From Hills to High Alps: Big Mountain MTB preparation weekend

We created this course in response to the many enquiries we receive from riders who are curious about our alpine trips but aren’t quite sure if they’re ready to take the leap. For those who have never ridden in the Alps, it can feel like a big step into the unknown, while others question whether they have the fitness for long climbs or the technical skills for sustained descents. We also hear from previous guests who simply don’t get the chance to ride regularly in the UK and want a structured way to rebuild confidence before a big trip.

This weekend is designed to bridge that gap—offering supportive coaching, real-world terrain, and the opportunity to develop both the physical endurance and technical ability needed for alpine riding, all in a welcoming and encouraging environment.

The Tweed Valley is a mountain bike mecca, and the ideal destination for our weekend. Offering a perfect blend of challenging terrain, progressive trails, and breathtaking natural scenery, the forests within the valley provide everything from flowing singletrack to steep, technical descents, allowing us as riders to build confidence and refine essential skills like line choice, cornering, and bike handling in a controlled yet varied environment.

Our base in the middle of the valley provides easy rideable access to the trails each day, meaning we can maximise time on the bike, while the surrounding hills mirror many of the demands of alpine riding without the extreme altitude. Combined with a welcoming riding community, a constantly growing trail network, and excellent local amenities including bike shops and cafes, it’s a highly effective training ground to prepare for bigger mountain adventures.