There was an error with your log in

Verbier to Zermatt Bike Tour: MTB in the Swiss Alps

The Swiss Alps boast some of the greatest networks of trails on Earth, and they’re a magnet for serious mountain bikers worldwide. We’ve been here since 2003 and we haven’t been able to stop exploring it since, meaning that we know it like the back of our hands. That’s why we created this 8-day Verbier to Zermatt bike tour, an adrenaline-pumping journey that will take you and your MTB skills to new heights. It’s no wonder the Swiss Alps are so beloved—unparalleled views of colossal mountains and lush valleys, charming mountain huts, and unique towns and villages with spectacular backdrops, it’s all part of the journey. An all-inclusive bike adventure is just a few clicks away!

Adventure highlights

  • Eat-sleep-bike is our motto

    An all-inclusive adventure—all transfers, guiding, accommodation, luggage transfers, and almost all meals included

  • Terrific views of Matterhorn

    The iconic Matterhorn will be our backdrop for a couple of days of riding

  • Single trail descents of +2,000 m

    We’ll cruise down some of the most spectacular descents in the world—2,000 m in one ride!

Itinerary

A spectacular week of riding single trail highlights in the Swiss Alps awaits! Starting in Verbier at our bike chalet, we’ll move towards Zermatt, ride through the Rhone Valley and its vineyards, through the awe-inspiring Leukerbad, and finally reach Zermatt. We’ll work hard to get to some hidden gems, though we’ll also use a variety of cable cars, funiculars, railways, and lifts. One night will be spent in a mountain hut to get a true experience of mountain life, the rest will be spent in hotels and our chalet. This all-inclusive adventure is all about being in the moment instead of focusing on the logistics, and taking in the very best that the Swiss Alps have to offer!

  • Make your way to the famous resort of Verbier in the Swiss Alps. If you land at Geneva Airport, you can board a 2-hour train that takes you on a scenic ride to Le Chable train station. This is where we’ll all meet up and we’ll take you to our bike chalet. We’ll stay here for the next three nights, so make yourself at home!

    Meals: Dinner
    Accommodation: Chalet

    The Bike Chalet accomodation
  • Today we will be exploring trails around Verbier and getting adjusted to the Alpine riding terrain. Fun trails, great views! We will do at least one solid climb today to get the legs going. This will be rewarded with the possibility to sample some local cheese and, of course, enjoy fantastic views.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
    Distance: 40 km / 25 miles
    Elevation gain: +800 m / +2,625 ft
    Accommodation: Chalet

    Mountain bikers going downhill around Verbier
  • We’ll shuttle up in the morning and start our ride at 1,700 meters (5,580 ft)! After passing a local cheese farm high up on the mountain, we’ll enjoy a beautiful single trail traverse above the tree line and then tackle a tough climb to the mountain hut at 2,500 meters (8,200 ft) for lunch. A rewarding descent into the valley of Grand St Bernard and a fantastic ride along an ancient irrigation channel will bring us to the historic Sembrancher area. Another option is doing one final climb over another pass to finish with a descent to the chalet.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
    Distance: 55 km / 34 miles
    Elevation gain: +1,050 m / +3,445 ft
    Accommodation: Chalet

    Massive mountains and mountain biking in the Alps
  • Today we will leave the chalet for a 4-day ride and stay in hotels and mountain huts along the way. From Verbier, we’ll start with a fun ride down along singletracks and follow an ancient irrigation channel Bisse de Saxon. This is a pretty challenging ride and involves a few mandatory walking sections for safety. Halfway through the day, we’ll get to use a chairlift that takes us even higher above the Rhone valley, which is when we get to see a glimpse of the famous Matterhorn before riding all the way down to the Rhone valley floor. Riding through vineyards, we’ll reach the funicular train from Sierre to Montana. We’ll finish the day with a climb of 390 m (1,280 ft) and 5.5 km (3.4 miles) to the mountain cabin, where we will spend the night. Transport is also an option for those with tired legs.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
    Distance: 61 km / 38 miles
    Elevation gain: +1,470 m / +4,820 ft | -2,800 m / -9,185 ft
    Accommodation: Mountain hut

    Swiss Alps mountain biking
  • After waking up high up in the mountains and having some breakfast, we’ll start the day with a climb into a beautiful high valley. A spectacular descent through pine forest will lead us to the entrance of the Leukerbad valley. We have to earn the cable car ride, though, as there’s 670 m (2,200 ft) of elevation to tackle to reach it. From the top of the cable car, there’s a spectacular view of the Leukerbad valley. We will be riding on a high traverse with panoramic views of all the highest peaks of the Swiss Alps. The final ride to Leuk will be rewarded with a beer in the garden of our hotel that’s overlooking vineyards.

    Meals: Breakfast and lunch
    Distance: 41 km / 25.5 miles
    Elevation gain: +1,050 m / +3,445 ft | -3,000 m / -9,850 ft
    Accommodation: Hotel in Leuk

    Vineyards of Leuk in Switzerland
  • This morning we will be driven up to Zermatt, meaning the parking lot, as Zermatt itself is car-free. We will ride up a single trail into town and use the Gornergrat railway to get us to the spectacular views over the glaciers. After our descent from Gornergrat, we will ride all around Zermatt Valley via Zmutt glacier and enjoy a fantastic single trail all the way back to the hotel in the center of town.

    Meals: Breakfast and lunch
    Distance: 34.5 km / 21.5 miles
    Elevation gain: +1,050 m / +3,445 ft | -2,355 m / -7,730 ft
    Accommodation: Hotel in Zermatt

    Group of riders with a view of the Matterhorn
  • We can start the day with an optional helicopter lift to Unterrothorn to ride down to a Zermatt classic trail, the Europaweg. If not that, we’ll take the lift up and have to climb to reach the trail. What a trail to start your last day of riding with! Spectacular views, challenging rock sections, and flowy stretches lead us to Tascheralp for coffee. After a long descent, we’ll follow the river all the way back down to Visp. Time permitting, there is an option to take a local transport lift to add even more meters of descending to this trip. From Visp, we will have transport ready to take us back to the hotel in Leuk.

    Meals: Breakfast and lunch
    Distance: 58 km / 36 miles
    Elevation gain: +800 m / +2,625 ft | -3,525 m / -11,565 ft
    Accommodation: Hotel in Leuk

    View of the Matterhorn while mountain biking
  • Following our final breakfast, pack up and say goodbye to the mountains! We’ll take you to the train station for your ride back to the airport (or we’ll take you to the airport for an additional fee). If you’d like to stay longer in the area, just ask us for some recommendations!

    Meals: Breakfast

    Support vehicle in the Swiss Alps
Adventure brochure
Download for sharing and offline access to full adventure itineraries, important information, FAQs, guides info and more.
Brochure sent, check your inbox
If you have questions or need help with planning a trip, schedule a call with one of our adventure experts.

Meet your guides

Jess
5.00
Jess
Swiss qualified MTB guide
Jess spends as much time on the bike as possible, with friends, guiding or coaching. She also loves welcoming and hosting guests and managing MTB Verbier. Jess enjoys riding on sunny days, sitting with others around the campfire, and sharing life stories and bike adventures. Her favorite trail is Col de Mille.
Erik
5.00
Erik
Swiss Advanced, level 2, qualified MTB guide
Swiss Advanced, level 2, qualified MTB guide
Erik is the heart and motor of MTB Verbier! He started this ultimate adventure in 2003 when he moved from the Netherlands to the Swiss Alps. Erik is happiest when he is on the bike—like a local mountain goat, he moves with confidence, skill, and fun over the mountains. He loves big mountain adventures and enjoying the local nature and culture. Erik's favorite trail is Fenetre de Durand.
Niels
5.00
Niels
Qualified MTB/Road/Gravel guide
Niels has a varied background in guiding and racing in all disciplines. He has a lot of experience in guiding in the Austrian and Swiss Alps. In the summer, he spends as much time riding his bike and guiding guests on the best trails in the area. Doing about 400,000 descending meters in a bike season, you would almost forget he also does a fair bit of climbs and tours around the Mont Blanc.
Mark
5.00
Mark
Qualified MTB Guide
Mark spends as much time in the mountains as his job in the Netherlands lets him. He is the guide that has worked with Jess and Erik for the longest period. He will ride every free minute, and even after a day of guiding he still has the energy to ride the steepest trail in the area, which ends right at his doorstep. Erik takes fantastic bike pics and loves socializing with the guests.
MTB Verbier
5.00
MTB Verbier
Having started their guiding journey almost 20 years ago, the team at MTB Verbier connects mountain biking enthusiasts from all over the world and provides them with the best experiences of the Swiss Alps, combined with all-inclusive stays in their one-of-a-kind mountain chalet. 

Accommodation

5.00 (6 reviews)
Matthew Holland

Guide was amazing at managing different fitness levels and abilities which can be tricky. Always tried to create the best experience adjusting for weather and any other variables

Kathya Rojas (source: Google Reviews)

Paradise for mtb. Very professional riders, excellent food, and you feel the love and passion the owners and the staff have for their clients and mtb. Beautiful place, it is a must visit!. Erick and Jess are very attentive, friendly and you feel this positive energy as soon as you get into their place.

Gary Welsh (source: Google Reviews)

Erik and Jess run an absolutely amazing place. It’s a perfect chalet in a wonderful setting with nothing less than remarkable food prepared by a charming and highly talented man named Lee. Erik, Jes and Ben are the best guides I’ve ever been with, whether it be on foot or on a bicycle. They go to enormous effort to make sure you have an astonishing mountain biking experience everyday you are their guest. I’ve been to a number of great bike hotels and MTB Verbier is at the very top of the list. I couldn’t have had a better time with the most fun, warm, welcoming and hyper-competent hosts/guides I’ve ever met.

Lars (source: Google Reviews)

Had a great holiday! Everything has been thought of. All meals are delicious, great guides who communicate clearly about planning, etc. and a beautiful and, above all, clean stay that is fully equipped. I can recommend it to every mountain biker, regardless of your level.

Robert Rujigrok (source: Google Reviews)

Great stay; accommodation, guide, food and overall care absolutely magnificent!

Peter (source: Guide’s website)

Last week allowed to enjoy the beautiful trails around Verbier for the 2nd time. Eric and Jess are super hosts. Together with Ben the guide, we have driven beautiful routes. My highlight was the helibike from Zermatt, what an experience that was!

Things to know

  • What you get on this adventure:

      • An experienced, local MTB guide with extensive knowledge of the area
      • 8-day Verbier to Zermatt bike tour (6 days of biking)
      • Accommodation for 7 nights (3 nights in guide’s bike chalet, 3 nights in quality hotels and 1 night in a mountain hut)
      • Almost all meals (as indicated in the itinerary)
        • Breakfasts
        • Daily lunch packs
        • Snacks on arrival at the hotel
        • Dinner on 4 nights
      • All lifts and transport as described in the itinerary
      • Luggage transport and technical assistance
      • Souvenir T-Shirt

    What’s not included:

      • Transportation to Switzerland
      • Dinners for 3 nights
      • Bike rental — available to add upon booking (specialized Stumpjumper / Enduro)
      • Airport transfers — let us know if you’re interested
      • Any extra lift passes
      • Single room supplement — available to add upon booking
      • Heli ride on Day 7 — available to add
      • Personal expenses
      • Guide gratuities — optional
      • Medical / accident insurance — obligatory
      • Travel insurance — optional
  • All participants joining this Verbier to Zermatt bike tour need to be experienced mountain bikers with excellent fitness. You’ll cover 34.5-61 km (21.5-38 miles) daily, between 800 to 1,470 m (2,625-4,820 ft) of elevation gain. Day-by-day distance and elevation breakdown can be found in the itinerary.

    In general, this tour is for those who love technical trails and have experience in the alpine terrain. You have to be in full control of all kinds of singletracks, dry and wet, up and down. Technically steep terrain with stone drops, rough roots, and tight turns don’t hold you back. You can ride small drops (<30 cm) and occasionally try a little jump. You have to be comfortable to ride with exposure and you know when to walk if riding is too difficult or dangerous.

    This bike tour is perfect for you if you ride red and black MTB runs in bike parks. Overall, you have to be able to ride for 6 days in a row, tackle up to 1,470 m (4,280 ft) of elevation gain in a day, and cover daily distances from the itinerary.

  • If you’ve never tried mountain biking before and aren’t confident of the skills above under the “How fit do I need to be” question, then this tour isn’t for you. This Verbier to Zermatt bike tour is ideal for very experienced riders.

  • Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:

      • Comfortable riding or athletic clothing, preferably moisture wicking or synthetic material
      • Duffel bag or suitcase for all of your items (daily luggage transfer included)
      • Mountain bike (rental available for an additional fee)
      • Daypack large enough to carry all the items you might need during one day
      • Sneakers or sport shoes
      • Breathable outside layer or jacket
      • Sunglasses
      • Water bottle or hydration bladder
      • Leisure clothing for your free time
      • Biking gloves — optional but recommended
      • Regular mountain bike helmet
      • Flexible knee and elbow pads — optional
      • Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)

    Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

  • For this Verbier to Zermatt bike tour, your bike will need to be in top condition. A full suspension bike with 130 / 150 mm travel is required as well as gears suitable for steeps. It’s best to have the lightest gear you can find. On 2×11 set ups go for a 22 or 24 in front and a 42 on the rear cassette. When riding 1×11 or 1×12, a 28 or 30 set up in front (standard will be a 32 or 34 in front on most set ups) is recommended. You’ll definitely need those. When in doubt—the lighter, the better.

    For tires, it’s recommended that you have a wider tire of a minimum of 2.3 with an all-round thread. Lightweight and narrow XC tires are not suitable. A dropper seat post is highly recommended or an easy way to lower your seat manually.

    If you’d like to skip the hassle of bringing your own bike, you can rent one with your guides upon booking—and they’ll set you up with a specialized Stumpjumper/Enduro bike!

  • Your guides pay special attention to food on this tour! Almost all meals are included (apart from three dinners). Breakfast and dinners will be enjoyed at the hotel each day and you’ll get a packed lunch to take with you every day. You’ll also have time to enjoy a cold drink or some snacks along the way.

    Your guides will do their best to accommodate special dietary requirements, but please let us know what you need upon booking. Your guides promote vegetarian diets from a sustainability point of view and they’ll serve vegetarian meals for 2 dinners.

    It’s recommended that everyone brings their own energy bars and powders, as you know best what you might need. This goes especially for people with certain allergies or intolerance.

  • Group sizes and pricing

      • For this Verbier to Zermatt bike tour, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 7:1. That’s also the maximum group size.
      • Private tours for any date are possible to arrange with at least 7 clients.

    Verbier to Zermatt bike tours can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

    Min. age requirements

      • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
      • Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the Verbier to Zermatt bike tour on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

    If your group has bikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

  • The starting point of your Verbier to Zermatt bike tour is Verbier. To get there, most people fly into Geneva Airport (GVA), which is 2 hours away. From there, you can take a train ride to Verbier. The train ride is incredibly scenic, it goes along the shore of Lake Geneva via Martigny to Le Chable train station. A bike in a box or a bag goes with you for free.

    Your guides will welcome you at the Le Chable train station and take you to their bike chalet, which is where you’ll stay for the next 3 nights.

    There’s also the option of your guides picking you up from Geneva Airport (and dropping you off at the end of the trip). Let us know if you’re interested upon booking.

  • Emergency medical insurance is mandatory. Travel and bike insurance are highly recommended.

    With medical insurance, if you have an accident or medical emergency on or off the mountain, you’ll avoid paying out of pocket for costly expenses. This covers everything from hospital treatments to emergency air transportation and more. Travel insurance covers canceled flights, natural disasters and other scenarios that may interrupt your travel plans.

    We also expect you to respect local regulations and take measures to protect yourselves, your guides, and the communities you’re traveling to. If you need assistance selecting the right insurance for your group, let us know and we will be happy to help!

  • Secure your early bird spot with a 10% deposit! This tour gets sold out very quickly, but with early-bird booking, you’ll be the first one to know. Pick the month that suits you best and we’ll let you know once the dates are live—don’t risk missing out on your bucket list adventure!

      • Only 10% of the total amount should be paid as a deposit upon booking. This deposit is non-refundable, but can be transferred to another 57hours adventure anytime in case the dates don’t suit you.
      • Once the set dates for the following season are live, you can confirm your booking by the end of this year by paying another 20% of the total amount.
      • The final balance is due 3 months (90 days) prior to departure.
      • Once the trip has been confirmed, the regular cancellation policy applies.

    To secure your spot, a deposit in the amount of 30% is required at the time of booking. The remaining amount must be paid 90 calendar days prior to the trip departure. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies. If you cancel the booking…

      • If Client cancels the Booking anytime prior to one hundred twenty (120) calendar days in advance of the trip contemplated by the booking, Client is entitled to a full refund.
      • For cancellations ninety (90) to one hundred nineteen (119) calendar days in advance, Client is entitled to a refund in the amount of fifty percent (50%) of the total amount paid when Booking.
      • For cancellations seventy-five (75) to eighty nine (89) calendar days in advance, Client is entitled to a refund in the amount of twenty-five percent (25%) of the total amount paid when Booking.
      • After that deadline, Client is not entitled to any refund. Any reimbursable expenses arising out of the Booking incurred by Guide prior to the date of cancellation (including but not limited to plane tickets, car rental payments, and lodging or transportation fees) are non-refundable as soon as they are incurred by the Guide.

    Please note that booking fees are non-refundable in all cases and will be deducted from the refund amount.

  • 57hours partners with Redpoint Travel Protection, offering you a fully integrated program with a single point of contact for all your needs, from emergency services to travel assistance and protection claims. We highly recommend purchasing a comprehensive protection policy from Redpoint, which will protect you both before and during your travels. Before your departure, your investment is protected by the trip cancellation benefit. Once you depart, your policy provides coverage for trip interruption, medical assistance and rescue, baggage loss, trip delay, and more. Once you complete booking with 57hours, we'll create bespoke quote for you (and your group), making sure you're fully protected for the adventure ahead.
Have more questions? Read our FAQ, or Talk with us
From $2,820 ()
Saved to bucket list
Removed from bucket list

Choose a currency

  • USD - $
    US Dollar
  • EUR - €
    Euro
  • AUD - AU$
    Australian Dollar
  • CAD - CA$
    Canadian Dollar
  • GBP - £
    British Pound Sterling
  • CHF - CHF
    Swiss Franc
  • JPY - ¥
    Japanese Yen
  • SGD - S$
    Singapore Dollar
  • HKD - HK$
    Hong Kong Dollar
  • DKK - Dkr
    Danish Krone
  • NOK - Nkr
    Norwegian Krone
  • SEK - Skr
    Swedish Krona