Travelling to the alps during the fall season is something to consider adding to your bucket list.
The vibrant autumn colors blanket the landscape and the crisp cool air is refreshing with towering peaks, often dusted with the first hint of snow, it creates this unique contrast against the golden hues of the forests below.
With fewer tourists and quieter roads, you can enjoy serene rides through winding mountain passes.
Orange Pine Trees
Depending of what you like, each region as his thing.
If you are looking for the golden larch trees, these grow more in certain regions than other.
In Switzerland you can find these in the region of the Valais and Graubünden cantons near St Moritz
In France your find the same ones around the Col de L’Isoard.
The pine trees turn into bright yellow and orange usually from October but this can vary depending of when colder days quick in from September or sometimes only early November.
The nothern Alps
If you are traveling from Belgium, the northern part of the alps in Switzerland is a good pick being the most nearby area where your can meet the Giants !
You cross the border between France and Switzerland in Basel and then take the direction of Bern or Luzern to enter the Alps. You can find the first mountains at 6h30 / 7h drive from Liège more or less. The foot of the Albulapass is half an hour more down south near the city of Chur.
Pick the right timing
Most Alp passes are closing somewhere in early November until late spring.
Depending on the weather conditions in the fall period you have to pick somewhat your timing.
As season vary year by year you can find early snow blocking your plans or make the ride more adventurous.
For daily updates about this matter in the Suisse Alps we recommend to check the following website https://alpen-paesse.ch/
4 Season in one day
Rising to 2,315 meters, the Albulapass connects the towns of Thusis near Chur to S-chanf near St Moritz in the canton of Graubünden.
The climb, which might be quieter than some of the more famous passes, offers a steady, but demanding ascent through lush forests, alpine meadows, and rocky landscapes giving the impression of riding through different regions and climates the same day.
Shop the fall & winter collection online or visit Le Coffee Ride HQ shop in the Belgian Ardennes