The Gstaad vacation region is thriving with cycling fans and, with the 2024-2029 cycling strategy, intends to attract more guests in summer and fall who previously only knew the vacation region as a winter destination. The cycling strategy thus ties in seamlessly with the tourism strategy of offering attractive opportunities for enjoyable outdoor activities in every season. The main focus remains on mountain biking with the continuous and careful expansion of infrastructure such as various trails or low-threshold access to washing stations and e-charging stations.

Continuation of the "Trail Crew" pilot project

In collaboration with the municipality of Saanen, the "Trail Crew" pilot project was launched in 2023 to optimize the quality and safety of the trails in the region. The focus is on the co-existence of hikers and mountain bikers on the existing hiking trail network. The motivated crew is on duty from May to October and, together with the employees of the Saanen maintenance depot, does valuable work to maintain and improve the existing trail network. In the 2024 season, which is drawing to a close, around 25 kilometers of trails in the region were maintained and gently adapted. This year, the crew was also out and about in neighboring municipalities and supported the local trail masters during three days of work in St. Stephan. "The response to the trail crew's commitment has been consistently positive. We are delighted to have expanded our range of safe and attractive trails in 2024," explains Jan Brand, Head of Infrastructure at Gstaad Saanenland Tourismus. "Our aim is to sustainably develop infrastructure that supports outdoor activities while respecting nature. The enthusiasm and professionalism of the trail crew strengthens the communities' trust in our work and promotes mutual exchange. Such collaborations are the right way to achieve uniform trail management that benefits the entire region."

Philipp Becker, Head of Infrastructure at the municipality of Saanen, adds: "The trail crew is a good addition to our existing resources and makes an important contribution to the gradual implementation of the bike strategy. Both locals and guests benefit from this cooperation between Gstaad Saanenland Tourism and the municipality."

The project will be continued in 2025 and extended to surrounding municipalities. With the expansion of the trail crew, the aim is to work closely with neighboring communities. The aim is to create a high-quality, comprehensive and uniform trail network and to further strengthen the entire region as a sustainable cycling destination.

New services

Another measure in the area of sports infrastructure is the free washing station at the Horneggli valley station in Schönried. This station allows bicycles to be cleaned on site immediately after riding out, which increases convenience for cyclists and benefits regional service providers such as hotels and vacation apartment rentals. The washing station is available from May to October and complements the existing range of services. Further washing stations are planned for the coming years.

In a further step towards optimizing service quality, Gstaad Saanenland Tourism took over the network of so-called "First Boxes" this year, which was previously maintained by private operators. The First Boxes offer basic equipment for first aid measures and minor repairs, helping cyclists and other athletes to react quickly and easily in the event of minor injuries or damage to their equipment.

Furthermore, the tried-and-tested network of e-bike charging stations is available throughout the vacation region: "Our charging system is a central component of the infrastructure for soft mobility and continues to be used intensively," concludes Brand. "The continuous further development of our services illustrates our ambition to position the Gstaad vacation region as a first-class and sustainable destination in the field of cycling and outdoor tourism."

gstaad.ch