth reading about the Marmotte on the Road Cycling UK website about the Top 10 tips for La Marmotte

Please see below for the schedule:
- Start in Bourg d’Oisans (719m)
- Col du Glandon (1924m)
- Col du Telegraphe (1570m)
- Col du Galibier (2645m)
- Col du Lautaret (2058m)
- Alpe d’Huez (1880m)
In 2015 due to the closure of the Tunnel du Chambon in between the foot of the Col du Lautaret and the start of the ascent to Alpe d’Huez in Bourg d’Oisans, the route of the 2015 Marmotte was changed to miss the Galibier and Lautaret. In 2016 we were back on the ‘classic’ course.
TESTIMONIALS

"2017 Marmotte"

Hi Alex
Thanks to you and your team - 7am worked out just fine anyway and I managed to get home on an earlier flight......all good.
Thanks again for a great trip / Sports Tour.

Malcolm - July 5, 2016

"2016 Marmotte"

Many thanks for your support over the weekend, We are starting to think about next years adventures, who is the best person to contact about what we are thinking?

Sarah - July 5, 2016
ITINERARY

Please note that the 2017 Marmotte will take place on a Sunday. The date has been confirmed as Sunday the 2nd of July

Thursday June 29th – Optional early arrival day

We give you the option to arrive early today, ahead of your Marmotte weekend.

Friday June 30th – Arrival day

Arrival day for all hotels is Friday and you can choose to make your own way to Alpe d’Huez or to book our arrival transfers.

Today you will have the additional option of participating in the Grimpee de L’Alpe, a 13km event to get your very own time climbing Alpe d’Huez. Ride your bike down to the start from the hotel and try to set a PB on the timed ascent of the Alpe. We advise to arrive a day early to ensure you don’t miss this event.

Airport transfers from Lyon airport or Geneva airport

We operate airport transfers from both Geneva and Lyon airports. Even though the transfer is shorter from Lyon, there are far more flights available from Geneva.

Please note that we reserve the right to cancel your airport transfer booking if you book a flight which arrives later than the advertised times or leaves too early on departure.

Geneva airport to Alpe d’Huez – 3 hours

We will be operating arrival transfers at 14:00 from Geneva airport to our hotels in Alpe d’Huez and another one at 19:00. It takes around 3 hours to complete the journey to the hotel. Departure transfers to Geneva airport are available on Monday at 07:00 and 10:00.

Lyon airport to Alpe d’Huez – 2.5 hours

Transfers from Lyon airport leave the airport at either 10:00, 16:00 or 20:00. Departure transfers to Lyon airport are available on Monday at 05:30 and 11:30.

Saturday July 1st – Registration day

Registration will be on Friday between 14.00 and 20.00 and Saturday from 10.00 until 20.00. This will be in the Palais des Sports in Alpe d’Huez. There will be plenty of time today to build your bike and make some last minute adjustments if required. Our staff will be on hand to assist you. This morning we will do our race briefing at the Palais des Sports near the registration area.

Sunday July 2 – Marmotte day

Descent to Bourg d’Oisans

The start of La Marmotte is in Bourg d’Oisans so after an early breakfast you ride down to the start before undertaking the 170km of the 2017 Gran Fondo La Marmotte. In the morning it can be chilly on the way down to the start. We can collect the items you use on the descent from you. We will be located 100m before the roundabout at the bottom of the Alpe d’Huez descent. The bags will be kept and delivered back at night to your hotels.
We will provide additional feed stops near the Col du Galibier (full feed stop) plus on the climb up to Alpe d’Huez (liquids and gels only)

Day bag service

You can give us items that you want to have available in the race when you stop at our Sports Tours support station so you don’t have to carry it all the way with you. You have to use the bag we give to you for this purpose. This could be food, energy drink etc.

Monday July 3 – Departure day

We will be running airport transfers today back to Geneva and Lyon airport.

Geneva airport to Alpe d’Huez – 3 hours

It takes around 3 hours to complete the journey to the airport. Departure transfers to Geneva airport are available on Monday at 07:00 and 10:00. The first Geneva bus will leave at 07:00 from Alpe d’Huez so please book flights after 12:00. The other bus leaves at 10.00 for flights departing after 15.00.

Lyon airport to Alpe d’Huez – 2.5 hours

Departure transfers to Lyon airport are available on Monday at 05:30 and 11:30.

N.B. Please note that if you are booked on the first transfer and you miss it, we can’t guarantee that there is space on the next one.
HOTELS & PRICING

Hotel Alp’Azur

Offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, this traditional 3 star chalet-style hotel is located in the heart of Alpe d’Huez. The hotel features a bar and rooms ...

Hotel Royal Ours Blanc

The 4 star Hotel Royal Ours Blanc is located in the heart of Alpe d’Huez at the bottom of Alpe d’Huez’s shopping street at just 350 metres from the Palais de...

Hotel Pic Blanc

The Pic Blanc is a 4 star hotel in Alpe d’Huez, named after the 3,330m Pic Blanc mountain. At the heart of this stunning resort is a charming chalet with cosy lounge ...

MMV Les Bergers

Hotel Club MMV Les Bergers is in the Bergers area of Alpe d’Huez. You will stay at this hotel with your breakfasts and evening meals included. A bike store is also locat...

Hotel La Belle Aurore Alpe d’Huez

The Hotel La Belle Aurore is a basic, 2 star hotel located in the centre of L’Alpe d’Huez. The hotel has free WiFi, a restaurant and a terrace and is located at t...

Our hotels in Alpe d’Huez

Our hotels and important locations are indicated on the map

3 nights at 3 star MMV Les Bergers in Alpe d’Huez on half board basis

You will stay at the hotel MMV with breakfasts and evening meals included for 3 nights from Friday to Monday. Please refer to the hotels tab to read more about the hotel.

£379 per person based on sharing a room with 2 beds
£169 per person supplement for the sole occupancy of a room

3 nights at 3 star Hotel Alp Azur in Alpe d’Huez on bed and breakfast basis

You will stay at the hotel Alp Azur on a bed and breakfast basis for 3 nights from Friday to Monday. Meals will include breakfasts only on 3 days. Please refer to the hotels tab to read more about the hotel.

Triple room options – Prices below are per person and based on 3 people sharing a room with 3 single beds

Triple room – 3 single beds – £349
South Facing Triple room – 1 double and 2 single beds – £369

Twin or double room – Prices below are per person based on 2 people sharing a room with 2 single beds or 1 double bed

South facing Twin/ Double room – £369
Mountain View Twin/ Double – £339
Triple room used as twin – £419
Large twin room – £389

Single room – Prices below are per person for the sole occupancy of a room (limited availability)

Single room – £459

3 nights at 4 star Hotel Royal Ours Blanc in Alpe d’Huez on bed and breakfast

You will stay at the hotel Royal Ours Blanc on a bed and breakfast basis for 3 nights from Friday to Monday. Meals will include breakfasts only on 3 days. Please refer to the hotels tab to read more about the hotel.

£519 per person based on sharing a room with 2 beds
£160 per person supplement for the sole occupancy of a room

3 nights at 4 star Hotel Pic Blanc in Alpe d’Huez on half board basis

You will stay at the hotel Pic Blanc with breakfasts and evening meals included for 3 nights from Friday to Monday. Please refer to the hotels tab to read more about the hotel.

£579 per person based on sharing a room with 2 beds
£160 per person supplement for the sole occupancy of a room

3 nights at 2 star Hotel Belle Aurore in Alpe d’huez on half board basis

£399 per person based on sharing a room with 2 beds
£99 per person supplement for the sole occupancy of a room

Please refer to the hotels tab to read more about the hotel and what is included with your stay

La Marmotte Hotels

Hotel Alp’Azur

Offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, this traditional 3 star chalet-style hotel is located in the heart of Alpe d’Huez. The hotel features a bar and rooms with free Wi-Fi internet access.

Guestrooms at the Alp Azur are soundproofed and have a traditional Alpine decor. Each is equipped with satellite TV, a telephone and desk. Breakfast is served each morning in the hotel’s breakfast room offering panoramic views of the Meije mountain and the Ecrins National Park.

Your stay here will be on a bed and breakfast basis with 3 breakfasts included. You will have an early breakfast on Marmotte day. If you depart on our 07:00 airport transfer back to Geneva airport on Monday then you can also have an early breakfast.

At the hotel Belle Aurore which is right next door there is a bike room and our mechanics use the hotel as their base so mechanical assistance is on hand when you need it.

Hotel Price

3 nights on bed and breakfast

You will stay at the hotel Alp Azur on a bed and breakfast basis for 3 nights from Friday to Monday. Meals will include breakfasts only on 3 days.

Triple room – Prices below are per person and based on 3 people sharing a room with 3 single beds

Triple room – 3 single beds – £349
South Facing Triple room – 1 double and 2 single beds – £369

Twin or double room – Prices below are per person based on 2 people sharing a room with 2 single beds or 1 double bed

South facing Twin/ Double room – £369
Mountain View Twin/ Double – £339
Triple room used as twin – £419
Large twin room – £389

Single room – Prices below are per person for the sole occupancy of a room (limited availability)

Single room – £459

La Marmotte Hotels

Hotel Royal Ours Blanc

The 4 star Hotel Royal Ours Blanc is located in the heart of Alpe d’Huez at the bottom of Alpe d’Huez’s shopping street at just 350 metres from the Palais des Sports and the finish of the Marmotte. The Hôtel Le Royal Ours Blanc offers an indoor swimming pool and magnificent views.

Guest rooms are comfortable and equipped with modern en suite facilities, satellite TV and cosy bathrobes. Some have a south-facing balcony. Massages, hydro-massages or beauty treatments are also available at an additional cost. Board games and Wii games can be borrowed from reception. In the evening, you will be able to have a drink in the bar before enjoying a buffet-style evening meal in the restaurant. (please note that your stay here is on a bed and breakfast basis)

Hotel Price

3 nights on bed and breakfast

You will stay at the hotel Royal Ours Blanc on a bed and breakfast basis for 3 nights from Friday to Monday. Meals will include breakfasts only on 3 days.

Twin room

£519 per person based on 2 people sharing a room with 2 single beds

Single room

£160 supplement per person for the sole occupancy of a room (limited availability)

La Marmotte Hotels

Hotel Pic Blanc

The Pic Blanc is a 4 star hotel in Alpe d’Huez, named after the 3,330m Pic Blanc mountain. At the heart of this stunning resort is a charming chalet with cosy lounge areas, open fires, spacious suites and bedrooms, indoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, gym, restaurant, bar and large living rooms.

Your stay here will be on a half board basis, so you can relax in the hotel’s Le Gypaete restaurant, located above a waterfall with views looking out over the mountains.

The indoor swimming pool is open to all guests, and you can book locally for a session in the sauna, hammam or jacuzzi.

Hotel Price

3 nights on Half Board

You will stay at the Pic Blanc hotel on a half board basis for 3 nights from Friday to Monday. Meals will include breakfasts and evening meals.

Twin room

£579 per person based on 2 people sharing a room with 2 single beds

Single room

£160 supplement per person for the sole occupancy of a room (limited availability)

La Marmotte Hotels

MMV Les Bergers

Hotel Club MMV Les Bergers is in the Bergers area of Alpe d’Huez. You will stay at this hotel with your breakfasts and evening meals included. A bike store is also located at the hotel.

Free Wi-Fi access and a flat-screen TV are provided in the modern guest rooms. Each room has wooden furnishings and a private bathroom with amenities. The hotel has a south-facing terrace offering views of the resort of Alpe d’Huez. You can enjoy drinks in the bar at Hotel Club MMV Les Bergers. Free public parking is available nearby.

Please note – the Hotel MMV Les Bergers is run as a 4-star Holiday Village ski holiday club in the winter but in the summer it is run as a regular 3-star hotel.

Hotel Price

3 nights on Half Board basis

You will stay at the MMV Les Bergers hotel on a half board basis for 3 nights from Friday to Monday. Meals will include breakfasts and evening meals.

Twin room

£379 per person based on 2 people sharing a room with 2 single beds

Single room

£169 supplement per person for the sole occupancy of a room (limited availability)

La Marmotte Hotels

Hotel La Belle Aurore Alpe d’Huez

The Hotel La Belle Aurore is a basic, 2 star hotel located in the centre of L’Alpe d’Huez. The hotel has free WiFi, a restaurant and a terrace and is located at the top of the main shopping street and at a 5 minute walk from the outdoor pool. Guests can enjoy the on-site bar and outside sun terrace. A terrace or balcony are featured in certain rooms. Every room has a private bathroom fitted with a bath or shower.

Your stay here will be on a half board basis with 3 breakfasts, afternoon tea on Saturday and Sunday with evening meals included. There will be a cold buffet if you arrive on our late airport transfer on Friday, an early evening meal on Saturday night before the Marmotte and an early breakfast on Marmotte day. If you depart on our 07:00 airport transfer back to Geneva airport on Monday then you can also have an early breakfast.

At the hotel there is a bike room and our mechanics use the hotel as their base so mechanical assistance is on hand when you need it.

Hotel Price

3 nights on Half Board

You will stay at the Belle Aurore hotel on a half board basis for 3 nights from Friday to Monday. Meals will include breakfasts, evening meals and afternoon tea with hot drinks and cakes on 2 days.

Twin room

£399 per person based on 2 people sharing a room with 2 single beds

Single room

£99 supplement per person for the sole occupancy of a room (limited availability)
IMPORTANT INFO

How to Book

Click on the Book Now at the top of the page. At time of booking we require a non-refundable deposit per person plus any applicable entry fee. The balance of your travel package must be paid, at the latest, 12 weeks before departure to avoid the cancellation of your trip. Please look here for our full booking conditions

Medical certificate

To take part in the 2017 Marmotte you have to get a medical certificate signed by your doctor within the last year from the event date. For an example copy of the kind of form have a look here, Medical certificate example cycling. Alternatively our partners offer online medical certification.

Single travellers and twin to share

We welcome single travellers on our tours and holidays as it is a great way to join a like-minded group of people and you will make lots of new friends. If you would like to join our group as a single traveller we can offer you two options. A single room or if you want to avoid the single supplement then you can make use of our ‘twin to share’ option. We will pair you up with another rider (of the same sex) and you can enjoy the event without having to pay extra.

General, visa, passport and health information

For passport and visa information, please check the relevant section on this page: https://www.gov.uk/browse/citizenship/passports. General Travel and health Information for your destination is available on the FCO website. Click here for the latest travel advice for France, and click here for useful ‘know before you go’ information also from the FCO. Please note that this information relates to UK passport holders only and that other nationalities should refer to their own authorities for this information.

Travel Insurance

For details of specialist sports travel insurance for our travel packages, please visit our insurance page. You must ensure that your travel insurance policy covers you to participate in running events. There is additional information about our other Concierge Services on our special web page.
GALLERY
ASK A QUESTION

Previous Question

Q. Can I hire a bike?

A.
Yes, rental bikes are available for La Marmotte. Simply select your chosen frame size & model when you book.

Q. Do I need a medical certificate for La Marmotte?

A.
Yes, you either need a valid medical certificate or a valid UCI racing licence.

Q. How do I enter the Marmotte?

A.
Simply select event entry when you book your trip, and provide us with the relevant information, and we'll guarantee your entry. You'll collect your number in Alpe d'Huez the day before the event, from the same location as our briefing.

Q. What support do you offer for riders?

A.
We have two support stops on the route, on the top of the Col du Galibier and partway up the final ascent of Alpe d'Huez. You can give us a bag the day before with any nutrition & clothing you want to use.

Q. How hard is La Marmotte?

A.
The Gran Fondo La Marmotte course is 174km, with 5,000m of climbing.

Ask a Question
PAST EVENTS
The 2017 Trophee d'Oisans

France

Saturday June 24, 2017 Duration: 9 Nights
Distance: 400km

VIEW EVENT PACKAGES