Electric Haute Route

This is primarily technical, downhill riding style of trip. We use a variety of lifts, trains and shuttles to access trails, and the downhills are long and sustained.

Rides are mostly over 2,000m and sometimes start as high as 3,000m. The singletrack trails are old hiking paths and are linked by sections of gravel roads, doubletrack and accessed by lifts, shuttle and climbing. Trail surfaces feature fixed rocks and rock gardens, with some dirt at lower elevations, switchbacks and steep sections. Expect some exposure at times, hike-a-bike sections and mostly open alpine riding with some forested sections in lower valleys.

17-43km, 4-6 hours

On night 4 of the trip, we will be staying in an alpine hotel, without your luggage. You will need to carry what you need in your riding day pack (20L suggested). The hotel provides slippers and towels.

Always ride well within your limits and ride conservatively. There is no shame in walking your bike on a section that makes you uncomfortable, and walking your bike is mandatory in sections where there is exposure.

We spend three 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 a small bar and fantastic Swiss hospitality. One night is in a historic hotel at 2337m, where you will carry what you need in your daypack. In Zermatt we’re at a great little hotel for three nights that’s located steps from the center of town.

All breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 3 dinners.

Swiss cuisine blends hearty Alpine flavors with European influences, featuring rich cheeses like fondue and raclette, crispy Rösti potatoes, and savory meats such as Zürcher Geschnetzeltes. Freshly baked Zopf bread, artisanal sausages, and creamy Älplermagronen add to its comforting appeal. Swiss chocolate, renowned worldwide, offers a sweet finish. Rooted in quality ingredients and traditional techniques, Swiss food is warm, satisfying, and perfect for the country’s mountainous climate.

The hotel for the first three days of the trip offers a laundry service.

It is imperative when signing up for one of our trips that you are confident that your riding ability matches the required riding ability for the trip, regardless if it’s an eMTB or MTB trip. If you have the required ability level for the trip but little (or no) experience on an eMTB this is fine, our guides will give you tips to help you learn to ride these assist-bikes. They are intuitive and you will be a pro within a few days. Read more about the benefits of eMTBs in one of our Trail Tales.

eMTB’s generally come in two battery sizes, sub-400 Wh and 750 Wh (or above). On our trips we utilise the bigger battery bikes which allow riders to easily ride four to six hours in higher-assist modes. Riders will carry their chargers daily, if needed we will charge batteries over lunch to further ensure that riders do not run out of juice. Note that the bigger battery bikes have greater torque and make the bikes heavier.

As it is with any bike on any ride, a personal bike or rental bike, a short ride or long ride – mechanical issues can, and will, occur. As it has been for 20+ years of running our trips we are aware of this possibility and prepared to deal with issues if needed. We help riders to avoid mechanicals by performing bike checks and with general bike care. Note that mechanicals and breakdowns are at your cost (including potential itinerary interruptions or changes), on rental eMTB’s or personal MTB’s.

We source the best rental bikes available in each region through our partner bike shops. We ensure that rental bikes are inspected, well-maintained and have appropriate tires, brakes and extra parts. We know that quality bikes and components are paramount to a good experience. Note that a rental bike will never be as comfortable as one’s personal bike, riders must expect some adjustment and compromise when riding the rental bikes. For some destinations, there is the option to upgrade to a high-performance eMTB.

Upon registration for your trip you will be asked to input your height, weight (for suspension set up) and preferred frame size. We will then communicate the bike brand, model and specs to you. Flat pedals are included on bikes, if you ride clip pedals, you are required to bring your own pedals. Bikes also include a set of brake pads, tire levers, a multi-tool and tubes. It is suggested to bring your own pump and specific tools. It is also suggested to bring your own saddle for added comfort and related riding gear: helmet, globes, knee pads, eye protection, hydration bag, etc.

In the majority of countries that we run our trips protection insurance is not available. If it is available we will communicate this to you. Riders are 100% responsible for all damages to rental bikes – you must inspect your bike for existing damages (take photos) before the first ride. If damages occur while riding the rental bike we will communicate the details and cost to you upon completion of the trip. Once agreed upon your credit card on file will be used to cover cost of damages from the bike shop where bike was rented from.

eMTBs have four or five assist modes (from eco to turbo). On most days, we ride in the middle level to ensure that we are conserving battery. As on any bike, eMTBs perform best when pedalling at a consistent and relatively fast cadence (70-90 RPMs). They are heavier than regular bikes, which takes some adjustment, as the weight is often low on the bike, which adds stability in loose rocks and increased speeds. Riders must look further ahead when riding e-bikes and change gears well in advance (while light pedalling). With the pedal-assist, there is added stress on the drivetrain, and it is suggested to lower saddle height slightly and move weight forward more than usual on steeper climbing sections. For more information, check out one of our Trail Tales. 

With the exception of a few trips (Treasure Islands and Mediterranean Dreams) we try to avoid mixing e-bikes and acoustic mountain bikes on our trips. However, on private departures, we are able to host a mixed group to help groups ride together. Our policy with mixed groups is that the pace of the ride follows acoustic riders, and e-bikers will have a “cruisier” experience and must be patient and expect to wait at times.

In big mountains, weather can change quickly and drastically – it could be 30 degrees Celsius one day and then freezing on a mountaintop the next day. Even though the Valais is considered to be the ‘California of Switzerland’ and receives lots of sun, it can rain and even snow. Generally, though the weather during the summer in the Valais is hot and sunny.

Gratuities for all restaurants, hotels, local guides and transportation are paid by Big Mountain. Gratuities for your Big Mountain guides may be given at your discretion in response to their professionalism and leadership throughout the week. We suggest 5-10% of the trip price per individual guest to be divided among your guiding team as a tipping standard.