First in July 2015, then Sept 2016 and 2017 (I planned the route and set up the ride - hi everyone, good thread..). I've ridden on road in the Alps in late May / early June when some of the 2000m+ passes have been shut still, eg Galibier shut and the Bonette had walls of snow either side of the road above ~2500m, so the high stradas further north and smaller roads eg off the top of the Sampeyre might be interesting early in the season.
First in July 2015, then Sept 2016 and 2017 (I planned the route and set up the ride - hi everyone, good thread..). I've ridden on road in the Alps in late May / early June when some of the 2000m+ passes have been shut still, eg Galibier shut and the Bonette had walls of snow either side of the road above ~2500m, so the high stradas further north and smaller roads eg off the top of the Sampeyre might be interesting early in the season.