127 kilometres of trail and a massive 4700 metres in altitude: Between the largest glaciers in the Alps, imposing four-thousand metre peaks and centuries-old Valais mountain villages, the brand new Stoneman Glaciara Trail takes mountain bikers through the picture-book landscape of the Swiss mountains. Alongside the Stoneman Dolomiti (South Tyrol / Italy) and the Stoneman Miriquidi (Erzgebirge / Germany), the Stoneman Glaciara is the third Stoneman trail created by ex-racer Roland Stauder.
In addition to the pure route data, the impressions of nature are no less awe-inspiring: From the Moosfluh, the view wanders over the unimaginable 27 billion tonnes of ice that form the Aletsch Glacier - the mightiest ice flow in the Alps at 23 kilometres long. The Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau are majestically enthroned on the glacier firn next to the Aletschhorn. Switzerland's landmark, the unmistakable Matterhorn, rises between more than 40 four-thousand-metre peaks.
"Glaciers are such impressive natural spectacles. It was always my dream to create a mountain bike experience on a glacier," enthuses Stauder, Stoneman founder and MTB Marathon World Series Champion. "It is a great honour to be able to open the Stoneman Glaciara here - in the land of four-thousand-metre peaks, with a landscape and nature that is so rich."
Of course, the trail can be ridden without any competitive pressure. However, if you are looking for a sporting challenge, you can complete the route in a single day and earn the golden Stoneman trophy for your display case. To do this, you have to stop at various checkpoints along the way to collect the relevant stamps. Those who complete the ride in two stages receive silver, bronze after three.
The Stoneman route leads up to the Aletsch region and back to Mörel. The royal ascent up to the 2451 m high Breithorn Pass is followed by the descent into the Binntal valley, a treasure trove of rock crystals and over 200 other types of mineral. The route then continues along the Rhone towards Obergoms - past ancient village centres, historical monuments and inviting cafés. Bellwald, on the sunny terrace of the Goms, is one of the oldest and best-preserved mountain villages in Switzerland, dating back over 600 years.
Starter packages including a starter card are available from CHF 29 at the central distribution points and the cooperating bike hotels along the route. These allow you to get on and off at any point along the circuit and present you with the coveted Stoneman trophy. Bookings can be made from June to the beginning of November.
All information and facts about the Stoneman Glaciara in Switzerland
The Stoneman Glaciara in Switzerland opens on 26 June 2020. Secure your ticket now Starter pack for the exclusive BIKE Stoneman Grand Tour 2020 and ride the mighty Stoneman Glaciara in Switzerland as well as other Stoneman tours in the bike summer of 2020. to the BIKE Stoneman Grand Tour
Length: 127 km
Altitude metres: 4700 metres altitude
Highest point: Breithorn Pass (2451 m)
Required driving technique: Good driving technique required
Required condition: Good physical condition required
Season: approximately from June to the beginning of November (depending on weather conditions)
Start/Finish: Start and finish possible at all 19 official Logis partners and two central distribution points (marked online and on the route map); useful at the checkpoints (Bellwald, Märjela, Moosfluh, Binn, Reckingen)
Direction: only anti-clockwise
Nature of the route
- Asphalt: 30 %
- Cobblestones / coarse asphalt: 3 %
- Paved (gravel) path: 37 %
- Unpaved (forest / meadow) path: 10 %
- Singletrail: 17 %
- Root / stone passage: 3 %
Signposting
- completely signposted
- Route map in the official starter pack
- GPS track in the starter pack
Refreshments along the route
19 official accommodation and 12 service partners shown on the route map; numerous other restaurants and cafés along the route; more information at www.stoneman-glaciara.com
Six checkpoints for the drivers
- Bellwald
- Märjela
- Moosfluh
- Breithorn
- Binn
- Reckingen
Viewpoints
- Unique view of the Great Aletsch Glacier at Märjela and Moosfluh
- Breithorn - Edelweiss meadows
- Unners Tälli with an impressive view of the Fiescher Glacier
- View of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau
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Sebastian Brust
Editor
