Gravel biking in winter: 5 tours for cold days

There are some amazing gravel bike tours to tackle in winter. Sure, it's cold, a little wet and muddy. But with the right equipment, even the winter months can be good for a gravel bike tour. Below are 5 routes that are just right for winter.

Bern: 'Grünes Band Bern' (Bern's Green Belt)

The 'Grünes Band Bern' (Bern's Green Belt) tour is a 59-kilometre circuit around the city. You are free to choose your starting point and the length of the stages. There are many paths leading from the city to the Green Belt and from the Belt back to the city. The official start of Route 888 is at Bern Airport. There is no shortage of beautiful landscapes and picturesque valleys along the route, including Belpmoos, the Bernese Alps, Köniztal Valley and Lake Wohlen. Look out for green signs indicating places of interest along the Belt. There are also plenty of restaurants and cafés in which to take a break and warm up on a cold winter’s day. Check their opening hours before you set off.

Neuchâtel: around the lake

This route covers 108 kilometres of lake shoreline. The round trip around Lake Neuchâtel is not technically difficult, making it ideal for the colder months. It takes you through idyllic villages and past the BirdLife de La Sauge nature reserve. There are plenty of restaurants and cafés where you can get a hot drink and something to eat – why not try a Vully tart? You can also split the tour over two or more days, as there are plenty of options when it comes to accommodation.

Vaud: a tour of the plain

The Chablais is in the south-west of Switzerland, almost at the French border. The area is well suited for taking a tour by gravel bike in winter. The route goes from the World Cycling Centre in Aigle along the Grande Eau river, through vineyards and the Grangettes Nature Reserve.

Basel: from the city to the countryside

Basel experiences comparatively little snow in winter. The region is also rather flat, making it perfect for a gravel bike tour in winter. The route runs south from the city to Ettingen and then along the Birs river back to Basel. There are plenty of villages and towns along the way, and you can warm up in a café or travel part of the way by public transport.

Winterthur: a gravel experience along the Thur river

If you are well accustomed to your bike and your gear and you know how to stay warm in wintry conditions, then this tour is a good choice, not least because of the altitude involved. It goes from Winterthur along the Thur river and back in a single loop. There are various restaurants where you can warm up with a cup of tea or coffee. You can also make the tour shorter or do part of it using public transport.

Tips for gravel bike tours in winter

Along with having the right equipment, it is important to be aware of the terrain when choosing your gravel bike route in winter. It is best to opt for a route without any extended ascents or descents. While you may get warm riding uphill, you'll likely find yourself becoming cold on the downhill section. Still, if you aren't content simply biking across flat ground, then opt for a hilly route, as it makes the tour a little more interesting – and you won't be constantly putting on and taking off different layers of clothing.

If your route does contain a long descent, be sure to pack extra clothes with you. You should also be particularly careful on sections in the shade, as the path may be icy.

For your first gravel bike tour in winter, you shouldn’t aim too high. Start with a short route to test out your clothing, as this is the best way to know whether you need an extra layer for a longer trip or whether you’re already well prepared.

Food and drink: Above all, make sure you drink enough. When it’s cold, you feel less thirsty, but your body still needs enough fluids. Insulated bottles ensure that drinks do not freeze. When it comes to eating, it’s worth taking a break at a restaurant. Eating and drinking something hot will warm the body and give you energy to continue your journey.