Climb Smarter, Descend Better: Technique Tips for Your Alps Cycling Holiday

Riding in the Alps is about more than just fitness - it’s about technique. Long climbs and fast descents are a world away from most riders’ day-to-day terrain, and learning how to ride them efficiently can transform your holiday from a nervous sufferfest into something truly unforgettable.

In this guide, we’ll break down the fundamentals of smart climbing and confident descending, including real-world coaching tips from two of our favourite videos on this subject to help you be more confident and safer on your holiday with us.

Climbing Technique

Climbing in the Alps is a completely different experience from local punchy hills. Instead of 3-5 minute efforts, you’re often on the pedals for 30 to 90 minutes at a time, and your approach needs to reflect that. Efficient climbing is about pacing, posture, gearing, and preserving energy over the long haul.

Cadence Is King

The most common mistake riders make in the mountains is pushing too hard, too early, in too big a gear. It feels fine at the base of the climb when your muscles are full of creatine, but by halfway up, the fatigue sets in - and there's still a long way to go.

Aim to keep your cadence around 80–95 rpm. A slightly higher cadence reduces torque on the pedals, meaning your muscular effort per stroke is lower. This saves your legs, especially your quads and calves, so they’re not cooked before the summit - or the next climb.

If your cadence drops too low, you're grinding, not spinning, and that's a fast track to fatigue.

Tip: Anticipate steep ramps and shift before you need to. Don’t wait until you’re bogged down mid-slope to look for an easier gear - it's already too late.

Use the Terrain: Hairpins Are Your Friend

In Alpine climbs, hairpins (switchbacks) offer natural breaks in rhythm. The inside line, while shorter, is steep and tight; the outside line is flatter and more gradual - so use it. Swing wide, carry a little more momentum, and let the reduced gradient give you a few seconds of micro-recovery or speed to carry into the next pitch.

This technique adds flow and rhythm to what would otherwise be a relentless effort. Over the course of a long climb like Col de la Ramaz or Col de Joux Plane, these small efficiencies make a big difference.

Seated vs. Standing

Staying seated for the majority of the climb is generally more efficient. It helps maintain traction, especially on steeper sections, and keeps your energy output steadier.

You can mix in short standing efforts - for example, when the gradient kicks up, or just to stretch your legs and engage different muscles - but avoid climbing out of the saddle for long periods unless you’re experienced at pacing that effort.

When standing:

• Keep your upper body still - don’t rock the bars side to side too much

• Stay light on the pedals and keep your cadence smooth

• Expect a higher heart rate - standing is more intense

Breathing, Posture & Pacing

• Breath control is key. Inhale deep and slow through the nose or mouth, exhale fully - it helps regulate heart rate and calm the mind.

• Keep a neutral spine and a light grip on the bars.

• Pace yourself for the entire climb, not just the first few kilometres. A good rule: if you're not sure whether you're going too hard, you probably are.

If you're using a power meter, aim to stay just below or around your sustainable threshold (FTP) on most climbs. If you're going by feel, you should be able to talk in short sentences - but not sing a song.

Bonus: Know the Climb

In the Alps, many climbs are marked with signs every kilometre, showing gradient and distance to the summit. Use them! They’re great for breaking the effort into chunks, managing your pacing, and keeping mentally focused. Garmin’s ‘ClimbPro’ feature is also great for understanding the gradient ahead.

The better you climb, the more you'll enjoy each ride - and the easier it is to take in the views. Smart pacing, good technique, and using the road to your advantage can turn a tough ascent into a personal highlight of your trip.

Descending Technique

Descending well is a skill that takes time, but when done right, it can become one of the most enjoyable parts of riding in the Alps. Long descents with hairpin turns, changing gradients, and incredible views demand not just fitness, but confidence and precision. Here’s how to get the most out of your descent - with both speed and safety.

Brake Before the Corner, Not In It

One of the biggest mistakes we see is braking too late - especially while turning. The key rule: scrub your speed before the corner, not during it. Apply your brakes gently and progressively as you approach the bend, then release as you lean into the turn.

Braking mid-corner, especially with the front brake, can be risky. The front brake is powerful and if you grab it while the bike is leaned over, you reduce traction on the front tyre - making it easier to lose grip and potentially slide out. Use the front brake mostly before the corner, and if you need to adjust speed slightly in the turn, feather the rear brake lightly and smoothly.

Look Through the Corner

Your bike will naturally follow your line of sight. So instead of looking at your front wheel or just ahead of it, focus on the exit of the corner - even if it feels too far ahead. This helps you choose a smoother line, stay relaxed, and react sooner to obstacles, changes in camber or poor tarmac.

Watch this descending technique video for a great visual breakdown of these principles.

Body Position and Weight Distribution

A stable position on the bike helps you stay in control, even at higher speeds. Here’s what to focus on:

• Outside foot down: In every turn, drop your outside foot to the 6 o'clock position and push your weight through that foot. This gives you grip, balance, and a solid anchor point for the corner.

• Lean the bike, not your body: You are heavier than the bike, so unlike in MotoGP (where the bike is heavier), you want to counterbalance your bike’s lean by slightly keeping your upper body more upright. Let the bike lean into the corner beneath you.

• Inside knee in: This helps open the hips and maintain stability.

• Relax your upper body: Keep your elbows soft and your hands relaxed on the drops — this absorbs road vibration and allows for more subtle steering input.

Line Choice and the Apex

Approach wide, cut into the apex (the tightest point of the curve), and exit wide. This ‘racing line’ allows you to carry more speed safely by reducing the sharpness of the turn. Avoid cutting inside too early - it tightens the corner and forces late, harsher steering inputs.

In the Alps, tarmac can vary from perfect to patchy, especially in shaded or forested sections - so always give yourself margin for error and visibility.

Got questions about riding in the Alps or preparing for your trip? Get in touch - we’re here to help