The trail situation in Valais is improving differently from region to region. The Lower Valais, especially from Martigny downwards, was largely spared from the late snowfall on April 17 and the bike season was able to begin. Nevertheless, local providers recommend careful route planning, as not all closures are digitally recorded on platforms such as Schweiz Mobil or Swisstopo.

The situation is different in large parts of the central and upper Valais. Many municipalities there are working flat out to repair the infrastructure. The focus is on the most frequently used routes - but the process takes time. In smaller municipalities, there is often a lack of resources and personnel, which is why roads and agricultural access routes are prioritized first. Only then do hiking and biking trails come next. Nevertheless, the mood is optimistic: with a little patience, many regions will soon be safe and enjoyable to ride on again. If you want to be on the safe side, plan your tour with a local guide or enquire at local bike stores and the tourist office. Local guides and shuttle service providers are happy to provide information and tips.

In the Zermatt region, the damage is less severe than in the valley - the trees at higher altitudes are more used to snow loads. Nevertheless, many hiking and biking trails are still closed at the moment, partly due to the remaining snow. Thanks to the good cooperation between the trail maintainers and the forest, new trails are constantly being opened. On the north side, the snow is still up to the tree line in many places. In Goms, for example, the lower-lying trails are already open for biking. Various bike parks open their trails on the extended Ascension weekend around 29 May.

In the Martigny and Val de Bagnes area, the shuttle provider Trail Taxi reports that many trails have already been cleared. The team supports the municipalities in assessing the damage in accordance with the rules and actively provides information about the condition of the trails. Thanks to quick coordination via WhatsApp groups among guides and bikers, the shuttle service is already up and running again. In the eastern regions such as Visp and Brig, however, work is still being delayed - many trails there are still blocked or closed.

Despite the legal restrictions, some dedicated volunteers - known as "trail ninjas" - are using hand saws to make individual passages passable again. Although these operations are helpful, they are not without danger: wedged trees are often under tension and can topple uncontrollably. This is why clearing work should be left to the professionals.

Conclusion:
The Valais is ready for the 2025 bike season - especially with the highlight of the home World Championships at the end of August to the beginning of September, spread across eight destinations. As everywhere else, it is important to plan your tour well in advance, follow local advice and respect official closures.