Lors d’une sortie VTT pour débutants, attendez-vous à rencontrer quelques obstacles mineurs comme des racines et des rochers sur les sentiers. Ces derniers peuvent présenter des petits ravins et des traces d’érosion. Les sentiers comportent des virages, sans danger. Les débutants doivent maîtriser les bases du vélo. Les passages plus techniques exigent un freinage contrôlé et une bonne posture. En descente, les cyclistes se mettent en danseuse pour franchir les obstacles. Vous roulerez majoritairement sur des chemins en gravier avec des tronçons de petits sentiers.

Lors d’une sortie VTT pour cyclistes confirmés, attendez-vous à de grosses racines et de courts passages rocailleux. Les sentiers peuvent comporter des marches et des escaliers. Le sol est souvent meuble. Le parcours présente des virages serrés et abrupts ainsi que des lacets doux. Les cyclistes confirmés doivent maîtriser parfaitement la technique. Les obstacles doivent être franchis par des transferts de poids. Les descentes exigent une vigilance constante pour freiner et un déplacement actif du centre de gravité.

Pour une sortie VTT réservée aux cyclistes expérimentés, attendez-vous à de longs passages avec des racines et de gros rochers. Les sentiers peuvent comporter des passages abrupts et des dévers techniques. La surface est souvent glissante à cause du gravier meuble. Le parcours inclut des virages serrés et des lacets abrupts. Les experts n’ont pas besoin de techniques de trial, mais d’une excellente maîtrise du vélo et d’une concentration constante. La descente exige un freinage précis et un très bon équilibre sur le vélo.

Levels – Project-KM0

Mountain biking levels

For our mountain biking holidays and trips, we classify each mountain biking outing into three levels: beginner, intermediate and advanced, and according to the official Swiss cycling scale, which assesses the technique and physical condition required.

Beginners

On a beginner mountain bike ride, expect to encounter some minor obstacles such as roots and rocks on the trails. The trails may also have small gullies and signs of erosion. They include safe, gentle turns.

Beginners should master the basics of cycling. More technical sections require controlled braking and good posture. On descents, cyclists stand up on the pedals to overcome obstacles. You will ride mainly on gravel roads with some sections of narrow trails.

Advance

On a mountain bike ride for experienced cyclists, expect large roots and short rocky sections. The trails may include steps and stairs. The ground is often loose. The route features tight, sharp turns as well as gentle switchbacks.

Experienced cyclists must have mastered the technique. Obstacles must be overcome by shifting their weight. Descents require constant vigilance for braking and active shifting of the center of gravity.

Experts

This mountain bike ride is reserved for experienced cyclists, so expect long sections with roots and large rocks. The trails may include steep sections and technical off-camber sections. The surface is often slippery due to loose gravel. The route includes tight turns and steep switchbacks.

Experts don't need trials techniques, but excellent bike handling skills and constant concentration. Downhill riding demands precise braking and very good balance on the bike.

Swiss Cycling Scale

In Switzerland, the difficulty level of cycling routes is determined by physical fitness and riding technique. The difficulty scale ranges from easy (1) to difficult (4), including moderate (2) and demanding (3). All trips offered by projet-km0 are classified according to these two criteria: beginner, intermediate, and expert, as well as according to physical fitness and riding technique.

Physical condition

Level 1: easy
20 to 40 km, 500 to 800 m elevation gain. Little physical fitness required, suitable for beginners.

Cyclist profile: You cycle at least once a week for 30 minutes and prefer easy routes. You can easily cycle for three hours a day. You are capable of completing one or two climbs of up to 500 meters of elevation gain per day.

Level 2: Moderate
30 to 50 km, positive elevation gain of 800 to 1,500 m. Good general physical condition required.

Ideal cyclist profile: You are in good physical condition and cycle for 45 minutes twice a week. You can ride for up to five hours at a moderate pace, including photo breaks. You can easily climb one or two 500-meter hills per day.

Level 3: difficult
40 to 70 km, positive elevation gain of 1,200 to 2,000 m. Good physical condition and regular training required.

Cyclist profile: You are in good physical condition and engage in physical activity for one hour three times a week. You are comfortable on rides of six hours and can handle two to three moderate climbs, up to 800 meters of elevation gain per day.

Level 4: difficult
60 to 100 km, over 1,800 m of elevation gain. Excellent physical condition and regular endurance training required.

Cyclist profile: You are in excellent physical condition and train several times a week. You enjoy cycling for six hours over several consecutive days. You appreciate long, sustained climbs, up to 2,400 meters of elevation gain in one go.

Technical level

Level 1: easy.
Easy navigation, without major technical difficulties.

Cyclist profile: You have been cycling occasionally for about a year. At this level, no particular mountain biking skills are required. You prefer easy, mostly straight rides.

Level 2: Intermediate.
Easy navigation thanks to its technical sections.

Cyclist profile: You have been mountain biking for over a year. Easy singletrack trails pose no problem for you, as you have mastered the basics of mountain biking. However, roots, rocks, tight turns, and short, steep climbs and descents present a real challenge.

Level 3: demanding.
Technically demanding driving style with numerous technical challenges.

Cyclist profile: You have been mountain biking for at least three years. You enjoy climbs, descents, hairpin turns, and steep sections, both uphill and downhill. You know how to distribute your weight well between the front and rear wheels and enjoy tackling technical challenges.

Level 4: difficult.
Technically demanding course with many rough sections and exposed areas.

Cyclist profile: You have been mountain biking for many years and have mastered all obstacles. You know how to concentrate and appreciate exposed singletrack trails. You also readily take on the challenge of climbing rocky singletrack trails.