The second edition of Europe’s first Snow Bike Festival will take place in GSTAAD from January 22 – 24. 2016 and will feature a 3 Day Stage Race, Eliminator Night Race, Fun Ride, Snow Bike Party & Fat Bike EXPO. Switzerland is becoming the destination of choice for Fat Biking in Europe.
“Mountain biking is an all year sport and the new Fat Bikes are the perfect match for winter. I am very pleased that GSTAAD is the host of the Snow Bike Festival. A beautiful destination with the combination of traditional and modern, the perfect fit for this event,” says Swiss MTB Legend Christoph Sauser, Swiss Champion and MTB World Champion.
Media and exhibitors will receive exclusive early access to race entries. Remaining entries will go on sale to the general public on September 10th 2015 at 9am (CEST). Early bird entry prices available until September 30th 2015.
For entries visit snowbikefestival.com.
Race Village
The GSTAAD Sport Centre will be turned into the Snow Bike Festival Race Village featuring a dining hall, the Fat Bike EXPO, race briefing area, covered Bike Park, shower facilities and two heated swimming pools, providing riders with much needed comfort after hours of Snow Biking through the Swiss Alps.
Stage Race (3 days)
Registered riders will be able to collect their race accreditation starting on Thursday January 21, 2016 (early afternoon) in the Race Village.
Stages will be 35km to 50km in length with 600m to 1000m of climbing. Riding times ranging from 3 to 5 hours.
The stage race also includes an Eliminator Night race adding even more fun to the event. No previous Fat Bike or Snow Bike experience is needed to compete in the Stage Race. Mountain Bike riders with an average fitness and moderate skills level will find the Fat Bikes easy and enjoyable to ride.
Entry Packages
The Golden Pass Package for the Stage Race includes rider accreditation, participation in the stage race, Eliminator Night Race, a GSTAAD Guest card and a Gift pack. Accommodation in 4 star hotels and all meals are included for the duration of the event.
Those riders wishing to bring along the entire family may book a Supporter Package for each additional guest. The hotels are all family friendly and children under the age of 6 stay for free.
Riders who would like to spend additional time in Gstaad, may take advantage of our exclusive hotel rates. The accommodation included in the entry packages can be extended by adding 3 additional nights before or after the event or both.
Fun Ride
Mountain Bike enthusiasts looking for a one day Snow Biking experience in the Swiss Alps should enter the Fun Ride. This event offers the fun and excitement of the Snow Bike Festival all compressed into a single route and will be held on Sunday January 24, 2016. Riders entering the Fun Ride may use any kind of Fat Bike but will also be allowed to use normal Mountain Bikes. Riding time should be around 2 hours.
Fat Bike EXPO
The GSTAAD Fat Bike EXPO will be open to the public on January 22 – 24, 2016.
Everything related to Snow Biking and Fat Biking as well as the latest trends in Winter Fashion will be on show.
Snow Bike Party
The Snow Bike Party will kick off on Saturday evening January 23, 2016.
Race participants, supporters, Fat Bike enthusiasts and the general public will all be welcomed at the Race Village for an evening of fun and entertainment “Snow Bike-style”!
Snow Bikes explained
Snow Bikes are Fat Bikes and other bikes with wide tyres providing them with lots of traction and are capable of riding on snow. In 2014, bike enthusiasts either living or travelling to countries with snow welcomed the introduction of the Fat Bike. These bikes are equipped with 3.8 – 4.5 inch (9.7 – 11.4 cm) tyres and are ideal for riding in snowy conditions.
In 2015, further development by the mountain bike industry led to the introduction of the mid Fat Bike, now commonly known as the Mountain Bike + (Plus). With a new tyre format of 2.8 – 3.0 inch (7 – 9 cm) wide, it lies between the traditional Mountain bike and the Fat Bike, making it the ideal bike for all four seasons (also qualifying as a Snow Bike). These bikes offer a good combination of traction and moderate weight and are available from most bike brands in 27.5 and 29 inch wheel sizes.
Recent bike tyre development led to the release of Pure Silica (a softer rubber compound), studded options (tyres with spikes) and colour variations, all testimony to the growing Snow Bike market.
The Alpine Region of GSTAAD
Referred to as the “Last paradise in a crazy world” by British actress Julie Andrews (Mary Poppins), the Alpine region of GSTAAD consists of several well preserved villages located in valleys between 1000 and 1400m above sea level.
Mountains and glaciers rising up to 3000m provide an imposing valley backdrop to the forests, streams and lakes, creating the postcard image of Switzerland.
Conveniently positioned halfway between the Swiss German and French parts of Switzerland the region has an international flair and English is widely spoken. Tourists and visitors are greeted with the slogan “come up – slow down”.
Fat Biking has been welcomed to the region making GSTAAD the new hotspot of Snow Biking in Europe.
Winter Sports in GSTAAD include 220km of ski slopes, with Glacier3000 the only skiable glacier area in the Bernese Oberland, four Snow Parks, a Fun Slope, Free Ride and Ski Tour areas, Cross Country Ski Trails, Sled Runs, Winter Hiking Paths and Snow Shoe areas. Kids under 9 years ride all cable cars for free.
Together with a full range of hotels including some of the best in Switzerland, the region is also officially labelled as a “wellness destination”. More than 100 restaurants offer a variety of tastes and guests are spoiled for choice, from a cosy raclette to gourmet dishes.
More information: snowbikefestival.com
Words & Pictures: Snow Bike Festival PR
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