MTB destination: Leukerbad in Switzerland
We found epic views, great trails and a truly Alpine setting in a Swiss region that is still little known among mountain bikers.
My buddy Amin and I came to Leukerbad and lodged in the Parkhotel Quellenhof to explore the surrounding trails on our mountain bikes.
The Leukerbad Region
So far this area of Switzerland, located in the Canton of Valais in the Southwest has not been known for mountain biking. Hence a chance to explore unchartered territory and discover new trails. From the valley floor to the highest point that can be reached with a gondola at 2300 metres above sea level, there is a difference of 1700 vertical metres, more than enough to have some great fun on a bicycle. Please note, not all gondolas will carry your bike. The main focus for MTB riders lies on the Torrent Gondola which takes you up to the Rinderhütte. There starts the trailhead for the newly designed Flow Trail that covers 400 vertical metres and is great fun for beginners and advanced riders. The rest of the marked trails in this area take you from above the treeline down into the valley through forests and Alpine meadows and feature a variety of characteristics from technical to flow. One thing that they all have in common are the great panoramic views over the valley and nearby Alpine glaciers. According to the hotel staff, the whole region has now started to embrace cycling as a new and welcome form of tourism. We can only confirm this notion as we have been treated nicely wherever we encountered hikers, other cyclists or when we stopped at a lodge to rest. The fact that riding your bike is legal on all types of trails and tracks should be mentioned as well, as this is far from normal across the Alps. All in all, perfect conditions for a bike holiday.
The Parkhotel Quellenhof
Our accommodation at the Parkhotel Quellenhof is currently the only hotel in the Canton of Valais which worked with our partner Mountain Bike Holidays. The midsize hotel is centrally located right across the street from two thermal baths and spas, which Leukerbad is famous for. Our spacious rooms featured modern amenities and left little to desire.
The food served at the hotel was simply outstanding. The breakfast buffet offered an abundance of different foods, hot and cold, and the four-course dinners allowed us to recharge our batteries after a day on our bikes. Be it salads, soups or main courses and deserts, they always had a local touch and made dining a real treat, not to mention the outstanding service.
Special Bike Package:
The Parkhotel Quellenhof offers a special package that includes free use of the gondolas, the thermal spa and discounts in some lodges along the trails.
On the Torrent Trail
Before we set off, we received some assistance from the hotel on planning a route. Although there are marked trails that take you down, there is no completely marked loop that allows you to ride without a map or GPS navigation. We used the latter and were not disappointed.
We took the gondola up to the before mentioned Rinderhütte to give the Torrent Trail a try. Its 17 km of length traverse along the slope of the mountain and offer pure trail fun. Although it is not super technical, people afraid of height should be cautious in some sections as it passes along some sheer cliffs. On the flipside, it makes for spectacular views that are special even for people accustomed to the beauty of the Swiss Alps. Be prepared to see glacier after glacier from ever changing angles, especially when you are still above the treeline.
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Once the trail ended shortly before getting to the little Alpine hamlet called Jeizinen, we continued on the double tracked road. From there on it was up and down on more two-track back to Leukerbad. Be prepared to fill up on water when you get the first chance as the short climbs add up and opportunities are limited. We passed through very picturesque Swiss villages and enjoyed the ride back the hotel.
Our verdict
Little known Leukerbad has a lot to offer for MTB riders. If you are in for spectacular Alpine views, great trails, authentic Swiss mountain villages, some relaxation at thermal spas and great food, then look no further than Leukerbad. Of course, the trail network needs expansion. We did not cover it all, but then there is loads to explore and unmarked trails make for less crowds.
