Mountain biking in Laax has something for everyone.

Endless outdoor activities, culture, the clear blue, paradise-like Lake Cauma and trendy restaurants and cocktail bars are what Laax is known for. There is a relaxed outdoor and mountain biking vibe, and it is a beautiful area and incredibly diverse holiday destination for families, groups of friends and couples alike.

For those who are familiar with how the Alps look on a map: Laax, along with the holiday villages of Flims and Falera, can be found in the canton of Graubünden (Grisons), in the eastern part of Switzerland.

This time, even cameraman Tijn is getting involved. Guided by two ladies who used to be pro mountain bikers, we’ll be exploring the area. So besides Léon van Bon and myself, Tijn is also biking, with his camera and drone in his backpack. Road cycling is known for its endless unwritten rules – long socks, shiny, oiled legs, a fancy cycling outfit – but mountain biking has a few unwritten rules of its own. Only, we didn’t know about them yet…

It is subtly pointed out to us that we look like road cyclists. That has to change: baggy shirts and trousers, a mountain bike helmet (yes, with one of those visors) and special gloves for mountain bikers. It takes some getting used to, but the guides are satisfied and we can be on our way. We’re a little nervous about what it is going to be like. Feeling a bit unsure of ourselves, dressed in our baggy mountain biking clothes, we board the Arena Express gondola that takes us to an elevation of 2,000 metres.

We begin with the Nagens Trail. The start, across a lovely alpine meadow among Swiss cows, looks innocent enough. But it can’t stay that way, of course, and the next part is a descent with some challenging sections. This is definitely quite different from the Utrechtse Heuvelrug or the rolling hills of Limburg in the Netherlands. I absolutely love this! I’m fully focused as I head downhill, pumping with adrenaline. Tijn and Léon, both loaded down with cameras and drones, clearly need to get used to these challenging trails.

Thankfully, dismounting is always an option, and the guides are laid-back and flexible. We’re getting some epic shots. After a few hours, Léon and Tijn are also excited. They’re on their bikes with big smiles on their faces, like two real mountain bike guys. That’s what adrenaline in Laax does to you!

We push our boundaries and get immersed in the world of mountain biking. What an action-packed morning! We have lunch at Ella, a trendy restaurant with mostly vegetarian food and a real outdoor atmosphere. One thing that stands out to us is the almost equal distribution of men, women and children on the trails.

Laax invests heavily in the sport of cycling. In addition to the mountain bike trails, efforts are also being made to cater to cycling tourists, but local residents are not being forgotten about. Mountain bike camps for children and young riders are organised every summer, but there are also specific bike camps for women, so that cycling is made accessible to a wide audience.

This time, the gondola takes us a lot higher right away. We’re going to the Segneshütte, an alpine hut at an elevation of 2,200 metres. The view over the Segnesboden and the famous Tschingelhörner is spectacular. There’s a reason why the Tectonic Arena Sardona is listed as a UNESCO Natural World Heritage site. The Segneshütte is also the starting point of the area’s newest mountain bike trail, the Segnes Trail. This trail was recently built by one of our guides, combining technical sections with smooth flow trails through lush alpine meadows. This offers something for everyone.

Halfway, a peloton of cows slowly walking down the mountain blocks our trail. Well, that’s mountain biking in Switzerland for you. The rest of the trail takes us to the Runca Trail, one of the longest flow trails in Europe. We are slowly but surely getting the hang of mountain biking… the atmosphere is really relaxing.

At an Alpine restaurant halfway up the mountain, we stop briefly for a non-alcoholic beer and apple juice. The last section of the trail is pure exhilaration. In the evening, we relish the dinner at our bike hotel Flem Mountain Lodge and soak up the atmosphere of an authentic mountain bike festival. The mountain bike race awards ceremony and live music are the perfect end to a fantastic day.

Though we started off a bit unsure of ourselves, looking back, it was an awesome and unforgettable day. Witnessing Tijn and Léon, with cameras on their backs and minimal prior mountain biking experience, conquering the trails like seasoned mountain bike guys, left us impressed. This proves that Laax is the perfect destination for both experienced and less experienced mountain bikers, and even those just starting out on their mountain biking journey.

Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned rider, there’s something on offer for everyone in the diverse mountain biking area that is Laax. The thrilling trail rides and relaxing moments at outdoor seating areas or by lakes combine to create an incredibly enjoyable holiday destination.

Belle de Gast is a former pro cyclist for team Parkhotel Valkenburg. Her wins include the Volta Limburg Classic. She currently works as a physical therapist, and Belle is Bicycle Mayor of Utrecht, to promote cycling as a sustainable and healthy form of transportation and improve the cycling climate.

“Switzerland offers not only beautiful landscapes but also a well-developed cycling infrastructure and a cycling-friendly culture. Cycling in this country is a unique experience.”