Trail Crew
Trail maintenance at its best
Always one step ahead: The Davos trail crew
Ensuring bikers can ride on perfect trails requires a lot of work. In Davos, a dedicated trail crew takes care of this. The six-person team, led by Marcel Canziani, keeps the routes in top condition.
When the biking season begins in May, Marcel Canziani and his team are also out in the mountains. Until the end of October, the six of them are responsible for maintaining the bike trails in the Davos area. The municipality of Davos was one of the first in Switzerland to introduce such a team.
Everyone benefits from well-maintained trails
In addition to the manual work, the trail crew discusses a lot with landowners, farmers, cable car employees, bikers and hikers. They philosophize and test things. This is the only way to know what is important and where improvements can be made. Whether you are a biker, hiker or trail runner - a well-maintained trail is a pleasure for everyone.
"Davos is not considered the singletrack paradise of the Alps for nothing."
Marcel Canziani has been part of the Davos Trailcrew since 2014 and leads the six-person team. He talks about his daily work, what a perfect trail should look like – and where he goes biking after work.
Marcel, how did you come to join the Davos Trailcrew?
I used to work in horticulture. A practical background is an advantage in our crew. We need to be skilled with picks, rakes, and shovels.
And biking?
I only really discovered biking through the Trailcrew; I'm a late bloomer in that respect. Of course, it helps if you have a certain understanding of biking and enjoy being on your bike.
Do you close the trails when you're working?
We mark the paths, but they remain open, even when we're working with the excavator. We simply stop the machines so people can pass. This often leads to conversations.
What are the reactions?
On-site, we mostly receive praise. If someone complains, we usually find out about it by email.
What does a perfect trail look like?
There are different opinions on that: The pros want it challenging, while families prefer easy, flowy trails. We try to find a good middle ground. However, the terrain often limits us; the topography dictates a lot.
What are the biggest challenges for the trail crew?
Due to climate change, thunderstorms are becoming more intense, and the soil is eroding significantly; we're feeling the effects. My top priority is involving all parties and maintaining personal communication with them: We can't do it without the landowners and farmers – but the interests of Davos as a tourist destination also matter.
What are you particularly proud of?
Our trails are of a very high standard and benefit many people – agriculture, tourism, and, of course, the locals.
Where can you be found riding your bike?
After work, I like to ride the Davos-Schwarzseealp-Gotschnaboden-Wolfgang route. It's a small but excellent tour that offers everything – from downhill sections to flowing passages and uphill climbs. When I have more time, I do the Pischa tour. I'm always amazed by how many possibilities our area offers. You can simply start from the valley. Davos isn't considered the singletrack paradise of the Alps for nothing.
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“Another tip: the Davos bike shuttle. It is also very suitable for a "sunset ride" after work.”
Your personal preference: flowy or blocked?
Both. I like to ride flowy trails for a day. But after that I long for more technically demanding tours again. For me, variety is important. And Davos Klosters offers exactly this mix.
Your insider tip?
I like to take advantage of the unique public transport services in our region and often plan cross-destination tours - e.g. from Alvaneu to the Furcletta, through the Welschtobel and then back to Davos via the Maienfelder Furgga. The tour is simply a dream!
What does the Trail Crew wish for the future?
To continue to have many outdoor lovers, hikers and bikers on our trails. The most important thing for me is respectful cooperation. And bikers who take care of nature, ride on the designated trails and respect the forest, meadows and private property. In short: We love bikers who are fit for the fair trail.
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