Mountain biking takes centre stage as a pillar of sustainable, year-round tourism.

With three months to go until the 2025 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships, Crans-Montana is entering a pivotal summer season that will define its future as a leading Alpine destination for cycling. Building on its long-standing success in golf and skiing, the Valais resort is accelerating its strategy to position mountain biking as a core part of its identity and tourism offer.

Crans-Montana has launched a visionary roadmap that aims to make cycling a key part of the destination’s future.

Crans-Montana’s commitment to mountain biking is more than a seasonal initiative – it’s a long-term vision shared by the municipalities of Crans-Montana, Lens and Icogne. With exceptional sunshine, varied terrain stretching from valley floor to glacier, and a growing range of services, the destination sees cycling as a cornerstone for sustainable, four-season tourism.

The goal is clear: to create an environment where mountain biking thrives – offering options for beginners and experts alike, attracting all ages, and helping to diversify the region beyond its winter offering.

An Enhanced Experience For Summer 2025

Several new developments are launching this season to further elevate Crans-Montana’s biking offer:

• Plaine Morte Bike: An epic new trail starting from 3,000m at Plaine Morte, delivering panoramic views and a challenging descent, incorporating the dramatic Tièche waterfalls, already a hit during the Enduro World Series.
• Flowtrail Moubra to Sierre: Designed for a fluid ride experience and accessible almost year-round.
• New Arnouva Downhill: A gentle downhill trail perfect for beginners, running alongside the Olympic cross-country course.

The resort has added 49km of newly certified trails, replacing 22km of outdated routes. The total network now spans 139km, including 22 recommended loops and 8km of downhill terrain. A new masterplan is already in development to expand and certify even more trails in the years ahead.

Gravel: A Growing Trend

Alongside traditional mountain biking, Crans-Montana is embracing the fast-growing discipline of gravel cycling – offering a versatile mix of road and off-road riding. New gravel routes are being promoted by Suisse Mobile and Valais Wallis Promotion this year, with inclusive routes suitable for e-bikes, leisure riders, and experienced cyclists alike.

Gravel cycling offers flexibility, technical variety and accessibility, making it an ideal way to explore the region’s mixed-terrain routes—many of which are already part of an approved biking network.

Events as Catalysts

Hosting world-class sporting events is a proven strength for Crans-Montana, and the mountain bike programme is no exception. High-profile events help drive investment in infrastructure, engage local communities, and attract global attention from both the public and the cycling industry.

This summer, that spotlight shines brightest on the UCI Mountain Bike World Championships, taking place from 10 to 14 September 2025. Crans-Montana will host the elite Olympic cross-country discipline on a compact, forest-based course right next to the resort centre.

Following last year’s successful round of the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series, the 2025 course has been refined and expanded, including a new loop on the Lake Chermignon dam and standout sections like the Rock Garden, Timber Garden and Waterfall.

Tickets are now on sale, with “early bird” rates available until 30 June 2025.

A Legacy Beyond 2025

Crans-Montana’s ambitions go beyond hosting one event. The resort aims to secure long-term certification of the Olympic cross-country course, positioning itself to host future international competitions and becoming a magnet for the next generation of riders.

With sustainability and shared mountain use in mind, the development of biking infrastructure is being carried out in close cooperation with local stakeholders – ensuring harmony with hikers, nature lovers and other users of the mountain environment.

Jolanda Neff: A Champion For Crans-Montana

Swiss Olympic gold medallist Jolanda Neff returns as ambassador for Crans-Montana and Valais 2025, once again choosing the resort as her summer training base. With altitude, diverse terrain and great road access, Crans-Montana offers the perfect conditions for her preparation ahead of September’s World Championships.