Mountain biking in Valais ... our complete guide

The canton of Valais is made up of three regions, Lower Valais, Central Valais and Upper Valais, which make up a total of 13 districts, corresponding to the 13 stars of the canton's coat of arms. Shared between a French-speaking part in the west and a German-speaking part in the east, this region of the Swiss Alps benefits from a particularly advantageous climate that offers a drier and warmer climate than average.

This is also why the Rhone Valley is rich in market gardening and fruit trees. But these conditions are also a major asset for mountain biking. XC, enduro, DH or e-bikes, the canton of Valais has an ideal infrastructure for mountain biking, which it has also promoted in recent years.

Public transport & Postbuses

As explained in the introduction, the Valais is covered by many public transport lines, most of which are equipped with bicycle racks during the summer season. These famous yellow cars are a real institution in this region and a great opportunity to connect the most beautiful trails without too much fatigue. Various offers and prices exist to take advantage of this transport network. Do not hesitate to inquire with the society ofpostbusesto discover the different possibilities, but for those who want to ride in Valais more or less regularly, it can be interesting to take a half-fare SBB subscription to relieve the price of tickets sometimes high between the cost of the passenger and that of the bike.

TheMagic Passis also an interesting alternative since it is now also valid for the summer, with free on many lines, as well as in gondolas in some regions.

These last are besides the second asset seduction of Valais and advantageously supplements the cars to easily cross valleys and generously widen the route of your day of ride. Although the future does not necessarily look good for the more modest cabins whose profitability is questioned, there are still many that welcome mountain bikers. As for postbuses, it may be wise to get a little early in advance because some lines can be a little crowded, especially at the beginning of the day, at the start time of hikers during the high season.

MTB guides & shuttles

To enrich this already over-abundant supply, there are also some specific services for shuttles andmountain bike guides in Valaisto discover exclusive itineraries. Admittedly, this option costs a little more expensive, but has the undeniable advantage of being able to enjoy trails a little more preserved than the great classics that only moderately support the repeated passage of ATV, moreover when these paths are easily accessible via public transports.

The most adventurous riders can also rest on the excellent site ofSwissTopowhich offers a complete view of the network of hiking trails, roads or tracks. With a little imagination and a minimum of skills to locate on a map, it is possible to concoct an exclusive itinerary in the region of his choice and adapted to his expectations. Do not forget that your favorite site also offers amountain bike guidewhich also includes GPS tracks of mountain bike trails in Valais.

bikeparks

With all these ski resorts in the canton, it is obvious that the mountain bike offer also offers great possibilities in the bikeparks. Dozens of resorts are trying to attract riders to their tracks, with some highlights likeZermattorVerbier. It must be recognized that the latter is probably also the reference in terms of bikepark in the canton of Valais. Varied itineraries for all levels and disciplines, a well above average runway maintenance and extended opening period make it a great example of what a bikepark worthy of the name should look like.

That said, there are of course other bikeparks widely available in the Valais, including Saint-Luc, Crans-Montana or Champéry and Morgins that will give you direct access to the vast area of the Portes du Soleil.

When?

We can say that the conditions generally become good enough from April to start to tease the routes with a minimum of altitude and interest. To also take advantage of some bus lines, it is best to wait until early May, when they are gradually equipped with bike carriers. Attention, the number of bike per bus is often limited to 7 or 8 places, with a frequency of passage sometimes very low. It is wise in this case to come as soon as possible to be sure to find a free hook for your faithful steed, even more if you are several. This is where the optionshuttlescan also be useful and ensure you ride as many trails as possible.

How many?

And yes this little paradise has a significant financial cost, and Switzerland unfortunately remains a destination globally more expensive than Italy or France for example. That said, with a bit of ease and simplicity, it is quite possible to drive in Valais without breaking the bank.

Do not hesitate to visit our mountain bike spot guide to discover all the ride possibilities offered, the prices, as well as a list of establishments that will meet the requirements of all budgets.