« I spent a week with Christian exploring the Valais region between Orsières and Zermatt. It was an incredible experience: the mountain biking challenges, the mountain views, the mountain huts for lunch, and the homemade dinners. Each day, we took a shuttle to a new location and used the lifts as much as possible, then the e-MTB for additional climbs. He adapted the descents/traverses according to my abilities and desires. He knows the local trails, huts, and access points very well. I end this week with gratitude, a sense of wonder at the Alps, and the desire to return for more adventures. »
Tours · VTT & E-Bike · Switzerland
E-MTB tour 3/4 Malatra pass: the Swiss and Italian Val Ferret facing Mont Blanc, 3'500 m of descent
Our most demanding e-bike tour: departure by Exo'bus from Orsières towards the Great St Bernard pass, then a big loop crossing the Malatra pass at nearly 3'000 m and linking both sides of the Val Ferret, Italian and Swiss.
58 km 3'500 m of descent Technical 3,5/4 Physical 3,5/4 11 riders max.
- Distance
- 58 km
- Descent
- 3'500 m
- Technical
- 3,5/4 Check my level
- Physical
- 3,5/4
- Group
- 11 max.
- Start
- Orsières 9h00
- Languages
- FR EN DE
In short
The highlights
Our most demanding e-bike tour: departure by Exo'bus from Orsières towards the Great St Bernard pass, then a big loop crossing the Malatra pass at nearly 3'000 m and linking both sides of the Val Ferret, Italian and Swiss. 58 km, 2'200 m of climbing and 3'500 m of descent, with the Mont Blanc massif right in front of you. Advanced level, e-MTB only, good fitness and sure footing required: a short alpine section and a brief hike-a-bike are part of the deal.
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Two countries, one valleyThe Val Ferret on the Italian side then the Swiss side, two moods separated by a pass at nearly 3'000 m.
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Crossing the Malatra passThe high point of the day, a high-mountain crossing with a short alpine section and a brief hike-a-bike.
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Mont Blanc right in front of youThe massif accompanies most of the route, head-on and up close.
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A run of superb trails3'500 m of descent on varied singletrack, the reward for a long and demanding route.
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A local guide on both sides of the borderSwiss Cycling certified, he knows the Valais as well as the Aosta region.
Day by day
The program
E-Bike discovery of the Saint Bernard region
Starting from Orsières, the Exo'bus takes the road of the legendary Great St Bernard pass and drops us at the start of one of the finest e-bike routes in the region.
The day is long and at times demanding, even with assistance: the climbs follow one another all the way to the Malatra pass at nearly 3'000 m, where the landscape tips from one country into the other. The crossing has to be earned, with a short alpine section and a brief hike-a-bike before the top of the pass.
The reward comes next, with a run of superb trails through the Val Ferret, first on the Italian side then on the Swiss side, facing the imposing Mont Blanc massif.
Halfway round, a stop at the refuge on the Italian side: that's where we eat and where the batteries are recharged. Anyone who prefers their own packed lunch sits down with the group. Your charger is essential, as is your ID, since the day crosses the border.
Your guide, a Swiss Cycling certified instructor, knows the Valais as well as the Aosta region. He picks the lines according to the conditions and runs the group smoothly, from the first pass to the last singletrack.
Ready for our most demanding e-bike tour? Small group, limited places: book your spot.
- Distance
- 58 km
- Descent
- 3'500 m
65 CHF per person
What is included
Included
- Local professional MTB guide, Swiss Cycling certified (fr/en/de), at home in the Valais and the Aosta region
- The transfer by private shuttle (Exo'bus) from Orsières
- Mechanical support and spare bike
- Riding tips
- Souvenir photos
Not included
- Lunch at the refuge and drinks, or your own packed lunch if you prefer
- E-MTB and protection rental (optional, in the registration form)
- 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
58 km, 2'200 m of climbing and 3'500 m of descent: this ride is e-MTB only, and your bike has to be flawless.
The bike
- Full-suspension e-MTB, 150 to 180 mm of travel, fully serviced (regular MTBs are not suited to this route)
- Mixed-terrain tyres, 2.4" or wider, reinforced casings, set up tubeless with fresh sealant
- Dropper post
- Brake pads in very good condition: the descent is long and committing
- A healthy battery, charged to 100 % at the start
Spare parts
- 1 compatible derailleur hanger
- 1 inner tube
- 1 set of brake pads
- 1 quick link matching your chain
No e-MTB? We offer one for rental, to be booked in the registration form.
Your battery and charger
Your charger is mandatory: recharging happens during the stop at the refuge, and that's what lets you finish the day with enough range.
- Your battery charger, in your pack, for the whole day
- A healthy battery, charged to 100 % at the start
- A spare battery if you own one: a real comfort on this route
With 2'200 m of climbing, managing your assistance is part of the game: the guide gives mode advice as the day goes on.
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
- Your battery charger
- Your ID card or passport: the day crosses the Italian border
- Rain-resistant windbreaker and a warm layer: the Malatra pass reaches nearly 3'000 m
- Repair kit: tyre levers, tubeless plugs, multitool, chain tool, pump or CO2 cartridges
- First-aid kit
- Sunscreen
- Snacks, something to drink, and cash for lunch at the refuge
- Charged mobile phone
You keep your kit with you all day: it's a big loop, the van waits for you at the finish.
Before you book
Good to know
Required level
This tour is rated 3/4 and is our most demanding e-bike day: 58 km, 2'200 m of climbing and a pass crossing at nearly 3'000 m. You need good fitness, to be at ease on technical terrain and to have sure footing, as the Malatra pass involves a short alpine section and a brief hike-a-bike. The ride is e-MTB only.
Location and times
Meeting in the morning in Orsières, fifteen minutes from Martigny, then a drop-off by Exo'bus on the road to the Great St Bernard pass. Back to the starting point in the late afternoon. The exact place and time are confirmed with the practical details after registration.
Lunch and recharging
Lunch is taken at the refuge on the Italian side, at your own expense. Anyone who prefers their own packed lunch sits down with the group. It's also when the batteries are recharged: your charger is essential.
Border crossing
The day crosses the Italian border: your ID card or passport is mandatory, and must stay on you throughout the tour.
Climate
The Malatra pass reaches nearly 3'000 m and the weather can change fast at altitude: a windbreaker and a warm layer are essential. If the weather is uncertain the guide adapts the route; if the day looks really bad, it's postponed at no cost to you.
Safety
Small group, professional Swiss Cycling guide who knows both sides of the border, checked gear, a briefing before every descent, mandatory protection. On such a long day, the guide runs the group smoothly, calls the breaks that are needed and adapts the route if necessary.
Ready to ride?
Convinced? Small group, limited places: hit the registration button and book your spot.
No date suits you, or you'd rather ride just with your group? We also run this tour privately: send us your request.
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
« 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?
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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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
