Valais Alpine Bike
Overview
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Distance 23 km
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Ascent 740 m
Intro
One of the most popular mountain-biking routes in Central Valais climbs from Crans-Montana up to Alp Merdechon and the Cabane de la Tièche. It continues across the plateau of the same name and descends over varied, partly challenging trails to Leuk/Susten.
Description
This moderately difficult day tour leads through the sun-kissed region of Crans-Montana and the Leuk Sonnenberge. Following a short section on the main road, the ascent towards the Vallon de la Tièche begins. You ride beneath the Petit Mont Bonvin via Plumachit to the idyllic Alpine meadows at Merdechon and onward to the Cabane de la Tièche. The last part leads on a dirt road past a scenic viewpoint. There are a total of 500 metres in altitude difference to overcome.
The highest point by the hut is also one of the tour's highlights: the magnificent La Tièche plateau at almost 2,000 metres, where Eringer cows can often be seen grazing in the summer. However, the action doesn't play in the ring but on the trails that now follow: during the descent to the winegrowers' village of Varen, there are a streambed to cross and passages covered with shale rock and flowing forest sections to negotiate and occasionally a few ramps. The first part of the trail leads across pastures to the streambed and then past marvellously fragrant larch forests. Another super trail awaits the bikers on the final section, winding its way steadily downhill through the Flottuwald forest.
Before reaching the end at Susten, bikers can visit Leuk castle for a brief lesson about culture. The glass dome designed by acclaimed architect Mario Botta is the tour's crowning finale. The thermal spa resort of Leukerbad, where the next stage starts, can be reached by bus. Those who haven't had enough yet and want to add a few vertical metres to their day can reach Leukerbad via the low-traffic ascent Dala bärgüf and then enjoy a few descents on Leukerbad's Flowtrail.
An enjoyable tour includes the careful planning of the same. Please inform yourself in advance at the local information center about the route and weather conditions. Depending on the season and weather conditions, this route may be blocked or interrupted
| Start location |
Crans-Montana
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|---|---|
| Destination |
Leukerbad
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| Ascent |
740 m
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| Descent |
1600 m
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| Distance |
23 km
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| Distance on tarred ways |
10 km
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| Distance on natural surface |
7 km
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| Singletrail (part of natural surface) |
6 km
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| Technical requirements |
Medium
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| Physical requirements |
Easy
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Quick Facts
Route number
