Ride Camp: Top of Valais | Ride MTB

Ride Camp: Top of Valais

At this camp, there are no compromises—only the best is good enough. With the Hotel Belalp and the Chetzeron in Crans-Montana, two of Switzerland’s most extraordinary mountain hotels serve as our base. On the trails, we’ll experience the absolute best the Valais has to offer: the alpine grandeur of the Mäderlicke, an exclusive shuttle day across the Upper Valais, and the enduro masterpiece of the Plaine Morte.

We kick things off with the Mäderlicke, an uncompromising single-track highlight high above Brig. On the second day, the group has a private trail taxi exclusively at its disposal. With it, we head for the most rewarding descents along the route between Brig and Crans-Montana. The grand finale comes on the last day with the Plaine Morte. The high-alpine tour from the glacier’s edge down into the Rhône Valley is still considered by many to be the best enduro route in the entire canton.

We’ve also set the bar very high when it comes to accommodations. We’ll spend the first night at the Hotel Belalp. Perched high above the Aletsch Glacier, you can gaze directly at the Matterhorn across the valley from your bed and enjoy outstanding cuisine in the evening. For the second night, we check in at the Chetzeron, high above Crans-Montana. The former gondola station, converted into a design hotel, stands as an architectural highlight at over 2,000 meters above sea level.

Please note: To make these exclusive single nights at top-tier hotels possible, the camp is intentionally held during the week, from Wednesday through Friday.

All hotel stays include breakfast

Shuttles/mountain railways during the three days

Guiding on all three days

Please note: The camp takes place from Wednesday through Friday

Cost

1,250 CHF in a double room

1,555 CHF for a single room

Highlights

The Camp of Superlatives—in terms of trails, hotels, and cuisine

Mäderlicke, the great trail classic in the Brig region

Plaine Morte, perhaps the best MTB tour in Valais

Exclusive booking of the Trail Taxi for the entire day on Thursday

Facts

Date

bis

Duration

3 days

Skills:
 (S4)
 
Fitness:
 (up to 1300 meters of climbing)
 
E-MTB

not suitable

Guide
Thomas Giger
Language
German, English
Package Operator

Ride MTB

Itinerary

Wednesday (Mäderlicke): Start high above Brig. The route rides from the Simplon Pass up to Mäderlicke and culminates in a spectacular descent. Afterward, transfer and overnight stay at Hotel Belalp.

Thursday (Trail Taxi): A custom itinerary featuring the best trail options between Brig and Sierre. The shuttle vehicle is available exclusively for the group all day. Overnight stay at Hotel Chetzeron.

Friday (Plaine Morte): Ascent to Plaine Morte and a seemingly endless descent down to Sion. Luggage transport from Hotel Chetzeron to the finish in Sion is arranged.

Luggage transport to the hotels is organized or can easily be arranged by train. We recommend bringing one bag—ideally a duffel bag.

Photos from Ride-Camp Valais 2026, the undisputed highlight of the season for all participants: photos.app.goo.gl/oqTsqK3JiXNkG3jKA

RequirementsThe terrain is high-alpine and challenging. A solid S3 skill level is absolutely required; in the upper sections of the Mäderlicke and the Plaine Morte, there are also regular sections rated S4. In terms of physical fitness, the Mäderlicke is the absolute highlight of the trip: Starting at the Simplon Pass, you’ll need to push your bike uphill under your own power for about 800 meters of elevation gain to the Leone Hut, and carry it at certain points.
BikesDue to the steep, energy-sapping sections where you’ll need to push and carry your bike on the Mäderlicke, this camp is designed for non-motorized mountain bikes. This tour is not suitable for e-mountain bikes.
HotelsHotel Belalp, hotel-belalp.ch
Hotel Chetzeron, chetzeron.ch
Meeting PointWednesday, August 25, 2027, 8:00 a.m. at the Brig train station (vehicles can be parked nearby). We’ll then continue by PostBus at 8:20 a.m. to the Simplon Pass.
GroupMaximum of 7 people

 

 Hinweis: Du bist nicht eingeloggt oder verfügst über kein Abo von Ride. Das ist nötig, um diesen Service zu nutzen.

Ein Ride-Abo kann man auf die Schnelle aktivieren. Das ermöglicht den vollständigen Zugriff auf die grosse Tourendatenbank und auf die Ride Trail Map. Das Abo gibt es auf ride-mtb.com/abo.

Note: This content has been automatically translated from German. Please report any incorrect translations.