When it comes to active family holidays, finding the right balance can feel like an uphill climb. You want adventure, and they want relaxation. You dream of mountain biking through scenic trails, but your family (or friends) worries it might be too extreme or not inclusive enough.
While at first glance, the techy terrain in the Alps may not seem like the most accessible place for everyone, it is the perfect spot for an MTB vacation with family or friends. With countless trails, a well-developed tourism infrastructure and an impressive transportation network, including many gondolas, you can tailor your mountain biking adventure to almost every level. You don’t need to compromise on riding or family time. You just need to find the right mountain biking tour with the perfect balance of adventure, riding and relaxation so everyone can enjoy quality time exploring while riding on world-class trails with stunning backdrops.
Planning Family MTB Holidays can Be a Hustle
Planning an active vacation with family (or friends) can be a headache, as it often involves juggling diverse needs like:
Different skill levels: You’re a seasoned mountain biker; your partner and kids might be new to it (or the other way around).
Finding balance: Everyone wants an experience that mixes adventure, rest, and sightseeing. But how much of each?
Avoiding holiday burnout: Planning a fun and active trip that doesn’t leave you drained can be a challenge.
The Solution: Tailored MTB Adventures for Families
Choosing the right tour can turn these challenges into opportunities for shared adventure, exploration and unforgettable family memories. Here’s what to look for before you start planning:
1. All-Inclusive Holidays
Eliminate the hustle of planning every logistical detail of the trip and choose tours that cover everything from airport transfers to luggage handling, comfortable accommodations, professional guiding, bike and gear rental, and meals. It sounds like no big deal, but there is a lot to plan for, and you’ll be better off just focusing on enjoying the ride.
2. Trails for Everyone
Choose a tour with trails accessible to everyone in the group, including beginner mountain bike trails and scenic forest roads, to ensure that riders of all levels can have fun.
3. E-bikes
E-bikes level the playing field. With the different assistance modes, everyone can ride at their own pace and enjoy the journey.
4. Variety: Bike-Hike Adventures
Sometimes, a break from the bike is exactly what you need. Mixing in short hikes can shake things up, adding variety and helping everyone take in the jaw-dropping views.
E-Alps Family-Friendly Tours
The Family & Friends Haute Route
Starting in Vercorin and ending in Zermatt, this four-day adventure strikes the perfect balance. It’s not too long (not too short) and caters to all skill and fitness levels. Highlights include:
Stunning Trails and Villages: Ride stretches of the iconic Haute Route and through post-card-perfect Swiss little villages like Grimentz.
Natural Wonders: Soak in views of the crystalline waters of the Moiry Reservoir and admire the towering Matterhorn.
A Perfect Blend: Combine riding with a hike to the Meidpass and a scenic picnic with views of the Imperial Crown summits for a well-rounded adventure.
Things to Do After the Tour
End your adventure in Zermatt, a picturesque town at the base of the Matterhorn. If you want to stay a few more days in Zermatt after your MTB adventure to get the full Alpine experience, there are plenty of options to unwind, including:
Gornergrat Railway: Take a scenic ride to one of the best viewpoints in the Alps.
Matterhorn Museum: Learn about the history and culture of the region.
Spa and Wellness: Treat yourself to a relaxing spa day at one of Zermatt’s luxurious wellness centres.
Local Cuisine: Indulge in Swiss delicacies at a traditional Alpine restaurant.
For additional options, read our blog post about things to do in Zermatt.
The Alpine Circle – Ruta Ost and Vest
Looking to explore less-crowded areas and trails off the beaten path? The Graubünden Alps offer dramatic scenery reminiscent of the Norwegian fjords and the Italian Dolomites and unparalleled tranquillity. These trips provide an unforgettable mix of wild nature and cultural experiences.
Ruta Ost
Highlights: This trip combines mellow trails with natural and cultural highlights, such as the impressive Wiesen Viaduct and the Kunkelspass, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Duration: Perfectly paced at four days, designed for exploration without exhaustion.
Things to Do After the Tour
If you have extra time after the e-MTB tour, spend time exploring Chur, the oldest city in Switzerland:
Explore the Old Town: Wander through its historic streets, packed with colourful boutique shops and cafes.
Rhaetian Railway: Take a scenic train ride to discover even more of the Graubünden region.
Local Wineries: Visit nearby vineyards to get a taste of local wines.
Fine Dining: Enjoy a meal at one of Chur’s highly-rated restaurants.
Read our 'Things to do in Chur' blog post for additional ideas.
Ruta Vest
Highlights: This trip combines quiet paths through breathtaking valleys, rugged peaks and relaxing thermal springs.
Duration: Four days of adventure and relaxation in equal measure.
Things to Do After the Tour: You can extend your experience by exploring nearby hidden gems or taking a short trip to Davos for hiking, luxury shopping, or an alpine spa retreat.
Why Choose An MTB Holiday in The Alps?
Mountain biking in the Alps isn’t just for the pros. With e-MTBs and expertly guided tours, it becomes a shared experience. So, whether you’re eyeing iconic trails near Zermatt or venturing into the less-known (but equally impressive) beauty of Graubünden, the Alps offer the perfect canvas for your family’s next adventure. This year, make your holiday one to remember with something for everyone.
Need ideas? Check out our 2025 e-MTB guided tours calendar.
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