Flims and Laax: mountain biking in Switzerland

Bike park fun and mountain adventure

Two neighbouring villages linked by wonderful trails: Flims and Laax offer a rewarding mix of bike park riding and mountain exploration. You can enjoy sculpted, winding park trails, or take the lifts up and then keep climbing under your own power. The lifts are also a way to reach higher ground and begin riding among peaks and glaciers.

We visited with the riders from Bike in Progress and Chicken Line. The information and maps available locally made it straightforward to find our way across natural high-altitude trails before rejoining the park runs back to the valley. Laax and Flims have separate lift systems, while their riding areas are connected by trails.

Where are Laax and Flims?

The area lies in Graubünden, in German-speaking Switzerland, amid landscapes associated with Heidi. From Italy, possible approaches include Val Chiavenna and the Splügen Pass, or the Swiss motorway route through Como, Bellinzona and the San Bernardino.

Wild terrain above, playful trails below

If you have had enough of meticulously shaped trails and want an adventure, the upper mountains of Flims and Laax provide it. Natural paths cross uninhabited valleys, with eagles overhead and impressive glaciers beyond. There are streams to cross, fast-rising clouds and icy little lakes. On the return to the villages, you can finish with the more familiar bike park trails.

Allow for Swiss prices when planning the trip: we found everyday costs much higher than in Italy. During our visit, lift passes were more affordable when staying at participating accommodation or the Flims campsite.

Flims and Laax photo gallery