Barrhorn-Argentinian | Ride MTB

Barrhorn-Argentinian

Barrhorn

At 3610 meters above sea level, the Barrhorn is the highest peak in Switzerland that can be ridden on a mountain bike. The mountain has become a classic that can be combined with another classic: the Argentinian Trail from the Cabanne Becs de Bosson down into the Val d'Hérémence. This combination is one of the most spectacular you can pack into a three-day tour in the Alps. However, a solid level of fitness and excellent riding technique are required.


Description

The first day is the easiest: during the 18-kilometre ascent, you climb 1200 meters in altitude from the mountain station of the cable car in Oberems to the Turtmannhütte. The first part is on an asphalt road to the parking lot at the far end of the Turtmann valley. The route then turns into a gravel road and just above the reservoir you have to hump your bike for just under 300 meters in altitude to the hut. Stage 1 is now complete.

The second day is something of a royal stage. You set off early in the morning for the Barrhorn, with the bike resting exclusively on your shoulders during the ascent of just over 1000 meters. The route is easily manageable on foot, and at some point you reach the highest peak in Switzerland, to which a hiking trail rides: 3615 meters above sea level is the mark. The descent back to the hut is steep and gravelly in the upper part, then becomes barely rideable in one section, then first-class again on a moraine and finally you have to walk back to the hut. Around 80% of the route from the summit to the hut is rideable. Back at the hut, it's worth stopping for refreshments, as there is still a second feat of strength to come - the one over the Col de la Forcletta. After the reservoir, follow the mountain trail on the left-hand side of the valley. This adds up to another 600 meters in altitude, mostly pushing and carrying, with a short section of riding on an alpine road. The reward is a first-class descent to Alp Tsahèlett and the dream trail to Hotel Weisshorn. Speaking of dreams: the location of the hotel high above the Val d'Anniviers is fantastic. The day's balance includes a 2100-metre ascent.

The third day begins with a thrilling descent from the Hotel Weisshorn down to Mottec and the wonderful trail over to Grimentz. Instead of pedaling up the whole mountain, the ascent to Bendolla is made easier with the mountain railroad - the subsequent ascent to Cabanne Becs de Bosson is still hard enough. This leads from the mountain station over 850 vertical meters to the mountain hut, initially on gravel roads, then at the end again over a relatively short carrying passage. Finally, the hut is reached and with it the starting point of the long and legendary Argentinian descent down to Suen and down to the valley floor near Hérémence. You still have to have a bit of bite, as you have to climb another 300 meters in altitude on a road to reach the Bisse de Fan. Follow this road to Vex and then take the sensational final trail down into the gorge at Bramois. Finally, you roll along country roads and cycle paths to Sion train station, the destination of one of the most impressive multi-day tours in Valais.

 To view the detailed tour description, the topo map, the altitude profile and to download the GPX track, you need a user account on Ride-mtb.com with a subscription. Log in now or become a subscriber.

Map & GPX-Track

The map is only available to Ride subscribers.
The Ride-Subscription is available at ride-mtb.com/abo

.

90 km

4850 m

6200 m

486 above sea level

3601 above sea level

3 days

Turtmann

Sitten

1822

not suitable

Thomas Giger
Page views: Loading... Views
Jan
Feb
Mar
April
Mai
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Okt
Nov
Dez
Log in or register to post comments

Super idea. In this combination certainly one of the greatest WE tours worldwide!

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