Graubünden – A Biker’s Paradise in Flims
In Flims, mountain-bikers’ dreams come true. Whether it‘s cross-country, freeride or simply hiking and biking with the family – Flims in the Swiss canton of Graubünden is a Mecca for all active holidays.
World Champion Nino Schurter backs Flims
23-year-old Nino Schurter was the youngest mountain-biker to win the world championship in cross-country in 2009. Born in the Graubünden highlands, Schurter discovered the area around Flims at an early age and has made it his favourite training ground. “Whether it’s varied cross-country routes or demanding bike-trails, I’ve got everything I’m looking for in Flims“, says Nino Schurter.
A network of 330 km of marked mountain-bike routes awaits you in the Flims valley. From rides suitable for all the family to marathon tours, every ability is catered for. Thanks to the cable-cars, it’s easy to get up into the mountains with your bike. Then you can really get going on the marked Enduro routes on Crap Masegn, Crap Sogn Gion and Grauberg. The Ruinaulta tour is a real highlight, which takes you on an 85 km route with 3670 metres altitude differential around the imposing Rhine Gorge, also known as the Swiss Grand Canyon.
Freeride Flims – put more enjoyment into your biking
Flims has also developed trails specifically for freeriders. The Runca trail from Naraus to Flims is medium difficulty and offers lots of variety not only for downhill experts but also for beginners. In summer the cable-cars take mountain-bikers right up to the start of the freeride route, Adrenalin junkies can get their money’s worth on the Afterwork trail. With slope-style elements such as wall-rides and gaps, dotted with roots and tree trunks, the Northshore trail demands full commitment and high concentration from the most experienced of riders. End an adventurous day of mountain-biking with an amazing guided freeride tour, the “Sunset Ride“. You take the cable-car up to the 2675-metre-high Cassons, after a quick drink stop, you go speeding off down the valley on single trails, heading into the sunset.
Big Airbag for the adventurous
Try out new tricks, hone your style or just fly – the new Big Airbag in the Swatch Bike Park in Flims gives you the opportunity. Two jump-off ramps have been built at the valley station of the lift. A 9x13-meter-sized air cushion ensures a soft landing and Swatch “shoot-my-ride“ video cameras have been installed. Every jump can be seen on the big screen, enabling riders to analyse their jump and airtime. You’ll have a great view of the action from the garden of the Legna Bar with some cool sounds and a drink in hand.
Meeting every biking need
Everything that you could possibly need for mountain-biking is available in the rental and service centre at the valley lift station. You’ll also find there are service points with tools and spare parts throughout the region, so that your day’s enjoyment doesn’t come to an end just because of a breakdown. Various hotels in Flims now cater particularly to the needs of mountain-bikers and offer attractive packages.
