Mountain bike tours

Giw Enduro

Abfahrt von Giw nach Visp mit dem Mountainbike

Visperterminen

Featuring a varied descent spanning roughly 1,200 altitude metres, the tour from Giw to Visp is a real enduro highlight of the Valais Alps.

Difficulty

Difficult

Length

12.49 km

Duration

3:45 h

Description

The Giw mountain station is easily accessible via chairlift from Visperterminen. Before heading off, bikers can stop by the terrace of the mountain restaurant to treat themselves to a coffee and enjoy the view of the Weisshorn, the Mischabel range, and the imposing Bietschhorn.

Afterwards, the trail fun begins in earnest: a clear and wide trail with multiple descents awaits bikers on the first downhill section from Giw to Muttji. The route then levels out on its way to Hüoterhüsi, before passing through the picturesque hamlet of Ara on its way to Hotee. It then crosses an area of burnt forest that was the victim of a fire in 2011, a real highlight for enduro enthusiasts. As the route is on exposed terrain in places, the pace needs to be adapted to individual technical ability. The trail has been partially rebuilt and blends in perfectly with the forest. The tour ends in Visp, where the charming old town whose numerous restaurants with garden terraces give it an Italian vibe, is well worth a visit.

Our favorites

Our favorite itineraries are part of a selection of the best routes in the region and are proposed by Valais/Wallis Promotion to best meet the expectations of our guests.

Turn-by-turn directions

From Visperterminen, take the chairlift to Giw and start your descent to the north-west on a wide, groomed trail. After two changes of direction, you will get to a flat section through the forest on an untarred road, which passes Muttji and continues to the Bodma alpine pasture, then on to the parking area near Hüoterhüsi. The trail then heads west along the ridge, winding through the idyllic hamlet of Ara, before joining the forest road to Hotee. The "Phönix aus der Asche" singletrack starts at the main square in Hotee. It crosses exposed terrain in places and follows the southern side of the Rhône Valley, initially heading east, before emerging south-east of Visp on Terbinerstrasse. The return to Visp leads along Terbinerstrasse until the end of the valley. From here, keep left and take the Bahnhofsstrasse to Visp station.

Start

Giw (648m)

Destination

Visp (1962m)

Author's recommendation

The terrace of Giw mountain restaurant offers a breathtaking view of the Bietschhorn.

Technical information

Altitude

1962m

648m

Ascent

+1326m

Descent

-1318m

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Best time of the year

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

Tags

  • Linear route
  • Singletrail/Free ride
  • Scenic
  • Geological highlights
  • Fauna
  • Insider tip
  • Refreshment stops available
  • Cultural/historical interest
  • Flora
  • Cableway ascent/descent
Getting there
Information

Public transport

You can travel to our region comfortably and sustainably by public transport. Regular rail services to Visp from across Switzerland. Continue by PostBus to Visperterminen and take the chairlift to Giw.

Approach

Ideally go to Visp.

Parking

Parking spaces available directly at Visp railway station.

Equipment

We recommend: a bike in excellent working order, a helmet, gloves and a bell, clothing suitable for the weather (always carry a waterproof), food and drink.

Safety information

The mountains are a place of pleasure to be shared and respected, offering space in which to meet up and share unforgettable moments, whether by bike or on foot. For all outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy them properly, it is essential that mountains are shared in a way that respects both Nature and agriculture. Respectful behaviour enables everyone to enjoy their hobby in the best possible conditions. Find out about the recommendations and rules in place.

When planning, take into account participants’ fitness level and ability. All riding is at one’s own risk.

Best practice guidelines

Additional information

More information:

View this tour on SwitzerlandMobility: 

Literature

The tourist office in Visperterminen has a range of brochures and other informative material about mountain biking in the region.

Maps

SwissTopo Maps 1:25'000: 1288 Raron und 1289 Brig

https://schweizmobil.ch/en/mountainbiking-in-switzerland/route-548

 

Source

This activity is brought to you by Valais/Wallis Promotion

The Swisspeak Resort in Vercorin in a winter setting

Your accommodation in Valais