“MTB Trail Difficulty: The STS Scale at Finale MTB”

To ensure you have the best possible experience on the trails of the Finale Outdoor Region, it is essential to choose a tour that matches your technical skills. At Finale MTB, we use the international STS (Singletrack-Skala) to classify our guided tours.

The STS scale ranges from S0 to S5, focusing exclusively on the technical difficulty of a singletrack. It does not account for physical fitness or uphill effort, but solely on the technical challenges of the descent.

S0: Easy & Smooth

Terrain:

  • Firm and grippy surface (gravel or forest floor).

Challenges:

  • No technical obstacles like roots or rocks. Very gentle turns and wide paths

Skills:

  • Basic bike handling. Suitable for everyone.

S1: Light Technical

Terrain:

  • Smaller obstacles such as small roots, loose stones, and erosion.

Challenges:

  • Some small steps and slightly tighter turns.

Skills:

  • Basic standing position and use of both brakes.

S2: Moderate (The Finale Standard)

Terrain:

  • Larger roots, stones, and frequent small steps/drop-offs. Often loose soil.

Challenges:

  • Tighter turns (but no switchbacks yet) and steeper sections.

Skills:

  • Good braking technique and ability to shift body weight. This is the entry-level for most Enduro trails in Finale.

S3: Difficult & Technical

Terrain:

  • Large rocks, high steps, and very slippery surfaces.

Challenges:

  • Frequent switchbacks and very steep slopes.

Skills:

  • Advanced balance, precise braking, and the ability to ride technical sections with flow.

S4 & S5: Expert & Extreme

Terrain:

  • Steep scree, large boulders, and very narrow passages.

Challenges:

  • Hairpin turns that require “nose-pivoting” (moving the rear wheel) and mandatory drops.

Skills:

  • Professional-level bike control and trials skills. We only tackle these on specific request or private tours for pro-riders.

Which Level Are You?

Before booking your Finale Ligure MTB tour, honestly evaluate your riding skills.

Intermediate Rider?

  • Aim for tours labeled S1-S2.

Experienced Enduro Rider?

  • You will feel at home on S2-S3 trails.

Pro or Tech Enthusiast?

  • Ask us about our S3+ or “Backcountry” adventures.

How to choose your tour

Check our Tours Page to see the STS rating for each of our adventures. If you have any doubts, don’t hesitate to Contact Us for a skill assessment!

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