The fine balance: trail construction vs. trail maintenance from the perspective of trail construction

Trail building and nature conservation: creating and maintaining paths for a sustainable community

Written BY

As trail builders, we navigate the delicate balance between creating new trails and maintaining existing ones, with a deep commitment to user experience and conservation. Our work goes beyond construction; it's about fostering sustainable coexistence between nature and the diverse community of trail users.

Photo: Leslie Turrach

Trail building: creating new experiences

Trail building is a complex process of designing and constructing trails that blend harmoniously with the natural landscape. It's about creating new experiences, expanding access to nature, and sometimes meeting the growing demand for outdoor activities. But this expansion is not without its challenges. Every new trail leaves a mark, and it's our responsibility to ensure that this impact is minimal and that our efforts are consistent with environmental conservation principles.

Trail maintenance: Preserving the path

Trail maintenance, on the other hand, is an ongoing commitment to the health and longevity of these trails. It includes regular inspections, repairs, and improvements to ensure that the trails remain safe, accessible, and environmentally sound. Maintenance is critical to prevent the gradual wear and erosion that can lead to larger environmental and safety problems over time.

A shared path: The role of nature conservation

In both trail construction and maintenance, we prioritize conservation, ensuring our work preserves habitats and respects the natural beauty of the landscape. This commitment to conservation isn't just about protecting the environment; it's about ensuring future generations can enjoy the same access to pristine outdoor spaces.

Coexistence and shared trails

Our ultimate goal is to foster a culture of shared trails where hikers, bikers and other outdoor enthusiasts can coexist harmoniously. By focusing on maintaining and improving existing trails, we can reduce the need for new construction and minimize our environmental footprint. Shared trails promote respect among different user groups and create a community united by a love of nature.

Photo: Allegra

In summary, our work as trail builders is guided by a vision of balance, sustainability and community. By choosing maintenance over expansion where possible and planning new trails with the utmost care for the environment, we are contributing to a world where people and nature can thrive together.

MORE OF ALLEGRA

Moving away from winter dependency – towards year-round tourism: Alpine tourism is at a turning point. 

Moving away from winter dependency and towards year-round tourism: Alpine tourism is facing a fundamental transformation. Climate change and new guest expectations demand a rethink. Strategies like the "Snow Compass" show concrete ways in which destinations can secure their future. Mountain biking tourism, in particular, is developing into a key growth driver with high added value and great potential for the summer and shoulder seasons.

Mountain bike concept Canton Thurgau

Taking into account the legal requirements and interests of nature and landscape conservation, the mountain bike concept for the Canton of Thurgau is intended to meet the needs of all interest groups.

Trails2School: When the journey to school becomes an adventure

Trails2School transforms the last few meters before school with simple trail elements – for more fun, more exercise, and more children on bikes. Pilot communities in the canton of Graubünden are being sought.

Planning and construction – Red Enduro Tech Trail: Tché Don in the Moléson Bike Park

The Tché Don in the Moléson bike park is a natural trail that offers technical sophistication and a true enduro feeling – direct and demanding.

The film: «ALLEGRA – Building Trails and Connecting Worlds in Japan»

Our film goes online on April 30th! Join ALLEGRA on an inspiring journey – from its origins in Switzerland to the development of a new mountain bike culture in Japan.

Construction – Green Style Trail: Foppa Trail in Flims Laax

A green flow trail with gentle waves, flat curves and a playful channel, offering beginners and families a smooth, controlled riding experience.

Trail maintenance courses with ALLEGRA: Maintaining trails instead of just building them

Trail construction doesn't end with the final shaping day—that's when the trail really begins to liven up. But even decades-old trails need regular maintenance. In our trail maintenance courses with Graubünden Bike, Lukas Häusler and the ALLEGRA team impart practical knowledge on sustainable trail maintenance—from alpine enduro trails and skill centers to hiking trails. Learn more and register now!

Planning and construction – Red Tech Trail with style elements: Bassa di Cardada in Ascona-Locarno

The Bassa di Cardada combines technical skill, active line choice and creative driving style - above Lake Maggiore.

Fairtrail Graubünden and its impact

Fairtrail Graubünden summarizes its project duration and impact. One thing is clear: the coexistence project truly promotes respectful coexistence between bikers and hikers on the slow-traffic routes of the Graubünden mountains.

Miniparks, our set solutions for small areas

Miniparks are the space-saving (urban) set solution for more movement & skills on the bike.

Do you actually know

...what's really going on on your trails, hiking or cycling paths?

We use state-of-the-art technology to take (hybrid) frequency monitoring in alpine and urban areas to the next level!