Insight into the work of the Biketrails LAAX Crew

It's 7:30 a.m. The Biketrails LAAX crew gathers at the mountain railway workshop in Laax. With their bags and gear, coffee, and Jess the dog, they head up the mountain after a quick briefing. The group splits up: some go to the Nagens Trail, some replace hiking trail signs, and the last group goes to the Runca Trail.

Their work begins in spring, as soon as the snow melts, and continues until winter sets in. "We're never really finished," says Ueli Guntli, head of LAAX Bike Trails. "Every trail is used, every trail needs maintenance. At the same time, we want to improve the quality of what we offer and fix any problem areas on the trails."

The team is responsible for maintaining the trails in the Flims Laax Falera destination as well as the hiking trails. They drain, trim, fence, signpost, excavate, level, pick and hammer on the trails and paths. "You can compare us to the snow groomer drivers and snowmakers who prepare the slopes in winter. We just adapt it for summer," says Ueli Guntli. In addition, the trail crew also provides an SOS service in summer and is responsible for providing first aid to injured people on the marked bike trails. Some of the team members have also completed the summer patrol course for this purpose.

Maintaining a bike trail is costly. Natural erosion and wear and tear take their toll on the trails. With every turn and every curve, material is worn away from the trails. In heavily used areas, the material must then be brought back up, shoveled, and distributed with a dumper. "We are all passionate bikers and live for the sport, which makes it easier to stay motivated," says Ueli Guntli with a smile. With hiking trails, it is important to carry out regular drainage work to ensure that the trails remain passable.

After a short ride in the Can-Am, an off-road motor vehicle, we arrive at the Runca Trail above Flims. The two workers, Ramon Huser and Basil Weber, fill the curve with "prepared earth material," known as "gold" among shapers. They discuss how to achieve the best possible result. The logistics at the construction site are not easy. Access to the construction sites is sometimes difficult, which is why the material and machines must always be transported and used with care.

The biggest challenge when building is the terrain, emphasizes Ueli Guntli. "With a bike trail, you also have to take nature, winter slope preparation, agriculture, and biodiversity into account." There are many interested parties with different needs.

It's 9:30 a.m. – time for coffee. The picnic basket is unpacked and water is poured into a Bialetti coffee maker. The sun is shining and Jess, the dog who always comes along, settles down in a shady spot. "Today is wonderful," says Ueli Guntli. "But it's not always like this, because when it rains, we're still outside," he adds.

The workers, who are passionate bikers themselves, talk about what motivates them to work for the trail crew. "I like being out here, enjoying nature," says Dries Meesschaert. He works as a shaper at Snowpark LAAX in the winter. Some of the other team members also work at the snow park or as ski and snowboard instructors. "It's very satisfying work when you see what you're doing. It's also cool to be outside," says Paul Ackermann, who pours everyone a cup of coffee. They also receive appreciation. "Every now and then, bikers ride through and tell us that the trails are good, which is nice," he adds. After a short break, they continue. The excavator starts up again, the dumper is brought out, and the trail is shaped. And this continues until the evening.

Here is a video of the work of the Biketrails LAAX Crew from the series "How LAAX works."