FACTS
| Project | Construction – Green Style Trail Foppa |
| Client | Flims Laax Falera Management |
| Location | Flims, Switzerland |
| Period | September – November 2025 |
| Project management | Lukas Häusler (Deputy Project Manager) Jean-Lou) |
| ALLEGRA Trail Crew | Jean-Lou, Gerry Cusini, Bruno Tobler, Pablo Nieva, Eduardo Arruda, Fabi Umundum, Mathieu Baty Will Walker, Joel Dunkl, Phil Syring, Jonne Kuunari, Lauri Peltola |
Technical data
- Starting point: 1,381 m above sea level.
- Elevation difference: 270 m
- Trail length: 3,470 m
- Trail width: 120–150 cm (Ø approx. 1.5 m)
- Average gradient: < 8 %
- Difficulty level: Green style trail
(according to the new SwitzerlandMobility classification) - Target group/Usage: Beginners and children, families, including use for adaptive mountain bikes (recumbent bikes, handbikes)
A green trail experience
The FOPPA Trail starts directly at the first exit, FOPPA, of the new FlemXpress cable car. Those wanting a warm-up can alternatively reach the trail via the forest road, which runs close to the trail for most of its length. After a short berm section in an open field, the trail leads across a striking natural stone wall parallel to the forest road. This wall blends harmoniously into the existing rockfall landscape and gives the trail its own unique character right from the start.
Characterized by moss, rocks, and trees, the trail then leads into a sun-drenched pine forest. Gentle undulations, wide berms, and clear lines ensure a smooth ride. Thanks to the very moderate gradient, beginners and children can easily get used to the feeling of being on a bike. The trail also intersects the forest road several times, allowing for easy access and exit, or the direct repetition of individual sections.
In its lower third, the trail runs through a natural gully – the Channel, which is designed to be particularly playful: small waves, gentle dips, and changes of direction create a varied riding experience. Here, beginners, families, and experienced mountain bikers can playfully practice line choice and control their speed. The trail then re-enters open terrain above the valley station.
The Foppa Trail complements the existing trail network and offers a beginner-friendly nature experience: Due to its relatively low altitude of around 1,400 m above sea level, the trail is snow-free earlier than higher-altitude trails in the area. This extends the biking season and makes it particularly attractive for use even during off-peak times.
At the same time, the trail helps to separate the different levels: As a consistently green trail, it creates a clear line for beginners and families and relieves the more technically demanding routes in the area.
A look into trail building
Our main task was to transform the sometimes steep and rocky terrain into a green trail with a maximum gradient of 8%. This trail is intended primarily for beginners, families, and adaptive mountain bikes.
The winding trail design with numerous changes of direction and traverses reduces the effective gradient, makes speed controllable, and minimizes braking intensity – this protects the surface and ensures a smooth riding experience. In accordance with the green classification, high bumps and jump edges were intentionally omitted. The corner entries and exits are gently sloped, and the line choice is forgiving and easy to read. With an average track width of approximately 1.5 meters, the trail offers ample space for controlled, safe riding.
The road surface was constructed with a 10 cm thick, compacted mineral erosion layer. Where material was lacking, additional material was added. Embankments and slope areas were covered with topsoil. Drainage was installed openly without pipes wherever possible; where pipes were necessary, the minimum diameter was 20 cm.
Due to the high material requirements, our construction team was in constant use in the excavator, on the dumper truck or as a hand crew, supported by rakes, shovels and compaction equipment to ensure the quality and stability of the trail.
The A-Team in Flims
During the approximately two-and-a-half-month construction period, we worked as a team on several construction sites simultaneously in Flims. Our trail crew – Gerry, Bruno, Pablo, Eduardo, Fabi, Matieu, Jean Lou, Will, and Joel – implemented the project step by step.
The support of Marcel from the Ötztal valley was particularly valuable, as he was able to carry out preliminary work with his walking excavator even in difficult terrain, always working closely with Gerry as his crew. As a grand finale, he also constructed the stone wall in the upper section with impressive precision and sensitivity – at the perfect angle, a masterpiece built by eye.
Besides hard work, pizza Wednesday was a regular ritual for the A-Team, and at lunchtime we enjoyed a delicious meal at the Foppa-Alm. For this time, Flims became our little home.
Finally, the ALLEGRA Nordics team from Finland, Jonne and Lauri, supported us. After their long journey, they pitched in on Friday evening and took over the raking – our job is more than just a job, trail building is a lifestyle.
Thanks to this combination of experience, precision and team spirit, we were able to complete the trail in a way that is beginner-friendly, inclusive, smoothly rideable and playful at the same time.
Our ALLEGRA conclusion
Green flow trail? Check! The FOPPA Trail is a flowing style trail that skillfully navigates the terrain and playfully surprises riders with its whimsical channel. An experience for beginners and families – and A-Team passion that's in every meter of the trail.
Variety is key: In the summer of 2025, two trails with a completely different character were also created in Ascona-Locarno: the red shared trail Monti Motti, with challenging and very technical sections, and the Cardada Trail, a tech trail with many optional style elements.
