Mountain Biking in Crans-Montana with Kids
When the snow melts, Crans-Montana turns into a playground for families on bikes. The resort sits at around 1,500 m, with trails that range from wide forest paths to technical alpine singletrack. With children, the trick is to choose the right trail – and to keep it fun long enough that they ask to go again tomorrow.
When to come
We ride from June to October, depending on the weather. Early summer is green and fresh; September and October are often the calmest months, with stable weather and fewer people on the trails. Afternoon thunderstorms can build in midsummer, so mornings are usually the best time to ride with children.
Family rides
Our Family MTB rides last two hours and cost CHF 180. We pick easy-going trails that keep children engaged without overwhelming them, with snack stops and viewpoints along the way. The pace follows the youngest rider, not the fastest.
Rox holds J+S training in Gravity and Technique and has ridden these trails for years. Before every ride, she asks about the ages, the experience and the bikes, so the route fits your family.
Lessons for beginners and growing riders
- Intro to MTB: two hours, from CHF 160. Body position, braking, gear shifting and reading the trail, until riding blue trails feels comfortable.
- Skills & Technique: two or three hours, from CHF 160. Cornering, drops, switchbacks and flow, for riders who are already at ease on easy trails.
- Guided rides: a half day or a full day, from CHF 210. Pure riding with a local who knows every path, from gentle forest rides to technical singletrack.
Lessons are private and flexible, and older children, teens and parents can ride together.
What to bring
- Helmet: for every rider, always.
- Gloves: they protect small hands in a fall and make braking more comfortable.
- Comfortable clothing: layers, including a light rain jacket, because mountain weather changes quickly.
- Water and snacks: children run out of energy fast at altitude.
- Sunscreen and sunglasses: the sun is strong at 1,500 m.
Bike rental
Bikes can be rented locally in Crans-Montana; rental is not included in lesson prices, and we help you arrange it. A bike that fits matters more than an expensive one: a child on a bike that is too big cannot brake or steer properly. Tell us your children's heights when you book.
Where we meet
The meeting point is arranged with your instructor, usually near a main gondola station, depending on the trail we choose for your family.
Our tips for a great day
- Short and sweet: two hours of fun beats four hours of complaining.
- Plan the snack stop: a viewpoint with something to eat is the best motivation on a climb.
- Walking is allowed: pushing the bike on a tricky section is part of mountain biking, not a failure.
- End on a high: finish with an easy, flowing section so the last memory is a good one.
Book a ride
Send Rox a message with your dates, the ages of your children and how much they have ridden before. She suggests the right ride and helps you with bike rental.