When the name Val Lumnezia is mentioned, even mountain bikers are more likely to think of the big open-air music festival than mountain biking. But this is set to change in future: In 2018, the municipality of Lumnezia commissioned the company "Trailworks - Bikestrecken und Wanderwege GmbH" to draw up a feasibility study for the realization of mountain bike trails in the Val Lumnezia region.

Adjacent to the Obersaxen ski area, Val Lumnezia lies between Vorderrheintal and Valsertal, from where there are numerous tour options. These can often be skied as early as the end of April. The Lumnezia region is not very high but is sunny and therefore snow-free early on.

Marathon trails at the start of the project

The first stage of this feasibility study concerns the renovation of the Lumnezia-Obersaxen Bike Marathon route in the municipality of Lumnezia. In June 2019, the seven sections were renovated within three weeks under the supervision of Trailworks.
On the 42-kilometre round trip from Lumbrein via Obersaxen back to Val Lumnezia to Lumbrein, marathon participants will already be able to enjoy the seven trail sections on 4 August.

But the marathon route is not the only project. As the only mountain bike flagship so far, it was obvious to start with the renovations on this route. Further projects are being planned to expand the mountain bike infrastructure and will be implemented over the next two to three years, such as a flow and freeride trail Hitzeggen-Triel-Vella.

Ideal for touring bikers

Simon Coray, Bike Product Manager at Surselva Tourismus AG, reveals: "The marathon route with its seven renovated trail sections is now also newly signposted. This makes it easy to follow outside of the race. We also have a large mountain bike route that we want to close due to its lack of appeal, but instead offer plus minus six new, smaller but significantly more attractive routes."

These routes should also be predestined for e-mountain biking, as there are already three charging stations in the region. Coray sees touring and e-mountain bikers as the main target group. For them, existing trails are to be optimized in further steps and a solid, technically rather easy basic offer is to be provided. However, Coray also hopes to implement new trails that are easy to reach with the mountain railroads in the coming years.

There will also be a guided tour in the Lumnezia region on September 28, 2019 on Surselva Bike Day. Local cross-country stars Vital Albin and Ursin Spescha will be on hand to lead the tour as well as the technical training for mountain bikers and e-mountain bikers. There will also be a maintenance course as well as an expo of regional bike stores and bike shuttles during the day.