2 Wheels, 2 Planks: Bound for the Alps

It wasn’t until recently – like only two weeks ago! recently – that we really felt like the rugged Alps of central Europe were even remotely suitable for the kind of bicycle-powered skiing adventure that we have grown to love over the years. After all, the Alps are laden with steep mountain passes that don’t open til May, dead end valleys, dark tunnels, wild boars! and many other obstacles to linking up an early spring cycling route that leaves us with any extra time and energy to ski.

However, after pouring over maps and snow data for the region, it seems as though we’ve found a few soft spots in the Alps – a region where the roads will keep us close to snow line (skiing right from our tents is key), a few mountain passes might actually let us pass (with some mandatory snow biking, perhaps) and the backcountry skiing options should be especially friendly.

So with a vague route in mind through the mapped region above, we’re off once again with our two wheels and two planks on an adventure through what just might be the center of the cycling and skiing universe. If only our Deutsch and Italiano was a little more polished! (Give us a few weeks.)

We’d like to extend a special thanks to the following for their support of this project and for their ongoing collaboration:Switzerland Tourism (Michaela and Carlos), Swiss Intl Airlines (Jacqueline), Black Diamond (Tyler M., John D), Surly Bikes, Patagonia, Julbo USA (Nick and Ali), SCARPA, Mammut (Gribbin), BOB Trailers ,Smartwool (Mavis), Pale Morning Media (Katie and Drew), Ibex (Keith)Onion River Sports and Muscles Not Motors (Andrew, Tristan, Phil, Kip and the crew)…as well as our families and friends! You guys rock!

Please stay tuned for more updates soon.

Ski you out there.

-Brian, Emily and Tom

NOTE: Check out our posts featuring 2 Wheels, 2 Planks – Arctic Norway, HERE.

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