Locals and newcomers are the high-flyers of the 2020 season. They are literally giving mountain biking wings and are a key factor in why Alpine tourism is posting solid figures this summer despite the pandemic. Corona or not: the number of mountain bikers in Switzerland would have increased noticeably even without the nasty virus, but then mainly due to guests from abroad. And not by chance. This MTB boom in Switzerland is a reflection of where the country stands today in terms of mountain biking: right at the forefront of the world. Switzerland is the poster boy among mountain bike destinations, and there are three reasons for this.

The three success factors

The most sustainable factor for success among mountain bikers is trail quality. Switzerland is the only country in the world to have written the construction and maintenance of hiking trails into its constitution. This means that the state is responsible for trail quality and must ensure high quality. This starting position is something of a turbo boost for mountain biking.

Another reason is the legal basis. Although there are different positions in the cantons, the general rule is: mountain biking on trails is legal in Switzerland. The responsible federal office sets out a clear tariff, while mountain bikers in neighboring countries continue to struggle with two-meter regulations or general bans. This drives many mountain bikers to Switzerland, where they are obviously welcome and are not put off by legal regulations.

The third reason for the high status of mountain biking in Switzerland is social acceptance. And this is where Switzerland differs considerably from Austria, Germany or Italy. Mountain bikers are not exotic between Lake Constance and Lake Geneva, but part of society. Not always without conflict, but never fundamentally questioned.

The poster boy of MTB destinations

These factors have led to Switzerland becoming the international poster boy for mountain biking. This is why more mountain bikers are being counted in Switzerland, and not just this summer. The boom will continue. Because mountain bikers don't like to be constantly annoyed by bike bans, arguing with aggressive hunters, struggling over poorly maintained trails and being led around by the nose by tourism professionals. In future, mountain bikers will ride where they can count on a tailwind. After all, headwinds are the poison of cyclists. It would actually be that simple.

More blog posts by Thomas Giger

ride.ch/blog/giger