Switzerland: Cloudraker

Highlights

• Multiple lifts each day
• Big climbs and even bigger descents
• Fantastic scenery on the trip of a lifetime

Full Description

This trip has quickly become a classic that leaves its participants blown away. Don't be deceived by the big descents and lifts, Cloudraker's daily schedule is jam packed and requires a high level of fitness, technical ability and ability to ride your bike with some exposure at times. This trip is for those who like to pedal up and descend, on one epic trail after another. Fasten your seatbelts, this is going to be fun!

What sets us apart in Switzerland? Our guides are skilled professionals. They'll fix your bike and tune your bike and chat with locals along the way. They are coaches and trained in first aid. They are courteous, helpful and professional. We know good singletrack. We design our trips with the ultimate riding experience in mind. You'll never get tired of the same trails or ever have to wait in a lift line with 50 other people at a bike park. We are pioneers in the Alps. We are proud to say that we are the first to explore some of the best rides in the Alps, especially big bike descents. Even most locals don't know about the trails that we ride - many are untouched, unmarked and unmapped. We take care of the little things. There is almost nothing that we won't do to make sure that your trip runs smoothly.

Activity level. The technical ability required for Cloudraker is rated as 'strong intermediate and above.' In other words, the trails are technically challenging, with hiking sections and exposure. There are long descents each day. For fitness level, participants must be fit to very fit. All participants must train accordingly to fully enjoy this trip. Even though we will be riding many lifts and stopping quite often (to enjoy the view, eat and drink, wait for others, repair our bikes etc) - the altitude, jet lag recovery and accumulation of multiple, long days of riding will add up. This trip is a true 'freeride challenge' - the rewards are FANTASTIC.

Bike and equipment. The perfect bike for this trip is a 5 or 6 inch all-mountain dual suspension with disk brakes. As we are doing lots of descending, make sure to ask us about tips on customizing your bike for this type of riding (shorter stem, fat tires etc). All participants are required to have their bikes in excellent working order before the trip begins. We will send you a detailed list of required equipment and clothing before departure. A local shop rents all-mountain bikes for approx $50 USD per day. Please let us know if this interests you and we can give you more information.

Lodging and Food. We spend 6 nights at a small family-run hotel in the quaint farming village of Lourtier at the base of Verbier. This hotel is warm and cozy with typical Swiss food, a small bar and fantastic Swiss hospitality. At night keep the window open and hear nothing but a rushing river outside while you cosy up under a big duvet. In Zermatt we're at a simple hotel that's located steps from the center of town. The food is typical of the area. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs.

Your Safety. Our trips take place in remote to very remote regions with limited evacuation options available and there are always risks and hazards on the trails that we ride. If you choose to participate in our trips, it is up to you to ride well within your limits, to ride conservatively and to be safe as mountain biking is a dangerous sport. Participants must keep their bikes in good working condition, they must be hydrated and rested and alcohol and drugs are not permitted while riding. Our guides have basic first aid training and if a serious injury is suspected they will call helicopter search and rescue at the cost of the participant. Personal medical travel insurance is mandatory.

Climate. In big mountains, weather can change quickly and drastically - it could be 30 degrees Celcius one day and then freezing on a mountain top the next day. Even though the Valais is considered to be the 'California of Switzerland' and it receives lots of sun, it can rain and we all need to be prepared. Generally though the weather during the summer in the Valais is hot and sunny.

Why Big Mountain is your choice. Big Mountain Bike Adventures is the pioneer for performance XC, all-mountain, DH and freeride mountain biking adventures. We know that to find the very best trails, you have to ride with locals. All of our trips are designed in part by local riders and often guided with local riders and professional Big Mountain guides. We aim to provide safe, quality trips and the best customer service to our participants.