If you talk about enduro mountain biking in Switzerland, the names Anita and Carolin Gehrig are mentioned in the same breath. After numerous top places in international races in recent years, the 34-year-old twins were highly motivated to get involved in the circus a little further. The 2022 and 2023 seasons were practically set when the tide began to turn.

A timetable like in a race

The road there was by no means easy, it was more like a rock garden. No physical work could be done for a long time, as the hotel was only signed over at the beginning of February. From this point onwards, the starting shot was fired for a different race. "Refurbished didn't mean finished. We had to take care of the interior design, kitchen, IT and everything else that belongs to a hotel - much more than we would have expected at the beginning. And all within a few months until the opening." An ambitious schedule that still feels like a competition even so close to the opening - nervousness included. "Fortunately, we've learned to deal with pressure," laughs Carolin Gehrig.

Lived passion

Not surprisingly, the focus is on active guests, especially mountain bikers, who are looking for experiences and relaxation in equal measure in the region around Flims. The twins can continue to live out all their passions at the Flem Mountain Lodge; mountain biking, adventures in the mountains, coffee and good food. "Flims offers an incredible amount for mountain bikers and outdoor enthusiasts. We also know all the trail gems in the region, are happy to give our guests tips for the perfect biking day and provide them with the finest coffee, cool drinks and delicious and healthy food afterwards," the pair advertise.

A central element in the newly renovated lodge is socializing. This includes events such as bike camps as well as small concerts and film screenings. But even after the activities, guests and locals are offered enjoyment and good times, as Anita and Carolin explain: "It is important to us that our customers not only have a good time in nature. The lodge is also a place where guests and locals can enjoy fine coffee or a local après-bike beer and share their experiences on the trails together."

Farewell but not goodbye

With the Gehrig twins' professional reorientation, the 2022 season will now be their farewell performance on the international stage. The updated season schedule includes the Swiss Enduro Series races, three Enduro World Series races and the newly launched Stone King Rally, but there is not enough time for more competitions. The Gehrig twins will contest the last race of the Enduro World Series in Crans-Montana, where there will be another of their popular barista sessions and, of course, an appropriate party after the race.

"Of course we will miss the big races after this season. But running our own hotel is a unique opportunity for us and a long-awaited dream at the same time. The best thing is that we can continue to do what we love," says Anita Gehrig, explaining the move from professional sport to the hotel industry. "But we're not saying goodbye completely. We will remain a part of the scene and will certainly ride one or two cool races, even if no more World Series races." Speaking of races: Just one week after the opening of the Flem Mountain Lodge, the two hoteliers put the start numbers on the handlebars for the home game, the Enduro Swiss Championships in Flims.

Competition for the opening

The Flem Mountain Lodge, with 23 modern rooms and a stylish 4 ½ room vacation apartment, will welcome its guests from June 3, 2022. The hosts are launching a competition to mark the occasion. You can find the information on the website.