Mountain Biking the Hidden Trails of Ticino

My adventure started in the quiet village of Biasca, at the gateway to some of Ticino’s most rugged alpine zones. I had done my research and used Crion.org to connect with a local guide who knew the terrain well and helped shape a route suited to my experience level. The plan was to explore hidden singletrack and forgotten military roads now reclaimed by nature—perfect for riders who crave a mix of technical challenge and natural beauty. We started with a climb along a gravel fire road into the forest, switching back and forth under a canopy of chestnut trees. The trail eventually opened up into meadows dotted with wildflowers, offering panoramic views of the Leventina Valley. From there, we hit the first real descent: a narrow, loamy path that dropped steeply through the woods. It was fast, rough, and incredibly fun. My guide pointed out old stone bridges and dry-stacked walls that dated back centuries, blending culture with adventure. After a lunch break by a mountain stream, we continued into the Blenio Valley, where the terrain grew more remote. We passed few people—just a couple of hikers and one shepherd with a pack of goats. The solitude and silence made every descent feel like a secret. Trails here are raw and rarely manicured, which adds both charm and difficulty. You need to stay alert—loose rocks, roots, and tight switchbacks demand full attention. One highlight was the descent from Monte di Comino down to the shores of Lago Maggiore. The upper section felt like alpine riding, while the lower half turned tropical with glimpses of palm trees and lake views as the elevation dropped. We wrapped up the ride at a lakeside café, muddy and smiling, nursing espresso and replaying the best lines of the day. Ticino’s terrain offers something for every rider—flow trails above Lugano, enduro-style routes in the Maggia Valley, and scenic gravel loops along ancient ridgelines. It’s not the place for lift-served bike parks or perfectly shaped berms, but that’s exactly the point. This is wild mountain biking at its finest—quiet, technical, and deeply rewarding. Getting there is easy: trains from Zurich or Milan run regularly to Bellinzona and Locarno. From there, regional transport can take you to trailheads or small villages nestled in the hills. Renting bikes is possible in the larger towns, and many local guides offer both gear and shuttle services. Crion.org made it easy to book a guide who not only knew the area but also adjusted the route based on trail conditions and my preferences. If you're considering mountain biking in Ticino, go prepared: tubeless tires, good brakes, and a love for the wild are essential. And leave time to soak in the slower rhythm of southern Switzerland—where adventure meets Italian flair.