Cycling & Heat – 8 Tips: Cool Trails – MTB Rides & Where It’s Coolest Right Now
Gitta Beimfohr
· 24.06.2026
When the air temperature is 30 degrees, the surface of an asphalt road can quickly reach 60 degrees in the sun. Even with road bike tyres, it already feels sticky. In that respect, mountain bikers have it a bit more comfortable in the current heatwave. Gravel heats up to ‘only’ around 45 degrees when exposed to direct sunlight. As long as you keep moving, the breeze from riding still cools you down quite well.
But woe betide you if you hit a climb. The cooling breeze dies down, the air seems to stand still, sweat drips from your chin, the sun cream stings your eyes and your sweaty hands can barely get a grip. You can even feel your pulse throbbing beneath your helmet.
However, as a mountain biker, you can counteract this by choosing your routes carefully. Even those crossing the Alps, whose route is, of course, already mapped out, can still make a few adjustments along the way.
Tip 1: Climbs on the northern slopes
Anyone looking for heat-friendly mountain bike routes on their cycling app in the current temperatures of well over 30 degrees should look out for climbs on the northern slopes that run through the woods for as long as possible.
Although the tree line is reached at an altitude of 1,800 metres, you then enter a zone with significantly more pleasant temperatures. The rough rule of thumb is: for every 100 metres of altitude, the temperature drops by one degree.
Tip 2: Look for mountain streams or gorges
A mountain stream babbling its way alongside a long climb isn’t just a feast for the eyes. It also radiates a palpable sense of freshness. It’s as if Mother Nature were thoughtfully opening the fridge door to bring some relief.
Or, as scientists put it: evaporative cooling. Cold mountain water draws heat from the air as it evaporates. The wind carries this cooled air into the surrounding area. So if you can find a route that takes you through a north-facing mountain forest and follows a water source, you’ll be walking in perfect temperatures. You’re particularly likely to find such spots near gorges!
Tip 3: Start early
Every mountaineer knows this, of course: the simplest way to avoid the heat on the mountain is to set off as early as possible and make the most of the morning dew to keep you cool during the ascent.
This also has the advantage that you reach your day’s destination in the early afternoon. On days with strong sunshine, local heat thunderstorms often build up, particularly in rocky mountain regions, and can break out briefly but violently from 4 pm onwards.
Those crossing the Alps might want to plan their route a little: an overnight stay in a mountain hut is certainly pleasantly cool, but the morning begins with a descent, and the first ascent then takes you straight back into the midday heat. In some regions, it is therefore worth considering staying down in the valley overnight. The hottest part of the day is between 2 pm and 5 pm.
Tip 4: Off to the main Alpine ridge!
Whilst we’re currently sweating it out here in the office in Munich at 4 pm in 32 degrees, a pleasant 24 degrees is blowing across the trails of Livigno. Why? Because the Trailspot is situated right in the heart of the main Alpine ridge.
The routes only start here at an altitude of 1,800 metres – practically in the ‘fridge’ of the Alps. However, there are no forest sections to provide shelter from the sun, so applying sun cream is particularly important here. Other top spots at a pleasantly cool altitude:
- Upper Engadine (1,800 m; St Moritz and Pontresina)
- Arosa (1,800 m)
- Davos (1,560 m)
- Sölden (1,377 m; Bike Republic)
- Paganella Bike Park (2124 m) / Lake Molveno (864 m) / Andalo (1040 m)
Tip 5: Water – for drinking and quenching your thirst
It’s best to start the day with an extra glass of water in the morning before breakfast, so that your body’s fluid stores are topped up. Drinking water for when you’re out and about: take as much as possible with you and, when planning your route, be sure to look out for places to top up your supplies, such as mountain huts and drinking fountains. From the Replenishment from streams and springs Experts advise against this, as the water may be contaminated by, for example, cow dung or dead animals.
Streams and lakes are always a welcome way to cool off for a moment. By the way, it’s also a good idea to wear cotton in hot weather. A wet T-shirt cools the skin better than a functional shirt that wicks moisture away from the body. But make sure you have a spare shirt with you, in case you get too cold in a sweaty shirt whilst resting or at higher altitudes.
Tip 6: Leave your helmet off in hot weather!
You don’t even notice a well-ventilated helmet when it’s hot. On the contrary: it protects you from direct sunlight and thus from sunstroke. The nasty thing about sunstroke is that symptoms such as sSevere headaches, a stiff neck, sensitivity to light, dizziness, nausea and vomiting do not set in until several hours later.
A clear sign of overheating is the ‘white mouth-and-nose triangle’ on the face. This indicates a lack of water and minerals. The remedy is simple: drink plenty of fluids! The best thing to do is to stir half a teaspoon of salt into a litre of water.
Tip 7: Discover new horizons in the north
It’s already 32 degrees on the trails right on your doorstep, and yet you’re still planning a summer holiday down south? True Italy fans can pull it off. Everyone else, however, should definitely consider looking north: Scotland, Norway, Denmark, Ireland and Iceland aren’t exactly the cheapest places to visit, but they have perfect summer temperatures and some truly superbly designed trails!
Tip 8: Take care with the battery on your e-MTB
Temperatures above 30 degrees increase the internal resistance of the battery. The motor loses power and the range decreases noticeably. If the battery gets too hot, the system switches off completely.
You should therefore always park your bike in the shade or remove the battery when you stop for a break. Charging the battery in direct sunlight can also damage the battery cells. If the battery has become hot after a climb, it is best to let it cool down for 15 minutes before connecting it to the charger.
Gitta Beimfohr
Editor
