Switzerland
7) Lenzerheide
Near to Zurich in eastern Switzerland's canton of Grisons is Lenzerheide, a modest resort located at the end of the pretty lake Heidsee.
Hotels are built in the traditional Swiss style and the setting is stunning with lake, woodland and mountain views. Set in a high altitude valley of 1500 m the area is a real playground offering a wide range of mountain bike trails.
Nearest airport: Zurich
What does Lenzerheide have to offer?
| Cross Country |
Beginner, Intermediate & Advanced |
| Downhill | Intermediate |
| Freeride | Beginner |
| Cable Car |
- |
| Gondola | YES |
| Chairlift | YES |
| Connected to | Funicular |
Lenzerheide is a Cross Country rider's dream, but still offers some good trails for those who are a little ascent-shy. Every year they host the Bike Attack descent which rivals any of the spots in the Alps and which can be accessed from the mountain lifts. At its highest point the terrain is bare, rocky and barren and as you descent it becomes more and more lush with mountain pastures, deeper soils, forests and eventually you reach the shores of the lake which is the perfect way to cool after a hard ride. Lenzerheide is spot on for those who enjoy their environment as much as their riding.
With 250 km of signposted Cross Counrty bike tours and a further 900 km of GPS tours, the resort has plenty to fill a week or two of riding. Many of the tours are marked out on easier gentle routes that take in roads and doubletrack. But with each oner raded for both physicality and technique you can choose one to suit you. The tougher routes taking in some quality pieces of singletrack and great views.
For Downhill, head over to the Rothorn where you can race down the Bike Attack race track, which is like a mini mega avalanche. Starting up on the rocks and scree and winding down through into the forests, it drops some 1600 m over 18 km of descent. Many of the tours can be followed cutting out the climbs and riding only the descents by using the lifts. Not exactly race tracks and shuttle runs but more enjoyable trails, perfect for beginners and intermediates.
Despite a couple of small pieces built at the bottom of the run, Lenzerheide does not really offer anything for the freerider.
The west side of the Rothorn is a lot flatter than the east and is the ideal terrain for easier rides, (a popular side for families and beginners). The east side of the Rothorn is steep and has much more technical trails.
| Summer Lifts Open |
End of June until the end of October |
| Lift Opening Times | 09.30 - 16.30 (always check) |
| Lift Prices | A day pass 44 CHF // A season pass 190 CHF |
Directory:
Tourist Office: T+41 81 385 1120
Website: lenzerheide.com