Spring in the North American mountains is all about multi-sport activities: ski in the morning, bike in the afternoon, maybe add in a river SUP or kayak, but in Europe the multi-sport fun never ends.
Whether you’re looking to extend your ski season and try mountain biking for the first time or you’re a seasoned brown-pow aficionado, this list will ensure you maximize your multi-sport fun.
Engelberg, Switzerland
Glacier Season: Oct. – May
Enjoy spring and fall turns on the Titlis glacier at Engelberg, which is convenient to Zurich and Lucerne. From the top of the Klein Titlis, you can access the Glacier Snow Park via the Ice Flyer chairlift.
Mtn Bike Season: June – Oct.
The Swiss take a very open approach to mountain biking, as every hiking trail allows biker access. So if cross-country riding is more your style and you want to explore, put Switzerland at the top of your list. If you want lift-accessed downhill trails or family-friendly biking, Titlis offers it all via the scenic TITLIS Cableway.
Saas-Fee, Switzerland
Glacier Season: Mid-July To Late-October
The Saas-Fee glacier offers skiers and riders 20 kilometers of runs at altitudes of 3,500 meters. Every ability level has some ideal glacier runs, including off-piste routes.
Mtn Bike Season: June – Oct.
With 70 kilometers of well-marked trails, Saas-Fee is a haven for mountain bikes. In addition to offering mountain bike rentals, electric biking and guided bike tours are available. Lift-accessed mountain biking is possible from Saas-Grund – Kreuzboden (bike charge: CHF 6) or Saas-Almagell – Furggstalden (bike charge: CHF 4.) It is not possible to transport bikes on the Saas-Fee cableways.
Soelden, Austria
Glacier Season: Typically Mid-June To Early-October, Snow Dependent
Offering two glaciers in one destination, the Rettenbach Glacier and Tiefenbach Glacier, Soelden provides a very convenient glacier-skiing experience. Skiers and riders access the 34 kilometers of terrain via nine lifts and gondolas with an impressive uphill capacity of 18,000 person per hour.
Mtn Bike Season: Typically mid-June to Oct.
Thanks to a huge choice of trails and downhill paths for all ages and preferences including pumptracks and progression courses, Sölden, aka “Bike Republic Sölden” has become a giant playground for bikers of all skill levels.
Stubai, Austria
Glacier Season: September To Mid-June
Situated 50 minutes from the stunning Tyrol city of Innsbruck, Stubai offers summer skiing and riding on “the biggest glacier resort in Austria.” Stubai’s 63 kilometers of slopes provide intermediates with a bevy of options, plus there’s a couple advanced and beginner runs.
Mtn Bike Season: June to Oct.
The Stubai area offers two-wheeled adventures more than 720 kilometers of bike trails and 13,000+ vertical meters of climbing. The Stubai Valley/Wipptal Valley Bike Arena, comprising the Stubai Bike Arena and the Tirol Bike Park, offers terrain for all ability levels. From easy-going dirt roads to rugged singletrack, the Stubai region provides thrills for every rider.
Tignes, France
Glacier Season: Late-June To Early-August
Hop on a funicular from the Tignes Val Claret base area to access 20 kilometers of lift-served glacier skiing on the Grande Motte.
Mtn. Biking Season: Late-July to Early-Sept.
Offering a wide variety of lift-accessed trails, Tignes-Val d’Isère provides every stripe of mountain biker from beginner to expert something fun. If you’re staying in the Tignes area, jump on either the Toviere gondola, Palafour chairlift or Tufs chairlift. If you’re coming from the Val d’Isere side, hop on the Olympic cable car or Borsat chairlift. In addition, there’s a free MTB shuttle from Les Brévières and Tignes 1800 and Tignes Le Lac. Don’t miss the new Val d’Isère downhill trail of 6 km “Fast Wood.”
