Bettmerhorn Enduro

Tip

14.19 km long

Difficulty: difficult

Condition: very easy

Great panorama

Mountain bike tour

0:50 h
14.19 km
2 m
1,889 m
764 m
2,653 m
1,889 m
Start: Bettmerhorn (2652m)
Destination: Mörel (764m)

The Bettmerhorn Enduro Trail is one of the most impressive descents in the Aletsch Arena. The route starts at over 2,600 metres at the Bettmerhorn mountain station and combines high-alpine terrain with varied trail sections all the way down to the Rhone Valley. Right at the start, it’s worth taking a short detour to the nearby viewing platform, which offers views of the Great Aletsch Glacier and the surrounding four-thousand-metre peaks. The descent initially leads over rocky high-mountain terrain along the ridge, offering spectacular panoramic views time and again. Further down, flowing sections alternate with technical passages over rock slabs and root-covered trails. At Bettmersee and in the car-free village of Bettmeralp, restaurants and sun terraces invite you to take a break. Below the plateau, a historic cultural trail with old stone fortifications follows, before the trail continues down into the valley via varied forest and meadow paths. After a descent of around 1,900 metres, the route ends in the valley at Mörel.

Directions

The trail starts at the Bettmerhorn mountain station at an altitude of around 2,647 metres. From there, a narrow trail leads initially across open, rocky terrain in a south-westerly direction along the ski slope and on to the ridge at Hohbalm. The path follows the ridge, offering unobstructed views of the Great Aletsch Glacier, until it branches off southwards at Biel. Here begins the descent down the Aletsch slope (Aletschpiste) towards Bettmersee.

Along the lake’s shore, the trail continues into the car-free village of Bettmeralp. Below the edge of the village, the path joins the historic cultural trail, which leads downhill via steep, stone-paved sections. The path then runs through mountain forest and open meadow slopes towards Betten. Further down, the trail becomes somewhat smoother and leads along varied natural paths to just above Mörel, where the route meets a road and ends in the valley.

Safety guidelines

The mountains are a place of pleasure to be shared and respected, offering space in which to meet up and share unforgettable moments, whether by bike or on foot. For all outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy them properly, it is essential that mountains are shared in a way that respects both Nature and agriculture. Respectful behaviour enables everyone to enjoy their hobby in the best possible conditions. Find out about the recommendations and rules in place.

Best practice guidelines

When planning, take into account participants’ fitness level and ability. All riding is at one’s own risk.

Tour information

Stop at an Inn

Best to visit

suitable

Depends on weather

Equipment

We recommend: bike in excellent working order, helmet, gloves and bell, clothing suitable for the weather (always carry a waterproof), food and drink.

Prepare your MTB outing

Directions & Parking facilities

Take cantonal road 19 to the Bettmeralp valley station exit. Take the Bettmeralp cable car (Aletsch Bahnen AG) up to Bettmeralp.

Large paid parking area at the Bettmeralp cable car valley station (Aletsch Bahnen AG).

Take the train from Brig or Oberwald to Bettmeralp valley station. Take the Bettmeralp cable car (Aletsch Bahnen AG) up to Bettmeralp.

Remember to reserve a place for your mountain bike on the SBB mobile application or on sbb.ch.

Additional information

More information about the destination:

Aletsch Arena https://www.valais.ch/en/destinations/aletsch-arena

Literature

Get the the Valais/Wallis mountain bike & e-bike map to discover the best routes in the region.

The tourist office in Mörel-Filet et Bettmeralp has got brochures and information material about mountain biking in the region.

Author´s Tip / Recommendation of the author

The lower section between Bettmeralp, Betten Dorf and Mörel can often be ridden in early spring. Ideal for an early season start!

Map

SwissTopo Maps 1:25'000:

- 2516 Aletschgebiet Unesco Weltnaturerbe