« 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) »
Tours · VTT & E-Bike · Switzerland
Guided MTB tour at the Aletsch glacier: 4'750 m of descent facing the longest glacier in the Alps
An XXL day in the Aletsch Arena, in the heart of the Jungfrau-Aletsch Unesco site: Exo'bus transfer from Martigny, the lifts of Mörel, Betten and Fiesch to link the rotations, 40 km of alpine trails and 4'750 m of descent for barely 500 m of climbing, with the Aletsch glacier as a backdrop.
40 km 4'750 m of descent Technical 3,5/4 Physical 3/4 11 riders max.
- Distance
- 40 km
- Descent
- 4'750 m
- Technical
- 3,5/4 Check my level
- Physical
- 3/4
- Group
- 11 max.
- Start
- Martigny-Combe 9h00
- Languages
- FR EN DE
In short
The highlights
An XXL day in the Aletsch Arena, in the heart of the Jungfrau-Aletsch Unesco site: Exo'bus transfer from Martigny, the lifts of Mörel, Betten and Fiesch to link the rotations, 40 km of alpine trails and 4'750 m of descent for barely 500 m of climbing, with the Aletsch glacier as a backdrop. One of those days people still talk about years later. Advanced level, MTB or e-bike, Swiss Cycling guide.
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The finest trails of the Aletsch ArenaBetween Riederalp, Bettmeralp and Fiescheralp, the trails we have unearthed over the years.
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Above the longest glacier in the Alps23 km of ice beneath your wheels, views from the Moosfluh and the Eggishorn: a World Heritage setting.
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4'750 m of descent for 500 m of climbingSeveral rotations with the cable cars: the lifts do the work, you link the descents.
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A day people still talk about years laterAlpine trails, long and varied descents down to the valley floor, glacier as a backdrop: an exceptional day, for advanced riders.
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Local Swiss Cycling guideCertified guide who knows every trail, and a private shuttle from Martigny for the outward and return transfers.
See all 6 photos
Day by day
The program
The must-do day at the foot of the longest glacier in the Alps
Early start from Martigny: we load the bikes into the Exo'bus and head for the Upper Valais, to the gates of the Aletsch Arena. First cable car from the Goms valley and, within minutes, you go from the valley floor to alpine pastures perched above 2'000 m, facing the 4'000-metre peaks of the Valais.
The day is a succession of rotations: the lifts of Mörel, Betten and Fiesch take you to the viewpoints of the Moosfluh, the Bettmerhorn and the Eggishorn, from where the Aletsch glacier, 23 km of ice listed as Unesco World Heritage, unfolds before your eyes. Between two ascents, panoramic alpine singletracks, long and varied descents towards the car-free villages of Riederalp and Bettmeralp, then down to the valley floor. The rotations follow one another at the group's pace, with a lunch break facing the panorama.
In the late afternoon, a last descent down to the Rhône valley and back to Martigny by Exo'bus: 40 km, 4'750 m of descent, barely 500 m of climbing, and the memory of having ridden above the longest glacier in the Alps. It's one of those days everyone still talks about years later, it's that exceptional.
Ready to ride the Aletsch glacier tour? Limited places: book yours and come link the descents facing the glacier.
- Distance
- 40 km
- Descent
- 4'750 m
65 CHF per person
What is included
Included
- Swiss Cycling certified expert MTB guide (fr/en/de)
- Private shuttle transfer (Exo'bus) to and from Martigny
- Mechanical support
- Riding tips
- Souvenir photos
Not included
- The lift pass (about 65 CHF, 39 CHF with the SBB half-fare card)
- MTB or e-bike and protection rental (optional, in the registration form)
- Packed lunch and drinks
- Personal insurance
- Tips
- 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
40 km of alpine trails and 4'750 m of descent: your bike and your brakes are going to work, they must be ready.
The bike
- Full-suspension MTB or e-bike, 150 to 180 mm of travel, fully serviced (suspension and brakes included)
- Mixed-terrain tyres, 2.4" or wider, reinforced casings, set up tubeless with fresh sealant
- Dropper post
- New or very good brake pads, 200 mm rotors recommended
- Charged battery if e-bike
Spare parts
- 1 compatible derailleur hanger
- 1 inner tube
- 1 set of brake pads
- 1 quick link matching your chain
No suitable bike? We offer MTB or e-bike rental, to be booked in the registration form.
Your gear
On you
- Open-face MTB helmet or helmet with removable chin bar
- Sunglasses
- 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 and a warm layer: we climb to nearly 2'900 m
- 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 and some cash or your half-fare card for the lift pass
Before you book
Good to know
Required level
This tour is for advanced riders: technique 3.5/4, fitness 3/4. The descents are long, sustained and varied, with technical passages on alpine terrain, and they follow one another all day thanks to the lifts. No racing and no clock, but you need to be at ease on committed trails and able to stay focused until the last descent.
If in doubt about your level, write to us before signing up: we'll point you to the right tour in two minutes.
Location and times
Meet in Martigny at 7:30 am, load the bikes into the Exo'bus and transfer to the Aletsch Arena; back in Martigny around 8 pm, and depending on the programme and the group's pace, up to an hour later: allow plenty of time. Practical details (exact meeting point, lift pass, weather) are sent after registration.
Meals
Bring a packed lunch: depending on the programme, there isn't always somewhere to buy food along the way. Bottles can be refilled regularly, and a few snacks for the day never hurt.
Climate
The Valais generally offers ideal riding conditions, but here we move between 800 and nearly 2'900 m: it can be hot down below and cool at the top, so take a warm layer and a windbreaker. If the weather is uncertain, the programme adapts; if the day looks really bad, the decision to postpone is taken the day before, and postponement for bad weather is free of charge.
Safety
Small group, professional Swiss Cycling guide who knows every trail on the route, mechanical support from the guide, mandatory protection. The rotations follow one another at the group's pace, and we also stop to enjoy the glacier.
Ready to ride?
Convinced? If you're sure of your level and your gear matches the programme, hit the registration button and book your spot: small group, limited places, and they go fast.
No date suits you, you'd rather ride just with your group? We also run this tour privately, on the date that suits you: request your private tour.
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
Founder and manager of Exoride, Chris has been riding the trails of the Valais Alps since 1989, and has worked as a professional guide since 2010. This dual experience, passionate rider and certified guide, gives him a read on the terrain that few can claim: the best lines, the right timing for the lifts, and the technical sections anticipated before you even reach them.
Beyond the technical skills, it's his deep knowledge of Valais that makes the difference: every ride is adjusted to the group's level and wishes, for a tailor-made experience rather than a fixed route. With Chris, you're not just following an itinerary: you're benefiting from over 35 years of experience on this terrain to discover the region's hidden treasures, with full confidence.
They rode with Exoride
Reviews
« Haut Valais outing, perfect weather, what a pleasure.Thanks to Chris and his organization, everything was top-notch! 🚵♂️😋🏞🤩 »
« The Best of the Best! Insane singletracks, 6400m of vertical drop, in a superb atmosphere among riders! Just like in Finale 🇮🇹, but in the Valais Region 🇨🇭 🇨🇭 ☀️Can't wait for the next outing with Chris and Exoride! »
Before you go
Frequently asked questions
How many riders per group?
A small group, generally between five and ten riders: enough for the atmosphere, few enough to ride together safely and at the group's pace.
How do I know if I have the level for this tour?
Every tour shows its technical and fitness rating out of 4, and the « Required level » paragraph describes the terrain concretely. If the ratings match what you ride regularly, you're in the right place; if in doubt, write to us before signing up, we'll point you to the right tour in two minutes.
Can I come with an e-bike?
Yes, e-bikes are welcome on our tours. What matters most: a full-suspension bike, 130 to 180 mm of travel, well serviced, with a battery charged for the day.
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.
Who is our guide?
Tours in the Valais are led by a local professional MTB guide, Swiss Cycling certified, who rides in the Swiss Alps all year round and knows the trails like the back of his hand. You're in good hands!
What's the typical participant profile?
Riders aged 20 to 65, men and women, with very varied profiles. What matters: having the technical and fitness level the tour requires, and the desire to share a great day of mountain biking.
What kind of riding should I expect?
We like to vary the trails we ride as much as possible: routes are 99 % trails, with scenery that changes as the day goes on. The pace is that of the group and of the tour's rating, with breaks to enjoy the view.
How do the transfers work?
Depending on the tour, transfers are by private shuttle (the Exo'bus) from the meeting point shown on the date, or by lifts. Practical details (meeting place and time, any lift pass) are sent after registration.
Do I ride all day with all my gear?
Yes: unlike our shuttle days, a tour is ridden point to point, so you keep your riding gear with you all day (backpack with back protector, repair kit, windbreaker, packed lunch and something to drink). Hence the point of travelling light and taking only what you need.
What should I plan for lunch?
A packed lunch: depending on the programme, there isn't always somewhere to buy food along the way. Bottles can be refilled regularly, and a few snacks for the day never hurt.
What happens in bad weather?
The Valais generally offers ideal conditions. If the weather is uncertain, the programme adapts; if the day looks really bad, the tour is postponed, decision taken the day before, at no cost to you.
No date suits me: can I organise this tour privately?
Yes, at any time of the season. If no date suits you, if you want to ride just with friends, family or your club, we run this tour privately, on the date that suits you. Request your private tour, we'll get back to you quickly with a proposal.
What insurance should I plan?
Every participant must be covered for accidents, including on a mountain bike, and hold all the cover needed for mountain biking in the mountains: accidents, personal liability, as well as search, rescue and evacuation costs, helicopter included. For participants coming from abroad, the cover must be valid in Switzerland.
Note: some insurers apply special clauses or even exclusions for bike-park and lift-served riding. Check this point with your insurer before signing up.
Guided gravity
Ready to ride?
Registration for this departure has ended.
Same spirit, same practice
Other rides
Tour
Shuttles
ShuttlesWith 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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65 CHF · 27 Sep 2024
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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
