« We just came back from a wonderful mountain biking experience with Chris. We stayed at his guesthouse, which has an incredible view of the Alps.We started in Verbier with a day of coaching that brought us all to a new level of riding, thanks to Chris's insightful feedback. The next day, we did shuttles in Valais and had a lot of fun.Chris's enthusiasm for mountain biking is contagious. As a coach, he understands your limits and helps you progress, while making you feel safe. As a host, he provides a very attentive service to make your stay comfortable. You won't find a better mountain biking experience than this! »
Courses · VTT & E-Bike · Switzerland
Beginner mountain bike and e-bike skills course in the Valais: master your bike from day one
Can you ride a bike? That's the only prerequisite.
Technical 1-2/4 Physical 2/4 6 riders max.
- Technical
- 1-2/4 Check my level
- Physical
- 2/4
- Group
- 6 max.
- Start
- Bagnes 9h30
- Languages
- FR EN DE
In short
The highlights
Can you ride a bike? That's the only prerequisite. One day with a professional Swiss Cycling instructor, patient and pedagogical, to learn the fundamentals on smooth, gentle terrain, then apply them step by step on easy trails. Goal of the day: ride down a blue run or an equivalent trail on your own, and know what to do in every situation. Five riders maximum, MTB or e-bike.
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A patient instructor, 30 years of MTBOver 1'000 riders coached since 2010, many of them complete beginners: he knows exactly what blocks you, and how to unblock it gently.
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Progress fast, without putting yourself at riskWe start on smooth, gentle terrain, then the exercises get harder at your pace: you never skip a step.
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Goal of the day: the blue run on your ownBy evening you ride down a blue run or an equivalent trail alone and stress-free, and you know what to do in every situation.
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Individual coaching in the afternoonFive riders maximum, each followed separately on what still holds them back.
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Video analysis of your runsWatch yourself on video: nothing beats it to understand what needs to change in your riding.
Day by day
The program
Welcome and briefing
Meet at the location shown on the chosen date: Verbier, Fully, Crans-Montana or another spot in the Valais and the Chablais depending on the season. Group introductions, five riders maximum for real individual follow-up, bike and protection check, and above all your wishes: what scares you, what you'd finally like to dare. Nobody has « the level » on arrival here, that's precisely the point of the day. The course is open to regular MTBs and e-bikes alike; the only prerequisite is being able to ride a bike.
Morning | The fundamentals, as a group
First exercise on smooth, gentle terrain, far from any difficulty, to acquire the fundamentals in complete serenity: your professional instructor, over thirty years of mountain biking and over 1'000 riders coached since 2010, patient and pedagogical, lays the foundations one by one: position on the bike, the basis of everything and often neglected, brake management to brake effectively without losing control, wide and tight corners, to ride fluidly and not just « get through », looking ahead and anticipating rather than reacting. Then we transfer all of it, step by step, to easy, reassuring trails (technique 1 to 2/4), up to the first small drops.
The morning's goal: gain confidence and fluidity, and understand why it works. Runs are filmed for the video analysis.
Midday | Picnic break
Packed lunch from your bag, on the trail or near the lifts depending on the spot: something to eat, drink and share the morning's sensations.
Afternoon | Individual coaching
Each rider is taken care of separately, no « one size fits all » programme: your instructor pinpoints what still holds you back, fear of the slope, tense braking, eyes too low, and works only on that, with tailored advice suited to your level, your build and your goals. Whether you ride an MTB or an e-bike, the goal of the day is clear: by the end of the day, you ride down a blue run or a trail of equivalent difficulty on your own, and you know what to apply in every situation.
Video debrief and end of the course
Review of the footage captured during the day to see your progress concretely, personalised advice for what comes next and a chat about the next steps: intermediate course, private coaching, online video coaching, easy guided rides.
Ready to master your bike? Five places per date: book yours and come lay solid foundations, in full confidence.
129 CHF per person
What is included
Included
- Professional Swiss Cycling certified MTB instructor (fr/en/de)
- Full-day course, as a group in the morning and individual coaching in the afternoon
- Video analysis of your runs
- Bike and suspension set-up advice
- Mechanical support
- Souvenir photos
Not included
- MTB or e-bike and protection rental (optional, in the registration form)
- The lift pass, if the day's spot uses lifts
- Packed lunch and drinks
- Personal insurance
- Anything not listed under « Included »
Options at registration
Book them in the registration form. Give us your size, we handle the rest.
Ready to ride
Your equipment
Your bike
A reliable, well-adjusted bike is half the course: here's what you need to make the most of the day. No suitable bike? That's what rental is for.
The bike
- Full-suspension MTB or e-bike, 140 to 200 mm of travel, fully serviced (suspension and brakes included)
- Mixed-terrain tyres, 2.3" or wider, reinforced casings, set up tubeless with fresh sealant
- Dropper post
- Charged battery and charger if e-bike
Spare parts
- 1 compatible derailleur hanger
- 1 inner tube
- 1 set of brake pads
- 1 quick link matching your chain
Not equipped yet? We offer MTB or e-bike rental, to be booked in the registration form.
Your gear
On you
- Open-face or full-face MTB helmet
- Sunglasses or goggles
- Knee pads (elbow pads recommended)
- Long-finger gloves
- Bike clothes suited to the day's weather
In the backpack (or hip pack with a separate back protector)
- Back protector
- Rain-resistant windbreaker
- Repair kit: tyre levers, tubeless plugs, multitool, chain tool, pump or CO2 cartridges
- First-aid kit
- Sunscreen
- Packed lunch, snacks and something to drink (bottles can be refilled regularly)
- Charged mobile phone
Before you book
Good to know
Required level
This course is for complete beginners: the only prerequisite is being able to ride a bike. No need to have « the level », that's precisely what you come for. It also suits those who ride a little but feel uneasy as soon as it points downhill: beginner level, technique 1 to 2/4, fitness 2/4, normal fitness is enough. Goal of the day: leave able to ride a blue run or an equivalent trail on your own. Already mastering position, braking and simple corners, and keen to move on to drops and small jumps? The intermediate course is for you.
If in doubt about your level, write to us before signing up: we'll point you to the right group in two minutes.
Location and times
The course lasts a full day, from 9:30 am to 5 pm. The meeting point is shown on the chosen date, Verbier, Fully, Crans-Montana or another spot in the Valais and the Chablais depending on the season and the programme, and will be confirmed with the practical details after registration. Depending on the spot, a lift pass may be useful; it isn't included.
Meals
Bring a packed lunch: depending on the course location, there isn't always somewhere to buy food on site. Bottles can be refilled regularly, and a few snacks for the day never hurt.
Climate
The Valais generally offers ideal riding conditions. If the weather is uncertain, the programme adapts; if the day looks really bad, the decision to postpone the course is taken the day before, and postponement for bad weather is free of charge.
Safety
Small group of five riders maximum, a patient and pedagogical Swiss Cycling professional instructor, first exercises on smooth, gentle terrain, progression on easy trails, mandatory protection: safety is part of the teaching. You progress at your own pace, never beyond your comfort zone of the moment, and nobody is pushed to do what they don't feel.
Ready to ride?
Convinced? If your gear matches the programme, hit the registration button and book your spot: five riders per date, and places go fast.
No date suits you, you'd rather have a course just for your group or at the spot of your choice? We also run this course privately, on the date and at the place that suit you: request your private course.
A doubt, a question? Write to us, we answer quickly.
Your guide on this ride
Christian
Swiss Cycling certified MTB guide and instructor · founder of Exoride
Mountain biking has been his life since childhood in the Swiss mountains. He knows this terrain inside out: every root, every turn, every possible line on the trails of the Alps and beyond. This deep knowledge of the terrain makes all the difference when it comes to choosing the right route for your level and goals for the day.
On the enduro and downhill circuit, he's landed several podium finishes, including one at the Mégavalanche, one of the most demanding races on the mountain biking calendar. But what drives him today is passing on his knowledge: watching a rider unlock a technique that seemed impossible just that same morning: that's priceless.
His philosophy? No endless theory lectures. Careful observation, precise adjustments, and plenty of time on the bike. Patient and a natural teacher at heart, he takes the time needed so that every piece of advice is understood and applied immediately, on the trail, in your riding.
They rode with Exoride
Reviews
« Enduro Maroc is top-notch, with impeccable organization, trails that are as challenging as they should be, and long, long, long descents in a magnificent setting. And for the foodies, the food is amazing. It doesn't feel like an organized tour, but more like you're on the trails you would have chosen with your group of friends, with the shuttle as a bonus. Bravo, Christian! »
« A splendid day! Incredible trails in Upper Valais, perfectly adapted to the group's level, Chris is super friendly and extremely accommodating! (precious mechanical help on this day when my bike didn't feel like working! :D) »
Before you go
Frequently asked questions
How many riders per group?
Five riders maximum: that's what allows the real individual follow-up in the afternoon.
I've never mountain biked, is this course for me?
Yes, that's exactly what it's for: it's aimed at complete beginners, and the only prerequisite is being able to ride a bike. We start from scratch, on smooth, gentle terrain, at your pace, and by evening you ride down a blue run or an equivalent trail on your own. You don't need to be « at the level »: the course gives it to you. If you already ride on natural terrain and master the basics, look at the intermediate course instead.
Can I come with an e-bike?
Yes, e-bikes are welcome, and the assistance makes the day even more accessible. What matters most: a full-suspension bike, 140 to 200 mm of travel, well serviced, with a charged battery.
Can I rent a bike?
Yes, MTB or e-bike rental and protection are offered as options in the registration form. Give us your size, we take care of the rest: it's often the best solution for a first course.
Who is our instructor?
A professional MTB instructor, Swiss Cycling certified, with over thirty years of mountain biking and over 1'000 riders coached since 2010, many of them complete beginners. On the trail, he's first and foremost a teacher: patient, attentive, respectful of everyone's level and pace. He also races, but with you, it's experience and patience that do the talking.
What's the typical participant profile?
Riders aged 20 to 65, men and women, with very varied profiles: what counts is the desire to learn, not age or bike.
Where does the course take place and at what time?
From 9:30 am to 5 pm, at the location shown on the chosen date: Verbier, Fully, Crans-Montana or another spot in the Valais and the Chablais. Practical details are sent after registration.
Do I ride all day with all my gear?
No: you can leave your lunch and non-essential kit at the meeting point and ride with the minimum, protection included.
What gear do I need?
A full-suspension MTB or e-bike in good condition, with protection: helmet, knee pads, long-finger gloves, back protector. The full list is under « Gear details », and rental is possible.
What happens in bad weather?
The programme adapts to the weather. If the day looks really bad, the course is postponed, decision taken the day before, at no cost to you.
Is there a follow-up after this course?
Yes: the intermediate course to move on to drops, switchbacks and small jumps, private coaching on request for a tailor-made programme, our online video coaching to keep progressing remotely by sending us your videos, and our easy guided rides and shuttle days to put it all into practice.
No date suits me: can I organise a private course?
Yes, at any time of the season. If no date suits you, if you want a course just for friends, family or your club, or if you prefer the spot of your choice, we run this course privately, one-to-one or in a small group. Request your private course, we'll get back to you quickly with a proposal.
What insurance should I plan?
No insurance is required for the course, but we recommend being covered for mountain biking (accidents and liability). Note: some insurers apply special clauses or even exclusions for bike-park riding and lift-served riding; check this point with your insurer before signing up.
Guided gravity
Ready to ride?
This departure is full. Pick another date, or go private.
Same spirit, same practice
Other rides
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TripWith friends, family or your club
This ride as a private event, on your date
The same program just for your group, any time of the season. Tell us your level, your dates and your group size: we get back to you quickly with a proposal.
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129 CHF · 7 Sep 2024
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Waiting list
The levels, made clear
First tracks
Wide paths, rolling doubletrack, the odd loose rock. MTB without traps, to build pleasure and confidence.
You'll relate if
- comfortable on gravel and forest roads
- the word singletrack intrigues you more than it speaks to you
- you are discovering braking on loose ground
Singletrack bliss
Narrow but flowing trails: moderate roots and rocks, wide switchbacks, a few spots where you pick your line.
You'll relate if
- you ride singletrack regularly and enjoy it
- tight switchbacks still make you dab a foot sometimes
- you brake hard without locking up in the rocks
Technical ground
Rock gardens, steps, tight switchbacks, off-camber: the terrain demands clean lines and active riding.
You'll relate if
- tight switchbacks without dabbing, almost
- 30-40 cm steps do not stop you
- you read the trail several metres ahead
Committed
High mountain, exposed sections, big steps: places where mistakes cost, precise riding is mandatory.
You'll relate if
- you ride what many carry
- exposure does not cloud your judgement
- you stay in control on the steep even when tired
Easy
Short outing, minimal climbing: shuttles or lifts do the work, frequent breaks.
You'll relate if
- 2-3 h out
- under 300 m of climbing
- no training required
On an e-bike, one physical grade lower is often enough: ask us.
Active
Half to full mellow day: we pedal, but the pace leaves time for the view.
You'll relate if
- 3-5 h out
- 300-700 m of climbing
- occasional exercise is enough
On an e-bike, one physical grade lower is often enough: ask us.
Sporty
A proper MTB day: hours in the saddle, real climbing, punchy sections. You need juice, not a palmares.
You'll relate if
- full day, 5-7 h including breaks
- 800-1'200 m of climbing
- regular sport, endurance follows
On an e-bike, one physical grade lower is often enough: ask us.
Enduring
Big days or back-to-backs: climbing stacks up and the pace stays high.
You'll relate if
- 1'500 m+ of climbing, or several days in a row
- regular training
- fast recovery is part of the game
On an e-bike, one physical grade lower is often enough: ask us.
Between two grades? Halves (2.5) exist: aim higher if you are fit, lower if you are coming back.
Not sure? Write to usWe will advise you honestly, even if it means suggesting mellower.See the full page