The Aletsch Region has a dense and attractive network of hiking trails with countless single trail gems. To ensure that this remains the case despite increasing use, Vast was assinged in spring 2021 to analyze and define maintenance and renovation measures for the already defined mountain bike route network. By the end of 2024, around 30 different sections of trails will be renovated and optimized on the basis of measure sheets that we have worked out..
#trailnetwork #trailstrailstrails #analysis #concept #visitormanagement
Rock Canyon mit stone armouring
Uphill trail
Construction of a drainage
Construction of a drainage
Armouring with stone - trail was 30cm deeper before
Small changes in the line of the trail
What a view on Moosfluh
wider than the tyres, smaller than the handlebar - the perfect width of a single trail
Rolling contour drainages are effective and fun to ride
Speed management through adding more change of direction
Enlargement of the trail by building a stone wall
Rock Canyon mit stone armouring
Construction of a drainage
Construction of a drainage
Armouring with stone - trail was 30cm deeper before
Small changes in the line of the trail
wider than the tyres, smaller than the handlebar - the perfect width of a single trail
Rolling contour drainages are effective and fun to ride
Speed management through adding more change of direction
Enlargement of the trail by building a stone wall
Benefit for all trail users
All the trails analyzed are used by mountain bikers, hikers and non-motorized traffic in general. We determined various initial interventions for the existing trail sections in terms of erosion resistance, water management, speed management, predictability or rollability in order to
- reduce the maintenance effort
- make the coexistence of different trail users more pleasant
- to optimize the enjoyment for the defined target groups of the designed routes
- to increase safety for all trail users
Coexistence & guidance
In the Aletsch region there are countless paths and trails, some of which are several centuries old and some of which are no longer used to any great extent. Selected sections of trails will be combined to create mountain bike routes suitable for the target group, thus ensuring proactive visitor guidance. The principle of coexistence is to be upheld and the existing protection and usage interests taken into account.
Work done by hand
Where possible, initial interventions are carried out by hand in order to retain the basic character of the trails. We try to work creatively with the local materials and are also guided by traditional trail building techniques. However, we adapt these in order the trails also work for mountain biking. Trail materials such as stones, rocks and roots are stabilized, integrated and staged. Care is taken to keep the difficulty level of the trail as consistent as possible. Rough uphill sections (sometimes at the limit of rideability) are adapted in such a way that a coherent riding experience is achieved for the relevant target group.
Methodology for trail network analysis
In collaboration with Daniel Bumann from IBR Ingenieurbüro, we used GIS-technology to define the positions of the initial interventions on the route on a map and described the corresponding maintenance and renovation measures with photo documentation in measure sheets. A construction programme was drawn up for the years 2021-24, taking into account the prioritization, costs and elevation of the individual sections of the trails.
Homologation procedure & signaling
The mountain bike route network is based on a master plan drawn up in 2016/17 by the Bikeplan planning office for the Aletsch Region. On behalf of the six local municipalities of Bettmeralp, Riederalp, Lax, Fiesch, Fieschertal and Mörel-Filet, the homologation process for the route network is being supervised by IBR Ingenieurbüro. In addition to the homologated trail network (see also trail map), 6-7 routes for various target groups such as enduro, all-mountain and e-mountain biking will be signposted in accordance with SchweizMobil, which we develop together with the service providers (municipalities, IBR, Valrando, SchweizMobil and tourism organization).
