Verbier Bikepark Opens New Green Flow Trail
Wed 13th Jul, 2022 @ 4:44 pm
The Verbier Bikepark has a big reputation as one of the places where you can really challenge yourself. The ‘Tires Fire’ track is DH World Cup worthy and many pro riders come to visit Verbier to put in some laps on a challenging track. But for those that are not as talented as a Loic Bruni or Nina Hoffman, there is some good news.
Last weekend was the official opening of the Tsenelle, a brand new green flow trail designed to be accessible and fun for all levels of riders. We were there to check it out first hand and do some laps on the freshly cut trail.
Before we were let loose on the trail, Trifon, the designer and builder of the trail took some time to explain the project in more detail. With more than 5 years in the making, he was also happy and proud to finally share this addition to Verbier with the riders present.
The Tsenelle trail (caterpillar in the local dialect) moves through the are known as La Chaux. Over 1.5km of trail it drops with an average 10% gradient, and has many features that turn this into a truly unique ride. First thing you notice is the smashing views . With a view straight at the Grand Combin with its impressive glacier, this must be one of the most scenic green trails in Europe.
Fabrice Tirefort alias Trifon, designer/builder of the track & Manager of the Verbier Bike Park: “This project started 5 years ago. We had to be patient and agree between all the parties to imagine this route which was intended from the start to be as accessible as possible. A lucky to be able to cross such a place facing this magnificent landscape, but it took slalom between the different constraints: ski slopes, alpine pastures, protected environments and in the end play with contour lines. The key word: accessibility above all, in order to boost the practice of downhill mountain biking for everyone.”
After getting the green light we set off to try the it ourselves and the first thing we noticed was the attention to detail of the track. Besides the traditional smooth rolling features of a green track, there were several “parking spots” to pull over and take a breather. Very important if you start riding and get arm pump, but also great to take a break and take in the views.
Spread out across the track are picnic benches, information tablets and even a long jump to see who goes furthest. The track snakes between artistic rock piles, over bridges and past a small lake even to reach the Dahu restaurant. Ideal to fuel up before you jump on the chairlift again for another lap, or two.
Even for the more advanced riders, this track is a joy to ride. The many corners are ideal to perfect your cornering, and once you start picking up speed it gets seriously tricky to stay in control. Additional bonus is the place is absolutely scenic, so a great spot to create some gold for the ‘gram!
While lapping the Tsenelle we could see everyone enjoying the latest addition to the Verbier Bikepark. From local pro Loris Michelle to the kiddos of the Kids Bike Club, all snaked down the trail with a grin on their face. Speaking to the local bike guides, they express their joy of finally having this new green trail at their disposal. “It’s perfect to take clients in a safe and fun environment to really introduce them to the joy of mountain bikes, without it getting too hairy.”
If you’re looking to give the Tsenelle and the other trails in Verbier a go, they are open 7 days a week from 9-17h. If you still have some energy left, you can continue lapping the trails from Verbier all the way down to Le Chable. As this gondola connection is now classified as public transport, it means it will run all year long from 5:15 in the morning until 23:50 at night.
More info check the Bikepark Verbier website here.
Wed 13th Jul, 2022 @ 4:44 pm
