SUR TUOT – Romansh for ‘above everything’. The name says it all, because the trail connection between Ischgl, Samnaun and Scuol never falls below 2,200 metres above sea level. It seems to float above the valleys, detached, almost ethereal. The vision for this trail was outlined in 2018 in the master plan for the Engiadina Bassa – Val Müstair – Samnaun bike region and has since been implemented by various players. This year, the local trail construction team ‘Trailuniun’, with the support of Vast Trails, tackled the challenging 8 km long centrepiece at ‘Fuorcla Davo Dieu’.
Authors: Xaver Frieser & Severin Schindler
Images: Xaver Frieser & Severin Schindler
A line always above 2,200 metres above sea level
A team of nine people spent a week focusing entirely on upgrading the trail between Fuorcla Champatsch via Fuorcla Davo Dieu to the Heidelberger Hut. The week was a success thanks to perfect weather conditions, and more was achieved than expected at the start. However, the work is not yet complete. A second operation, specifically for the Heidelberger Hut – Las Gondas section, is scheduled for 2026. But even now, the new connection can be glimpsed: a line high up in the mountains, raw, challenging and of a beauty that makes everything else seem small. Those who embark on it today will experience trail sections of rare quality, a succession of impressive landscapes flanked by pointed mountains that open up like a picture book, and a flow that is addictive. At the same time, the route forces you to shoulder your bike again and again: through the moors of Val Fenga or over the boulder fields north and south of Fuorcla Davo Dieu. These passages are not an afterthought, but part of the experience. They mark the boundary between pleasure and Imperitinence – and it is precisely there that the depth that adventure needs arises.
Challenging and logistically absurd
The restoration of this trail connection is a chapter unto itself: extensive, logistically absurd, almost surreal in places. It takes grit, patience, commitment and passion. But that’s exactly what makes it so appealing. This week, the team lived as if on an expedition: 30,000 steps per day, up to two hours of walking time until the pickaxe hit the ground, falling into bed at 9:15 p.m. and back at the breakfast table at six in the morning. In between, they moved tons of dirt and stones and pushed their bodies to the limit. Tired, yes – but with broad smiles and a great sense of fulfilment. To save time, a bivouac was set up below Fuorcla Davo Dieu on the first night. For the remaining three nights, they were able to count on the generous hospitality of Loisl, the host of the Heidelberger Hut.
Behind God
The roof of the core section is called DAVO DIEU – meaning ‘behind God’ in Romansh – a high alpine pass at 2,807 metres above sea level. DAVO DIEU is a name from ancient times, when people in Scuol could not imagine that there was more to the world beyond this mountain pass. Today, a new horizon is opening up there for mountain biking: possibilities between Ischgl, Samnaun and Scuol that were previously unimaginable. For ambitious Alpine crossers, there is the option of choosing the more adventurous route to Scuol instead of via Fimberpass – Val Sinestra – Ramosch – Val d’Uina. At the end of the SUR TUOT axis, the well-developed trail network of Scuol opens up. As an alternative to Val d’Unia, Val Müstair can then be reached via Val da S-charl, where, as is well known, further excellent trail gems await. In combination with the Fimber Pass, the connection also offers a circular tour in the opposite direction from Scuol.
28 kilometres of high alpine terrain
SUR TUOT, and DAVO DIEU in particular, is not a route for everyone. It is a promise to those who are willing to give more and receive even more in return. A 28-kilometre line through high alpine terrain, meandering between 2,200 and 2,800 metres, leading over four passes, raw and powerful, pure and legendary in the making. Starting from Samnaun or Ischgl at the Ausser Viderjoch, there are 1600 metres of ascent and 2000 metres of descent to the junction with the Scuol trail network. From there, there are at least another 1000 metres of descent to enjoy on the trail down to the valley. However, this connection is questionable for e-mountainbikers, as the necessary carrying could become a torture. The spectrum between pleasure and impertinence, as well as its perception, is known to be very wide. The individual classification of this trail connection is therefore left to each person. Have fun on SUR TUOT!
Trailuniun at the start of construction on the south side, from left to right: Jacky, Ewald, Florian, Severin, Martina, Mario, Simon und Raffi (Photo: Xaver Frieser)
