Mountain bike tours

Stoneman Glaciara

Aussicht auf den Aletschgletscher

Ernen

127 kilometers and 4,700 spectacular meters of elevation gain among glaciers, countless 4,000-meter peaks and the enchanting mysticism of centuries-old mountain villages – this is the Stoneman Glaciara, Roland Stauder’s exclusive mountain bike experience in Switzerland.

Difficulty

Difficult

Length

129.7 km

Duration

23:00 h

Description

The forest road near the Heiligkreuz power station is closed due to roadworks. From Grengiols, we recommend that you continue towards Ernen along the Römerweg towards the hamlet of ‘Hockmatta’, then cross the ‘Römerbrücke’ (Roman bridge).

The Stoneman route leads through three balanced stages, up into the Aletsch region and back to Mörel. With almost 1,600 meters of elevation gain, the most challenging ascent follows: an old military road leads steeply up to Breithorn pass at an altitude of 2,451 m. Next comes the descent into the Binntal valley. From then on, it follows the Rhone river towards Obergoms – through ancient, mystical villages, past monuments steeped in history and by inviting cafes. Stoneman Glaciara is calling. Calling on adventurous mountain bikers ready for a very special challenge in the midst of spectacular scenery.

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

Moosfluh - Breithorn 

The long descent from Moosfluh past Riederalp and Greich to Mörel requires your highest concentration. In some places, short technical passages have to be traversed. In the valley basin, the route changes to the shadow-side of the Rhone, leading below Bister towards Grengiols over mostly flat terrain. The steep slope of Grengiols always raises the pulse a few notches. A mostly flat asphalt section then leads to Breithorn. And here it begins – the Stoneman Glaciara’s Alpe d’Huez. After a seemingly endless steep climb (1,450 meters of elevation gain and 14 cutbacks) up a WWII-era military road, the route reaches the Breithorn Pass, the roof of the Stoneman Glaciara (2,451 meters above sea level).

Breithorn - Binn 

From here, the route takes a long descent (12 kilometers) through fields and gravel roads to Heiligkreuz – once a popular pilgrimage site. The Stoneman Glaciara continues in Binntal Landschaftspark. Over a short intermediate ascent, it approaches the village of Binn, the starting point to the village of “Im Feld” and Binntal. The original mountain villages with their old houses of dark larch wood served as lodging for the “Strahlers” (shining men) as they uncovered rare minerals. 

Binn - Reckingen 

The first part of the stage runs downhill on an asphalt road. The route branches off to the left to bypass a tunnel. It crosses the beautiful, narrow Twingi gorge on a fortified path. The abyss of the Binna creek lying about 200 meters below comes in and out of view. This is followed by a short, asphalted section before the Stoneman Glaciara, running above Ausserbinn, continues along a beautiful path towards Ernen. Ernen – once the ecclesiastical and cultural center of Goms – is the bearer of the Wakker Prize for its particularly well-preserved historical village center. The route now more or less follows the course of the Rhone – upstream through Mühlebach (village center with the oldest wooden houses in Switzerland) – Steinhaus – Bodmen near Blitzingen to Reckingen. 

Reckingen - Bellwald

In Reckingen, the Stoneman Glaciara switches again to the sunny side of high valley. It passes many mountain villages (Gluringen, Ritzingen, Biel, Selkingen, Blitzingen) that characterize the local cultural heritage with their traditional, ancient larch houses and dense village centers. Asphalt roads lead to Niederwald. Cäsar Ritz – king of hoteliers and hotelier of kings – grew up in Niederwald. The mountain village has been preserved in its original state and unique aura. The route leaves the village with a tough ascent up to Bellwald (300 meters of elevation gain) through a fir and larch forest.

Bellwald - Märjela 

Starting from Bellwald, the sun terrace of Goms with its charming, old village center, the Stoneman Glaciara runs more or less flat, switching between road, unpaved path and trail through the villages of Ried, Eggen and down to Bodmen. Next follows a local favorite trail along a glacial moraine. A wide path, interspersed with many roots, leads through a beautiful forest. It soon turns right towards Fieschertal. After a flat section though the villages of Fiesch and Lax, the first challenging ascent leads up about 1,200 meters to Fiescheralp. At the top, the route passes the cable car station and heads North towards Märjela, mostly flat at first, then briefly sloping to a tunnel entrance. This adventurous mountain route (about 1 kilometer long, cool and sparsely lit) ends directly at checkpoint Märjela.

Märjela - Moosfluh 

Marjela, a truly mystical place! Along the Gratzug, where a glacial lake formed long ago, legend has it that enchanted souls came out of the ice at night. Even today, the Large Aletsch Glacier radiates a magical allure. The short walk to this spectacular view is a must. The view of hundreds of meters of ice and gaping glacial fissures commands wonder. The Aletschhorn rises high above the scene. The route begins on narrow paths along the eastern face of the Eggishorn and runs down to Fiescheralp. Careful! After a flat approach, a demanding passage follows, part of which has to be walked. Onward through an alpine landscape, following signs for Bettmeralp and Riederalp. These trails make every mountain biker’s heart beat faster. The Stoneman Glaciara leads up a last steep climb to the Blausee and on to Moosfluh, once again rewarding the effort with a unique view of the Large Aletsch Glacier.

Start

Different starting points (1232m)

Destination

Different points of arrival (1232m)

Author's recommendation

The tour can be finished in two to four daily stages. Accommodation is available at the villages along the tour.

Technical information

Altitude

2455m

757m

Ascent

+4700m

Descent

-4853m

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Best time of the year

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

Tags

  • Singletrail/Free ride
  • Multi-stage route
  • Scenic
  • Geological highlights
  • Fauna
  • Insider tip
  • Round trip
  • Refreshment stops available
  • Cultural/historical interest
  • Flora
Getting there
Information

Public transport

CFF train to Brig via the Lötschberg (from Bern) or Sion (from Lausanne). Then take the regional trains (and cable car) to your departure. 

Approach

From Sierre follow route 9 until Brig. Then take route 19 (direction Furka Pass) to your departure destination. The villages around the Aletsch Glacier (Aletsch Arena) are car free, access by cable car only. 

Parking

Follow the local car park routeing at the chosen destination for departure. 

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.

Preparing for mountain bike outings

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: 

Information about the destinations:  

Literature

The tourist offices in the region have a range of brochures and other informative material about mountain biking in the region.

Maps

Landeskarten 1:25'000 SwissTopo: 1269 Aletschgletscher

Source

This activity is brought to you by Valais/Wallis Promotion

View of the Cervo hotel with the Matterhorn in the background, Zermatt. Valais, Switzerland.

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