This year, our annual bike weekend took us to the breathtaking Aletsch region. From 13 to 15 September, we were out and about on our mountain bikes amidst one of the most spectacular mountain panoramas in the Alps.

The arrival on Friday the 13th was accompanied by light snow flurries, which only added to the anticipation. Over dinner together at the cosy Hotel Alpenblick in Fieschertal - which incidentally offers wellness and is highly recommended - we discussed the programme for the coming days in detail.

The Cappuccino group cycled criss-cross through picturesque Valais mountain villages up to Chäserstatt at 1772 metres above sea level and returned to Fieschertal via Bellwald. This tour offered a perfect mix of breathtaking panoramic views, flowing single trails and pure enjoyment.

The Espresso group took on a real challenge: the region's classic – the Saflisch Pass at 2557 metres above sea level. The route took us from Fiesch to Binn, over the Saflisch Pass and then down to Brig via Rosswald. This tour was characterised by magnificent landscapes, challenging single trails and even surprised us with fresh snow at the top. It was a cool tour, full of cheers, and we were all glad to catch the train from Brig back to Fiesch.

After these intense experiences, we ended the day relaxing in the hotel's wellness area – sauna, steam bath, whirlpool and pool before a well-earned aperitif and dinner. And who would have thought it? Never before have all participants gone to bed before 10 pm!

Sunday was then all about a spectacular tour with our guide Kurt Schweizer from Bike-Store Schweizer in Fiesch. The gondola took us up to Kühboden and from there through a tunnel to Lake Märjela, where we were able to marvel at the impressive Aletsch Glacier – the largest ice flow in the Alps. We continued on beautiful single trails to numerous viewpoints with views of the Fiescher Glacier, the Matterhorn, the Weisshorn and other 4000 metre peaks. Exhausted but completely satisfied, we finally set off on our journey home.

A huge thank you to all participants, to Kurt Schweizer and the team at the Hotel Alpenblick!

Henrik Steffensen