Backcountry adventure, panoramic ridges & self-sustained pedaling

Minimal or zero uplifts (pure pedal-powered transfers)

1,100 m – 1,800 m+ (sustained endurance climbs)

1,500 m – 2,200 m of mixed singletrack

STS S1 to S3 (flowing woodland paths, natural traverses)

Trail / All-Mountain bike (130–150 mm) or modern E-MTB

Endurance-focused riders who prioritize physical distance and wilderness

S0 (Very easy)

S0 describes a trail that presents no particular difficulties. These are mostly flowing forest and meadow paths on grippy natural ground or consolidated gravel. Steps, rocks, or root passages are not to be expected. The gradient is gentle to moderate, and curves are wide.

• Trail surface: Firm, grippy ground (hardpack, consolidated gravel)

• Obstacles: None (no steps, rocks, or root networks)

• Gradient: Gentle to moderate (up to 10%)

• Curves: Wide

• Riding technique: Basic bike handling and controlled braking

S1

S1 describes a trail where riders must expect smaller obstacles such as flat roots and small stones. Isolated drainage channels and erosion damage are frequently the cause of the increased difficulty level; the surface can also be partially unconsolidated. The gradient reaches a maximum of 40% (22°). Switchbacks are not to be expected.

From S1 onwards, basic riding skills and continuous focus are required. More demanding passages demand modulated braking and dynamic body weight shifts. Riding should generally be done in a standing position. Obstacles can be rolled over.

• Trail surface: Partially loose ground possible, small roots and stones

• Obstacles: Small obstacles, water channels, erosion damage

• Gradient: < 40% (22°)

• Curves: Tight

• Riding technique: Basic riding skills required; obstacles can be rolled over

S2

At difficulty level 2, riders must expect larger roots and stones. The surface is frequently not consolidated. Steps and shallow stairs are to be expected. Tight curves often occur, and the gradient reaches up to 70% (35°) in some sections.

Obstacles must be overcome by shifting body weight. Constant readiness to brake and shifting the center of gravity are necessary techniques, as well as precise brake modulation and continuous body tension.

• Trail surface: Surface mostly not consolidated, larger roots and stones

• Obstacles: Shallow ledges and stairs

• Gradient: < 70% (35°)

• Curves: Basic switchbacks

• Riding technique: Advanced riding technique required

S3

Blocked singletracks with many larger boulders and/or root passages belong to category S3. High steps, switchbacks, and tricky off-camber sections occur frequently; relaxed rolling sections become rare. Slippery ground and loose scree are also frequently to be expected; gradients exceeding 70% (35°) are not uncommon.

Passages featuring the 3rd difficulty level do not yet require trials techniques, but very good bike handling and continuous concentration are prerequisites for mastering S3. Precise braking and very good balance are necessary.

• Trail surface: Blocked, many large roots/rocks; slippery surface, loose scree

• Obstacles: High ledges

• Gradient: > 70% (35°)

• Curves: Tight switchbacks

• Riding technique: Very good bike handling required

S4

S4 describes very steep and heavily blocked singletracks with large boulders and/or demanding root passages, frequently with loose scree in between. Extreme steep ramps, tight switchbacks, and steps where the chainring inevitably bottoms out occur frequently in grade 4.

To ride at difficulty level 4, trials techniques such as displacing the front and rear wheel (e.g., pivoting in switchbacks) are absolutely essential, as well as perfect braking technique and balance. Only extreme riders and exceptional mountain bikers can manage S4; even carrying the bike down these sections is often hazardous.

• Trail surface: Blocked, many large roots/rocks; slippery surface, loose scree

• Obstacles: Steep ramps, barely rideable ledges

• Gradient: > 70% (35°)

• Curves: Extremely sharp, eyelet-tight switchbacks

• Riding technique: Perfect bike handling with trials techniques required, such as rear-wheel pivoting in switchbacks

S5

Difficulty level S5 is characterized by blocked terrain with counter-climbs, scree fields and landslides, eyelet-tight switchbacks, multiple high consecutive ledges, and obstacles such as fallen trees—all often on extreme gradients. Little to no run-out or braking distance is available. Obstacles must partially be cleared in combination.

Only a handful of extreme riders attempt to conquer passages at difficulty level 5. Obstacles must sometimes be jumped. In switchbacks, wheel displacement is barely possible anymore. Even carrying the bike becomes almost impossible here, as one must hold on or even climb while walking.

• Trail surface: Blocked with counter-climbs; slippery surface, loose scree; the trail is more of an alpine footpath

• Obstacles: Steep ramps, barely rideable ledges in combination

• Gradient: >> 70% (35°)

• Curves: Eyelet-tight switchbacks with obstacles

• Riding technique: Excellent mastery of specialized trials techniques required; displacing the front and rear wheel is only possible to a limited extent

Beginner

• up to 25 km (typically around 10 km)
• up to 350 meters climbing
• up to 1’000 meters descending
• sporty entry-level
• you are an active person
• you exercise regularly low intensity at least twice a week.

Intermediate

• up to 50 km (typically around 25 km)
• up to 800 meters climbing
• up to 2’400 meters descending
• you can push or carry your bike uphill or downhill on short sections (few meters)
• good general fitness necessary
• ou’re going on day tours often
• you are able to cycle 4-5 hours per day.
• you like to challenge yourself

Advanced

• up to 100 km (typically around 50 km)
• up to 1’500 meters climbing
• up to 5000 meters descending
• good condition and regular training is required
• atough and long full-day tour or a whole day in the bike park does not scare you.
• you are comfortable with cycling more than 5 hours at steady pace per day.
• you are able to climb 1 hour non stop.
• you do not mind riding in rain if it occurs

Expert

• often around 80 km
• up to 3’400 meters climbing
• up to 10’000 meters descending
• frequent and structured endurance training is necessary
• exhausting and very long day tours, bike marathons, or records in downhill descend meters per day are your thing
• you may have raced, got prepared and trained for mtb events
• you do not mind riding in rain if it occurs
• you can push or carry your bike on long sections
• uphill in technical trails (more than 20 minutes)

Extreme

• typically > 100 km
• typically > 3’400 meters climbing
• > 10’000 meters descending
• professional training for racing is required
• you love racing, especially extreme bike marathons or any other form of extremely exhausting races
• you are a machine
• you cycle uphill faster than a motorbike and have bear thighs
• please pass your way, you are going to make our guides look bad (just joking! we have a good plan for you!)

Bike

Enduro ≥150mm

Helmet

Mandatory to participate in our tours (a full-face helmet is recommended)

Body protection

Back protector and knee pads are recommendedEnduro 160mm

Eye protection

Goggle or glasses

Spare parts

• Tubeless repair kit

• Inner tube

• Derailleur hanger

• Brake pads

Water

Our guides use 750ml water bottles

Food

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Personal documents

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Cash

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Phone

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Optimal Months: March to June and September to November offer prime dirt grip, moderate temperatures, and dry trail surfaces.

Winter Operations: December to February provides clear coastal riding with mild seaside temperatures.

Rain Protocol (Plan B): If wet weather impacts high-altitude loam sectors (Melogno and Barbottina), guiding logistics immediately redirect to self-draining, porous limestone sectors along the coast (San Bernardino, Spotorno, Le Manie) where traction remains predictable.

Coverage: Personal accident and third-party liability insurance is not included in the guiding fee. Riders are responsible for having active sports accident insurance covering mountain biking activities.

Deposit: A €100 deposit is required upon booking, processed securely online via Stripe (accepts all major credit/debit cards and digital wallets).

Final Balance: The remaining balance is paid directly in cash to your guide on the morning of the tour before departure.

Base rates cover private group departures for up to 4 riders (5 riders for Monte Carmo 4×4). Additional riders up to the vehicle limit pay an individual per-person supplement. We do not combine unrelated bookings.

Personal insurance

Lunch: from € 18 to € 20 per person ( Part of the proceeds will be used for trail maintenance )

Bike rent

Aperitivo

Train ticket if necessary

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