The Obergoms is particularly well-known to cross-country skiers. The snow-sure high valley is an Eldorado for Nordic skiing. What is perfect for cross-country skiing should also work for fat biking, said Romeo Volken from www.fat-bikes.ch. Volken discovered a fatbike for the first time on his trip to Canada six years ago and saw tourism potential for the winter in Obergoms. Together with Marco Holzer, the operator of the specialist ski store Holzer Sport in Bellwald, Volken began to turn his idea of renting out fat bikes into reality around a year ago. "These bikes are ideal for riding on snow and here in Obergoms, where snow is guaranteed, we have the perfect conditions for this. As few people would buy a fatbike, I see the potential in renting them out," explains Volken.

As the high altitude of Bellwald is not ideal for rental, Volken and Holzer quickly find a suitable partner. Former top cross-country skier Koni Hallenbarter agreed to rent out their fleet of fat bikes in his sports store in Obergesteln. Well located as a cross-country ski store, access to the trails couldn't be better. However, cross-country skiers should not share their trails for fatbike fun. These are off-limits to both bikers and hikers. With around 80 kilometers of winter hiking trails stretching through Obergoms, there are still endless possibilities for fatbike tours. Volken sees fat biking primarily as a group experience, whether it's a company outing or a fun tour with friends.

Photos ©Pascal Gertschen

Tourism gives the green light
But it wasn't going to be a wild campaign, so Romeo Volken managed to get Obergoms Tourismus AG on board. "Romeo Volken and Marco Holzer approached us with the idea and a written project to promote fat biking in Goms. However, I first had to get an idea of whether it would be problematic on the winter hiking trails, as I hadn't been familiar with this form of mountain biking before. After some clarification, I am of the opinion that this is not a problem and that hikers and fat bikers can use the trail network together without any problems," says Mathias Fleischmann, Managing Director of Obergoms Tourismus AG. Fat biking is therefore permitted on the entire winter hiking trail network in Obergoms, subject to certain rules of conduct that also apply to mountain biking, of course.

Fleischmann also holds out the prospect of infrastructure if necessary: "If fat biking really takes off in winter, we are open to making more of it and possibly even creating separate routes. But then all six municipalities in Obergoms will also be involved and fat biking will then be properly promoted. It was currently too late to include this offer in the winter brochure. However, we have had extra flyers printed for this offer for regional communication."

The Obergoms with its extensive network of winter hiking trails.

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