THE RIDING EXPERIENCE

The Valais Canton of Switzerland offers an incredible experience for cycling, mountain biking, and enduro style riding. Imagine biking under the north face of the Matterhorn and out to a glacier before returning back to town on a 10-mile descent. High alpine singletrack and flow trails that are all lift served by an incredible network of gondolas, trains, chairlifts, and shuttles. We even have a couple secret lifts to show you! Mountain biking in Switzerland is a must do for any mountain biker! A wide diversity of singletracks accessible by one of the best transportation systems in the world. This allows our guides to show you an incredible variety of areas during our tours.

Over the course of the week ride multiple valleys surrounding Zermatt and pass by the dozens of 4,000-meter peaks and glaciers. Spend the day riding along blue alpine lakes and empty singletrack with some of the most awe-inspiring views you will ever see. Long descents of up to 6,000 feet are possible with minimal climbing. Ride the Gornergrat Train up to an elevation of 10,000 feet and descend singletrack back to Zermatt covering 6,000+ feet of downhilling. Guests will get a chance to ride the downhill trails at Sunnegga, a sunset ride amongst the Matterhorn, the new flow trail, and an option to do a heli bike drop with Air Zermatt!

Guests are In good hands: Our LGA team of Swiss Mountain Bike Guides have numerous routes through the valleys and inside knowledge to the best-kept secrets in the valleys as they have lived in these regions for their entire lives. Our team of international bike guides lives for mountain biking and Zermatt is one of the best in the world. Whether one is looking for flowing trails or steep and technically demanding, the mountains surrounding Zermatt offer a wide range of trails between 4,600 feet to just over 10,000 feet. Over 100 miles of singletrack in the valley plus the endless trails in the valley around Brig will allow the group to experience the best of the best.

THE CULINARY EXPERIENCE

Every morning you will be treated with healthy Swiss breakfasts before we start our day. We host 2 group dinners (Welcome & Farewell) at local restaurants. Swiss meals are known for their quality & local ingredients as each region we visit has its own unique flavor. The group will have lunches at various mountain huts, restaurants and cafe’s while you take in the 360′ Swiss Mountain views. We leave these open so each guests can explore new foods to try.

THE LODGING EXPERIENCE

Lodging for the week is at the Matthiol Hotel set at the edge of Zermatt on the mountainside by the trails. The owners have created a true alpine hospitality meets modern comforts hotel that caters to sport minded individuals. The hotel is part of the Bike Hotels of Switzerland program that offers mountain bikers and cyclists everything they need for a cycling vacation. The Matthiol is built in charming chalet style and equipped with modern comforts, an indoor/outdoor lounge area, in house restaurant Filet Et Fils, and a wellness area to relax in after a long day mountain biking. The new Moos Flow trail is a couple of minutes away and you can ride in/ ride out of the hotel to the local trails and lifts. Its a quick 15 minute walk along the river to the center of town so you can explore all Zermatt has to offer during your visit. Free WiFi, daily breakfast, and comfortable twin rooms await you at one of our favorite hotels. Massage services and wellness programs are available after a long day in the saddle (optional add-on). Enjoy ease of travel between destinations with no baggage as our guides ensure easy touring handling all of your luggage transfers.

SAMPLE ITINERARY

Day 1 – Arrival Day

Fly into Zurich Airport (ZRH) by 1 pm where the LGA team will be there to travel with you to Zermatt. In some cases, you may need to plan your arrival the day before. There are many hotels near the airport offering shuttle service so it is easy to meet the group back at the airport by 1 pm. We suggest using Booking.com to find a nearby hotel.

Le Grand Adventure Tours welcomes you to Switzerland! One of our all-time favorite places to mountain bike in the world! All guests will rendezvous at Zurich International Airport and meet the LGA Team by 1:00 pm. From here we will transfer you through beautiful Switzerland and into the iconic town of Zermatt. Inspiring views of the Matterhorn and glaciers await you. The Hotel Matthiol sits on the mountain near the lifts of Zermatt and is part of the Bike Hotels of Switzerland Program. This will be your home for the next 8 days to explore this truly amazing area. We will build/assemble bikes if you brought one or we will visit our partner shop in Zermatt to pick up your rental bike. Possible ride depending today on conditions. The new Moos Flow Trail is right out the door and easily accessible for a quick ride. Enjoy a Welcome Reception with local wine from the Valais region, beer from Zermatt Matterhorn Brewery and local meats, cheeses and breads. Tonight is your time to relax at the hotel, explore the town, and enjoy a fresh cooked meal with our guides at Filet Et Fils at our Welcome dinner. Steep yourself in Swiss culture and immerse into European life.

Hotel: Hotel Matthiol in Zermatt- Bike Hotels of Switzerland Program
Included Meals: Welcome Reception & Welcome Dinner at Filet et Fils

Day 2 – 7

Enjoy seven days of mountain biking the famous Zermatt area with our local LGA Guides. Hundreds of miles of trails await you at one of Europes top bike destinations and home to one of the most famous mountains in all of Europe, the Matterhorn. The trails around the Zermatt and Valais region of Switzerland are arguably some of the best in the world and our guides will show you the best single track every day. Wake up at the hotel looking up to the Matterhorn and enjoy a great breakfast buffet with local favorites so you are ready to explore the endless miles of singletrack in the surrounding valleys. The bike area at the hotel will allow you to get your bike dialed in and ready for a great day of epic singletrack in Switzerland.

The Zermatt and Valais region has several areas to ride over the course of our stay in this stunning valley: Ride Davos- Jacobshorn, Klosters A-Line, Setrig Valley, IMBA Epic and many other high alpine trails that only our guides know the best way to access. This huge valley offers some of the longest, high alpine, and expansive terrain in Switzerland. A true Enduro lovers dream location to a bike. Drop into 4,000 feet of vertical every day, covering miles of high alpine, perfect singletrack, with endless areas to stop along the way to see glacier waterfalls and the true beauty of the Swiss Alps.

Hotel: Hotel Matthiol in Zermatt- Bike Hotels of Switzerland Program
Included Meals: Daily Breakfast | Brewery tour at the Zermatt Matterhorn Brewery | Farewell Group Dinner at one of our Favorite Restaurants in Zermatt

Day 8: Departure Day

Guests will be departing Pontresina on Saturday around 8 am after a great 6 days of riding! Join us for breakfast and then pack up, say our goodbyes and enjoy a 3 hour train ride back to Zurich where you can catch a flight home or enjoy a night in the beautiful city walking along Lake Zurich. We recommend selecting a departure after 1 pm from Zurich. If you would like to spend another night in Zurich, please contact us and we can help you make arrangements.

Included Meals: Breakfast

NOTE: This itinerary is an example. The tour may be altered to adjust for weather and conditions. Our guides will plan the tour around the conditions to make sure you have the best trip possible.

FAQ

Check out our General FAQs section. Here you will find answers to your general questions.

What Should I Bring With Me?

Mountain Bike Gear:
Mountain bike (if you need a rental bike please contact us)
Bike Helmet & HeadBand for Sweat Protection
Hydration Pack-Backpack or water bottles (2)
Mountain Bike gloves
Mountain Bike jersey or tops
Bike Shorts & Padded chamois shorts recommended
Leg warmers or longer tights (depending on weather)
Rain jacket & Insulated layers (depending on conditions)
Socks- ankle high or taller recommended
Mtb bike shoes (or athletic shoes if using flat pedals)
Eye protection-sunglasses

Misc/Recommended:
Sunscreen
Extra Snacks/performance foodExtra tubes & patch kit for bike tube repairs. Guides will assist in repairs & will have extras
Optional: cycling computer, cell phone, camera
(We can assist with some gear, please feel free to contact us)

Après Clothing:
You will be in the Alps for a week so please bring proper clothing for when you’re not on the trails.

Travel Requirements:
Current Passport
Credit card, cash and/or traveler’s checks
ID or driver’s license
Medical insurance cards
Prescriptions or other medications
Important phone numbers
Proof of Travelers Insurance
Emergency contact & Medical Info

Can I Reserve My Trip With a Deposit?

Yes, you can reserve your trip with a Deposit for all tours. Reservations are available immediately once a trip is announced and up to 90 days prior to the Date of Departure. The Deposit amount is twenty percent (20%) of the Tour Price. When booking within 89 days or less prior to the date of departure, the full amount is due at time of booking.

When Should I Make My Travel Arrangements?

Please wait until you receive confirmation from Le Grand Adventure Tours before making any travel arrangements. Our team is happy to assist you with any travel needs.

When is The Final Payment For This Tours Due?

Final payment is due no later than 90 days prior to departure, or 7 days from booking confirmation if booking is within 90 days.

What Is Your Cancellation Policy?

• 90 days or more prior to Departure: LGA will retain the deposit as an “Adventure Deposit” for a future trip. A full refund will be given.
• 89-60 days prior to Departure: LGA will retain 50% of the total Tour Price and the deposit will be held as an Adventure Deposit for a future trip.
• 59 days or less prior to Departure: LGA will retain 100% of the total Tour Price.
  Le Grand Adventure Tours cannot be held responsible for snow and/or weather conditions. Trips cannot be canceled or amended on the basis of snow and weather conditions.

What Is Your Refund Policy?

No refunds, reimbursements or discounts will be granted if, for any reason, Client misses the Tour, fails to join the Tour, leaves the Tour, is dismissed from the Tour, or cannot fully participate in the Tour. Any Refunds will be at the discretion of Le Grand Adventure Tours if you are involuntarily forced to leave a tour for any reason.

What Type of Mountain Bike Should I Bring?

A full suspension mountain bike is the best option.

Can I Rent a Mountain Bike?

We can rent a bike through our partner shop Bike Academy Davos. Please provide advanced notice so we can help you reserve gear, thank you.

What is the Best Way to Get There?

Fly into Zurich Airport (ZRH) by 11 am where the LGA team will be there to travel with you to Davos. In some cases, you may need to plan your arrival the day before. There are many hotels near the airport offering shuttle service so it is easy to meet the group back at the airport by 1 pm. We suggest using Booking.com to find a nearby hotel.

What Is The Weather Going To Be Like?

What you will need to bring depends of course largely on the weather you can expect on your trip. For the most accurate weather please check the Davos & St. Moritz forecast through Weather Underground a few days before your trip. We will be in the high alpine mountains so bring clothes that will keep you cool and/or warm in a wide variety of conditions.

What is The Group Size?

Small group sizes that don’t exceed 10 guests.

Do We Need to Tip Our Guides? If So, What is Standard?

Gratuities are not included. Tips are accepted at your discretion based on the overall trip experience provided by our team.

Do I Need Trip Insurance?

Trip Insurance is Not Included: We require trip insurance for all trips abroad. Protecting your trip & safety is our priority!
We recommend World Nomads as they are the ultimate in travel protection and global emergencies and evacuations.

How Long Does It Take to Fly to Switzerland?

Flight time from the West Coast of the United States to Zurich is approximately 11.5 hours if you book a non-stop flight. From the East Coast, the flight time is approximately 8 hours.

Can I Use My Credit Card in Switzerland?

Credit cards are widely accepted, but Amex is not always accepted. Better stick with Visa. You will need some cash – but just for casual expenses. Most things can be paid for by credit card. The currency is CHF/Swiss Franc. EUR is not the currency of Switzerland (even if it is sometimes accepted by some merchants at a bad exchange rate). It never makes sense to carry too much cash on you – anywhere. Withdrawing cash from your checking account using your US cash/debit card is usually much cheaper than converting dollar bills at an exchange desk and you will get the BEST Exchange rate. Many credit cards charge a foreign transaction fee around 3-5%. This may be the time to get yourself fun new rewards travel credit card that comes with “No Foreign Transaction Fees.” We never leave home without it.

Which Languages are Spoken in Switzerland?

The four national languages of Switzerland are German, French, Italian and Romansh. In the Davos & St. Moritz area they speak German or a Swiss-German dialect. You will find English is widely spoken all over Switzerland. It is still great to learn a few of the day to day vocabulary to be polite.

Is It Safe to Travel to Switzerland?

Switzerland is very safe. Always take regular precautions whenever abroad to save yourself from any potential headaches that could interfere with your travels.

I Heard Switzerland is Expensive, How Expensive is it?

With its plethora of international banks, the country is a center for global wealth. This means prices are high, but people are paid quite well. The supermarket sells pre-made meals for between 5-9 CHF. Bars and cafés are the cheapest food option, cost about 9-15 CHF for a lunch special. Restaurants with table service are around 20 CHF for lunch and 40 CHF for dinner (starter, main, and drink) to start. You’ll typically find pizzas for around 20 CHF in a restaurant. If you’re dining out (but still trying to stick to a budget), you’ll spend an average of 25-45 CHF a day on food.