Mountain bike paradise Zermatt

Adrian Greiner, CEO of the planning office BikePlan, is helping to develop Zermatt as a biking destination. We talked to him about the different topics on biking at the foot of the Matterhorn.

Herr Greiner, does a harmless designer of mountain bike routes end up making enemies?

It’s hard to say. I think it’s less a case of enemies or opponents, and more about attitudes. Our challenge lies in trying to achieve a consensus. Mountain biking is still relatively new, and ten or even five years ago it was not the same as it is today. Back then, the mountain railways saw great potential in downhill biking, but that’s no longer the main target clientele, as proved by the market figures. The downhill segment only makes up at most 5 percent of the market. The old enemy stereotypes are no longer relevant to the present day situation – so one of our key tasks is revising and altering these perceptions by demonstrating the wider potential of this sport.

Mountainbike Paradies Zermatt
Diverse mountain bike trails lead around the Matterhorn. © Zermatt Magazin

So it’s all about leisure bikers?

Exactly. The average biker is now over 40 years old. He usually has a family, is often into hiking, plays various different sports and enjoys skiing. What many destinations lack – if you compare trails with pistes – are the red and blue leisure trails and the corresponding infrastructure. To date, the only two options for mountain bikers were to start riding at an extreme level or to stop altogether. We want to move away from that model and provide access to Zermatt for as many amateur mountain bikers as possible.

Your planning office has been supporting Zermatt since 2014. What is the current situation?

There is still a lot of old infrastructure, such as gravel roads. People used to think that bikers were either Downhillers or Cross Country riders. Downhillers went mountain biking for the adrenalin and Cross Country bikers for the sweat. Now, however, we talk about mountain bikers who go out purely for pleasure and as a way to experience nature. The leisure bikers go to restaurants and appreciate a good infrastructure that allows them to travel from A to B in this enormously beautiful region and to see the landscape from different perspectives – without spending the whole time bathed in sweat.

“We want to channel the mountain bikers along new mountain bike trails…”

A whole range of different measures have been implemented in the last two years. For example, there is the new Moos Trail below Furi and the Zermatt–VispTrail. But I guess it took ages for these trails to be set up?

Yes it did, and the different interest groups were all involved in the process. The concept met with consensus on a strategic level. Then it was time for the detailed planning. That’s when the farmers and landowners entered the debate, along with environmental protection etc. That was a big challenge. We tried to find a good compromise without detracting from the end product. In the past we often chose the easiest compromise and went for a gravel track, but that’s not what modern mountain bikers want.

What is the potential of Zermatt as a mountain bike destination and how many Single Trails would you like to see?

The potential is huge because Zermatt scores so highly in terms of the natural experience, its restaurant culture and the almost unlimited transport options. This is perfect for leisure bikers, who want adventure-light rather than adventure-extreme. Where the planned Single Trails are concerned I can only say that once Zermatt has been transformed into a mountain bike destination it will set a new benchmark in the entire Alpine region.

Mountainbike Trails in Zermatt
© Zermatt Magazin

Can mountain bikers ride wherever they like?

Walking trails are accessible to bikers in the canton of Valais unless they are subject to a specific ban. However, the tourism associations cannot simply advertise walking trails as mountain bike routes. Our plan in Zermatt is to take a slightly different approach: We want to channel the mountain bikers along new mountain bike trails so that they are not everywhere, even if you can’t stop some of them from using the hiking trails. We would rather create new options instead of issuing bans. We want to channel guests by making it fun for them. That requires market-oriented planning. We need appropriate, broad and sustainable trails, and that takes up space. I believe that this is the price we have to pay in terms of making our landscape accessible so that children and families can also use these trails.

“In the end it has to be right for everyone, and especially for hikers.”

How do you view the expertise of the people in Zermatt in terms of mountain biking? There are not that many specialist guides and only ten properly equipped hotels.

The support services depend on the trails, as these are the multiplying factor. The infrastructure has to be there, and then the rest – the auxiliary and value adding services – will follow. There is a great willingness among service providers in Zermatt. That’s why the local Commune of Zermatt has initiated a project called “Fachstelle Bike”, which is aimed at coordinating the different elements of the biking-oriented developments in the resort. In summer 2017, for example, there will be new one-day and two-day tickets for the entire summer region. It’s a complex process to get all stakeholders and interest groups to come together and follow a common strategy. But that’s when things start to happen. In the end it has to be right for everyone, and especially for hikers.

Mountainbike Paradies Zermatt
Zermatt: New trails exclusively for mountain bikers © Zermatt Magazin

Do you go hiking?

Yes, I was a hiking guide, and even spent time as a trekking guide in the Himalayas. My wife is training to become a hiking guide. We go walking and biking with our children.

At EuroBike 2016 in Friedrichshafen, the world’s largest trade fair for bikes, you presented a report
on the Zermatt project. What was the wow factor for your audience? Apart from the Matterhorn.

The fact that Zermatt wants to do it really well. That things are being approached in a coordinated and sensitive way. Nobody is going it alone. It is all being properly planned, which takes time. At the same time, unlike other destinations, things are moving fast. We are creating a sustainable product, which consists of one third environmental, one third social and one third economic aspects. We are doing pioneering work in Zermatt.

Adrian Greiner was born in Emmental but lives in Zermatt. He is a professional spatial and scenic designer and a guiding expert for Swiss Cycling, the national cycling association of Switzerland. As CEO of BikePlan AG he runs a planning office based in Visp und Zermatt dedicated to bike-oriented resort development.

Zermatt: Paradise for mountain biking enthusiasts

Zermatt offers ten marked mountain bike tours covering all grades of difficulty and extending for a total of 100 km. In 2016 the Moos Trail was opened between Furi and Zermatt. Suitable for children and adults alike, the so-called Flow Country Trail runs for 1,3 km, has an average gradient of 7,3% and falls just 95 metres in height, making it the flattest trail in Switzerland. Another newcomer is the 37 km, medium-difficulty Zermatt–Visp mountain bike trail. Eight more marked mountain bike trails, most of which run on gravel roads, lead to and from destinations including Rothorn, Gornergrat or Schwarzsee.

A lot has been done in Zermatt in the last two years to expand the range of supplementary measures: There are hotelleriesuisse certified bike hotels, bike holiday homes, bike guides and bike schools. Not only does Zermatt has its fair share of biking expertise, but it is also well equipped to teach the art of mountain biking. Various bike shops rent mountain bikes and kit, offer repair services and sell a wide range of equipment and spare parts. The transport options on the mountain, on the railways and in critical places such as Täsch are second to none. Attractive Combi rail tickets for mountain bikers are an additional lure in this superlative mountain biking paradise Zermatt.

Last but not least, Zermatt Tourism offers comprehensive information on its homepage, over the counter and in a dedicated mountain biking brochure.

8 comments
  1. I think a ban on bikers using hiking trails is the way to go. My wife and I have been coming to Zermatt for over 30 years. In the last few years we have experienced bikers who have no regard for hikers. they hurtle down hiking trails and expect hikers to jump out of their way and get very upset even pushing their front wheels into the back of our legs if we do not. We like to stop and admire the scenery or, as on the blumen weg, stop and read the signs but at these points the path is narrow and bikers just try and push past you with no regard for your safety.
    If you want to continue to attract hikers to Zermatt then control the bikers.

    1. Zermatt Tourism assumes that hikers and bikers are tolerant people. Especially on narrow paths. Zermatt has thousands of biking and hiking guests who respect the rules.
      To avoid conflicts with other groups of guests, caring for nature and the landscape, and ensuring safety, mountain bike guests in the Destination Zermatt – Matterhorn are asked to keep to certain rules of conduct.
      Information: http://bit.ly/zermatt-bike-rules
      Kinds regards,
      Zermatt Tourism

      1. Most bikers do respect other people and hikers. They will wait patiently until it is safe to overtake hikers. If you are walking uphill you can see the bikers coming and stop at a convenient place to let them pass but if you are walking downhill they come up behind you extremely quickly and expect you to leap out of their way. Quite often it is not possible to get out of their way due to the narrow path and then they get impatient with you.
        Older bikers are more patient and thoughtful, It is the younger bikers who rush down and have no regard for hikers or the countryside. These are the ones who are ruining it for hikers. They skid round corners so that a deep groove is made in the path. They sometimes cut corners as they are going to fast to stop. They are only interested in getting down as fast as possible.
        All bikers should be made to read and sign the bike rules to make sure they understand it.

  2. Depuis quelques années tous les chemins et sentiers sont envahis par des “Bikers” dévalant la pente à une vitesse qui souvent ne leur permet pas de s’arrêter pour croiser correctement des randonneurs. C’est donc à ces derniers de se mettre de côté en-dehors du chemin pour laisser passer ces fous personnes trop souvent très peu courtoises. Ceci diminue sérieusement le plaisir de randonner sur les chemins et sentiers de Zermatt. Et réserver simplement des chemins de randonnée aux seuls bikers, comme entre Winkelmatten et Furri, n’est pas correct. Cet exemple montre seulement que personne à Zermatt ne s’occupe des randonneurs la priorité étant accordée aux seuls bikers. Le choix est fait: dommage. Il faudra aller randonner ailleurs…

  3. We’ve been coming to Zermatt for years and plan to continue. Switzerland has a long history of making and keeping the peace. I believe the Swiss will handle this challenge! Bikers need to courteously acknowledge their presence to hikers on trails and hikers need to realize that sometimes things change. Everyone needs to smile, say “thank you” while slower movers graciously move to the side. If the path is too narrow for another to pass, all involved need to pause, take a deep breath and figure out how all can be safe and continue to enjoy the day! Everyone has a right to be outside in Zermatt!

    Please check out our story about Zermatt! https://www.travelisbeautiful.com/blog/2017/4/19/zermatt

  4. Looks like a terrific hike or bike ride. I positive desire that these days’ fire will now not ruin what appears to be a super place to discover. Thank you for the facts you furnished on this internet site. I wish to visit this trail this summer, supplied the fireplace doesn’t close the area down and or break what looks to be an excellent location. Thank you once more, help us to give
    awesome tips for cycling.

  5. Its always difficult to ensure bikers and hikers get along together – and a lot depends on how us mountain bikers conduct ourselves on the trails.
    Our group will soon be visiting Zermatt for a mountain biking trip – you can read all about the upcoming trip here at our blog

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