The return of the Verbier E-Bike Festival
After the resounding success of the 2022 edition, which brought together 3,042 participants from 22 different nationalities and featured more than 3,909 E-bike tests, the Verbier E-Bike Festival is thrilled to announce its 5th edition!
The Verbier E-Bike Festival is a must-attend event for cycle enthusiasts and will take place from August 10 to 13, 2023. E-biking allows for the exploration of new playgrounds in an exceptional alpine setting that energizes summer seasons and has become increasingly popular, attracting more and more followers from urban to mountain cyclists, from Sunday riders to athletes. The Festival is symbolic of this trend as it offers a plethora of proposals for all audiences, all levels, and even for the curious wishing to discover the world of E-biking.
Simon Wiget, Director of Verbier Tourism, emphasizes the crucial role of this practice for the region:
“This is a pivotal event for positioning the destination. E-biking has an energizing aspect that offers numerous possibilities and is revolutionizing mountain biking. For destinations, it is also an excellent tool to maintain and continue to develop summer activities. We are fortunate to have a destination and service providers who have positioned themselves early in this sector. Whether through bike hotel facilities, the installation of charging stations across the territory, the training of numerous bike guides, or mobility offerings, all stakeholders have mobilized to meet the expectations of this new clientele.”
Zoom on an eclectic programme
Highlights of the eclectic program include Discovery Routes, Rando Gourmande by Altis, Val de Bagnes Challenge, E-bike Tests, Bosch E-MTB Challenge, and Kids Mountain Explorer. This sports and lifestyle ecosystem brings together many ski resorts that view the practice as a true catalyst.
The Discovery Routes, tailored to all levels, allow participants, whether beginners or experienced, to fully savor this unique alpine experience. By taking the routes, E-bikers can contemplate the landscapes of Val de Bagnes, Pays du Saint-Bernard, and Nendaz, while benefiting from the power of the E-bike. Eight to ten 30 to 40 km routes are designed for the occasion.
Epicureans are also invited to participate in Gourmet Tours. This gourmet adventure combines sports activities, conviviality with friends, and culinary discoveries of the region, all in an authentic natural setting. This year, the event is available in three versions: the Classic by Altis, offering a balanced mix of cycling and gourmet tastings; the Sportive, for the most adventurous seeking a sports challenge; and the Délice, a premium experience highlighting local products and offering exclusive itineraries.
The Verbier E-Bike Festival also offers the Défi du Val de Bagnes, a thrilling experience without pressure. This non-timed enduro challenge takes place in the magnificent Val de Bagnes. Amateurs can embark on a 60 km adventure, while experts looking for an even greater challenge can tackle an 80 km route.
The Bosch E-MTB Challenge, on the other hand, is a race for E-mountain bike enthusiasts, testing their riding, navigation, and battery management skills. The route covers a distance of 35 km, with a positive elevation gain of 1000 meters to overcome – a challenge to push the limits and knowledge of electric mountain biking! The challenge offers two categories, an amateur category, and an advanced category, to ensure an experience suitable for all levels.
Finally, an activity specially designed for children aged 5 to 12 is also offered in Verbier with the Kids Mountain Explorer. This educational 6 km trail takes them on the trail of the legendary white ibex, accompanied throughout the activity by the renowned biologist Reibrev. By following this trail sprinkled with challenges and discoveries about the environment and fauna, children become intrepid explorers in search of the hidden treasures of the mountain!
E-Tour du Mont-blanc – Let the competition begin !
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In parallel with the festival, from August 13 to 14, the E-Bike World Tour will take place, offering cyclists a multi-day challenge among the most spectacular in the world. The impressive race covers a distance of 150 km and presents an elevation of 10,100 meters in just 2 days. In 2022, this event explored impressive locations such as Flachau in Austria, Tignes, and Val d’Isere in the French Hautes-Alpes, before returning to Verbier for the E-Tour du Mont-Blanc. Renowned athletes such as Jose Hermida, triple world champion and Olympic silver medalist, and Nicole Göldi, double cross-country E-bike world champion, also participated in the competition.
The 2023 edition promises an unforgettable experience for participants. Just like in 2022, the focus will be on trail quality rather than internationality.
VEBF X Palp Festival – An unprecedented activity in partnership with the Palp Festival
In collaboration with the Palp Festival, a blue-level discovery trail will connect Verbier to the Mauvoisin Dam, with raclette and rock concerts against the backdrop of the Alps!
The Palp Festival organizes more than 20 cultural and gastronomic events from April to September throughout Valais, allowing visitors to discover this magnificent canton with a fresh look.
