« 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
MTB tour 3/4 Leukerbad to the Lötschental: the Restipass, 4'000 m of descent
A lesser-known routeand undeservedly so.
50 km 4'000 m of descent Technical 3/4 Physical 3/4 11 riders max.
- Distance
- 50 km
- Descent
- 4'000 m
- Technical
- 3/4 Check my level
- Physical
- 3/4
- Group
- 11 max.
- Start
- Martigny-Combe 9h00
- Languages
- FR EN DE
In short
The highlights
A lesser-known routeand undeservedly so. This traverse between Loèche-les-Bains and the entrance to the Lötschental has nothing to envy in its more famous neighbors: serious elevation gain, technical sections, and a commitment that has to be earned. If you're looking to test yourself, this is the place.
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A breathtaking view of the Leukerbad valley and GemmiThermal village start, with a breathtaking view of the Valais Alps.
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Crosses a superb balcony trail full of flowA climb worth savoring, with alpine pastures and forests as a backdrop.
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Admire the surrounding 4,000meters high summitsThe Lötschental and its glaciers reveal themselves, a breathtaking panorama.
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Certified Swiss Cycling local guide, Valais expertTechnical, exhilarating singletrack, guided through the best lines.
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Mechanical supportA preserved, authentic valley, the perfect way to end the ride.
Day by day
The program
An alpine traverse between two valleys of Valais
This guided mountain bike tour connects Loèche-les-Bains to the Lötschental via the Restipass, one of the finest viewpoints over the Bernese Alps and the region's glaciers. A ride led by a local guide, designed for mountain bikers who want to combine effort, technicality, and wide open spaces.
The route
On this 50 km loop, your guide makes clever use of the lifts to give you an exceptional ratio: just 1,400 m of climbing for 4,000 m of descent. That means you get to enjoy the alpine playground to the fullest without wearing yourself out on the climbs, through committing singletrack, high-altitude pastures, and ever-changing views of the surrounding glaciers.
The route also crosses a mosaic of landscapes typical of Valais: larches and arolla pines at altitude, meadows in bloom with edelweiss and gentians in season, and a few mountain villages with sun-darkened larch-wood chalets, witnesses to centuries of alpine life. The Lötschental in particular remains one of Switzerland's most authentic valleys, long isolated by its terrain and rich in living heritage, from pastoral traditions to local legends passed down through generations. A format designed to maximize the thrill of the ride, while keeping that sense of exploration typical of the great Valais traverses.
Distance : 50 kms
D+ : 1'400 m
D- : 4'000 m
- Distance
- 50 km
- Descent
- 4'000 m
75 CHF per person
What is included
Included
- Local professional MTB guide, Swiss Cycling certified (fr/en/de)
- Transfers by private shuttle (Exo'bus), from Martigny to Leukerbad and back
- Mechanical support and spare bike
- Riding tips
- Souvenir photos
Not included
- The lift pass, around 65 francs, payable on site
- Packed lunch and drinks
- MTB or e-bike 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
4'000 m of descent on committing singletrack, with 1'400 m of climbing: your bike and your brakes have to last all day.
The bike
- Full-suspension MTB or e-bike, 150 to 180 mm of travel, fully serviced (no DH bikes or dual-crown forks)
- Mixed-terrain tyres, 2.3" or wider, reinforced casings, set up tubeless with fresh sealant
- Dropper post
- Brake pads in good condition
- 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: the Restipass is high up and the weather changes fast there
- Repair kit: tyre levers, tubeless plugs, multitool, chain tool, pump or CO2 cartridges
- First-aid kit
- Sunscreen
- Your packed lunch, snacks and something to drink
- Cash for the lift pass
- Charged mobile phone
This is a point-to-point ride: you keep your kit with you all day, and the Exo'bus picks you up at the finish.
Before you book
Good to know
Required level
This tour is rated 3/4: the descents are long and committing, with technical singletrack, roots and rock, for 1'400 m of climbing spread over the day. You need an advanced level and to be at ease on technical terrain over the long haul.
Prefer more flowing terrain or a day without climbing? Have a look at our level 2/4 shuttle days.
Location and times
Meeting in the morning in Martigny: the transfer to Leukerbad and the return at the end of the day are covered by the Exo'bus. The exact place and time are confirmed with the practical details after registration.
Lunch and lifts
Bring your packed lunch and something to drink: lunch is taken along the way, on the route. The lift pass, around 65 francs, is at the participants' expense and is paid on site.
Climate
The Restipass is crossed at altitude and the weather can change fast there, even on a fine day: 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 valleys by heart, checked gear, a briefing before every descent, mandatory protection. The guide runs the group smoothly, with regrouping points in the right places.
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
« 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?
Small group, registration open until 27 september. Book your spot.
Same spirit, same practice
Other rides
Tour
Tour
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.
Stay in touch
Don't worry, we ride way too much to have time to flood your inbox.
75 CHF · 28 Sep 2026
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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