From the canton of Obwalden you hear little when it comes to mountain biking, neither hymns of praise nor crisis reports. In a canton with such mountainous terrain, that can only mean one thing: The bikers have fun without being criticized for it.

Mountain bike guide Reto Wallimann confirms: "With very few exceptions, the climate towards mountain bikers is very good." Communication with other trail users is important and the basis for good cooperation, he explains.

Wallimann is also president of the newly founded Mountainbike Obwalden association. They want to represent the bikers vis-à-vis the canton and especially in the development of the mountain bike concept. The founding event took place on January 26 and was attended by 90 interested parties. "As of today, Mountainbike Obwalden already has 300 members," says Wallimann happily. It should be noted that members of existing mountain bike clubs in the canton automatically belong to Mountainbike Obwalden. However, you can also become a member of the umbrella organization directly, emphasizes the president.

This is where Mountainbike Obwalden wants to start

Although Obwalden is a very good place for mountain bikers, Reto Wallimann criticizes that nothing has been done about mountain biking for years. Perhaps this is because the existing network of trails offers so much. Nevertheless, the president and bike guide sees a need for action: "We need new trails for all levels of difficulty, built close to nature, and in certain places existing single trails need to be reinforced to prevent erosion," he says.

A skills park is already being planned in Giswil. There are other projects on the valley floor in Sarnen and Alpnach. And finally, some of the Engelberg bike trails are located in Obwalden. But that's not all: "Our aim is to legalize illegal trails and regulate their maintenance," reveals Wallimann.

The Engelberg ski area, which is located on Obwalden and Nidwalden territory, with its bike trails on the Joch Pass, is typical of the intertwined cantonal border and close relationships. "Cooperation with our bike friends from Nidwalden is very important and is something we are striving for," emphasizes Wallimann. Thomy Vetterli from Bikegenoss Zentralschweiz acts as a hub for the various Central Swiss cantons. Nidwalden is one step ahead and recently published its mountain bike concept. So there is a lot to do in the canton of Obwalden.

The website of Mountainbike Obwalden, which is currently under construction: www.mtb-ow.ch

The counterpart in the canton of Nidwalden: www.mtb-nw.ch

And the big brother: bikegenoss.ch