Learning to mountain bike in the Swiss Alps should above all be one thing: pure fun! At the Ride and Smile Kids Bike School in Davos Klosters, certified Swiss Cycling guides teach children aged 3 to 14 the fundamentals of two-wheeled adventure playfully, safely, and free from competitive pressure. Whether mastering early balance on balance bikes (Laufrad), generating effortless flow through banked berms on the asphalt Färich pumptrack, or tackling their first forest singletracks in the pine woods of Grisons: We teach in intimate mini-groups capped at a maximum of 5 children per coach. This guide outlines our progressive skill levels, showcases Davos’s premier practice parks, and gives parents essential advice on child-friendly bike setups.
Our Educational Philosophy: Small Groups and Playful Progression
Children are not miniature adults – they learn through imitation, trial and error, and genuine enthusiasm. The Ride and Smile coaching approach rests on three core pillars:
- Strict 5-to-1 Child-to-Guide Ratio: No large, crowded groups where kids get lost in the pack. Small groups ensure our coaches can observe each child’s posture, build confidence, and give immediate feedback.
- Dedicated Practice Arenas Before the Trail: Before venturing onto alpine hiking paths or natural singletracks, we master fundamental motor skills in car-free grass parks and at the purpose-built Färich Skills Centre.
- Certified Youth Sports Instructors: Our coaches hold official Swiss Cycling and Swiss Snowsports youth credentials (J+S). We instruct fluently across multiple languages: English, German, French, Spanish, and Portuguese.
The Färich Adventure Park & Pumptrack: The Ultimate Playground
Situated at the entrance of the Flüela Valley in Davos Dorf, the Adventure Park & Bikepark Färich is a publicly accessible training paradise for young riders:
- The Asphalt Pumptrack: A smooth circuit featuring rollers and banked turns. Children learn to generate forward momentum without pedalling simply by flexing and extending their arms and legs («pumping»). This develops intuitive balance and core coordination in record time.
- The Skill Centre: Wide wooden planks, seesaws, gentle rock steps, and gravel corners simulate real mountain trail features in a controlled environment. If a child slips, they land safely on soft grass or wood chips.
- Dirt Jump Lines & Table Tops: For older kids and teenagers, progressive dirt jump lines allow safe practice of controlled take-offs and smooth landings.
Course Progression Levels by Age and Ability
| Skill Level | Age Group | Prerequisites | Core Coaching Focus | Typical Training Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance Bike Heroes | 3 to 5 years | No prior experience, balance bike | Core balance, safe stopping, rolling off curbs | Flat grass park at Färich |
| Young Shredders | 6 to 9 years | Confident riding on flat asphalt | Ready stance, 2-finger braking, cornering vision, small rollers | Pumptrack & Skill Centre |
| Trail Rookies | 8 to 12 years | Experience on gravel roads | Shifting on climbs, rollable root steps, loose gravel braking | Gentle woodland trails & lake path |
| Teen Trail Masters | 11 to 15 years | Solid bike control | Switchbacks (Spitzkehren), bunny hops, flowtrails, rocky drops | Flowtrails on Schatzalp & Madrisa |
Key Skills Mastered in the First Two Hours
- The «Gorilla» Attack Position: Standing balanced on level pedals, knees and elbows slightly bent, eyes looking ahead down the trail rather than down at the front wheel.
- Controlled Two-Finger Braking: Many kids fear using their front brake. We teach children to modulate both front and rear brakes simultaneously while shifting their hips slightly rearward to prevent over-the-bars tumbles.
- Look Where You Want to Go: If you stare at the tree, you hit the tree. Playful cone slaloms train young riders to lead every turn with their eyes and chin.
Equipment & Safety Checklist for Parents
Safe riding requires properly fitted hardware. Check these items before your child’s first lesson:
- Certified Helmet Fit: The helmet must sit level on the head without wobbling. Leave no more than two finger-widths between eyebrows and helmet rim. For teenagers riding lift-accessed flowtrails, a full-face helmet is highly recommended.
- Child-Proportioned Brake Reach: Children have short fingers. Adjust the reach-adjust screws on brake levers so your child can easily rest one or two fingers on the lever without taking their palm off the handlebar grip.
- Proper Footwear: Flat-soled skate shoes or sneakers with sticky rubber soles provide the best grip on flat pedals. Avoid running shoes with thick, curved heels or slick leather soles.
- Protective Gear: Lightweight, flexible knee and elbow pads protect against scrapes without restricting pedalling mobility. Full-finger gloves protect hands during falls.
You do not need to bring them: for children up to ten we lend knee and elbow pads and gloves, at CHF 4 a day.
3 Fantastic Family Rides to Enjoy Together After Coaching
Once your child finishes their coaching sessions, the whole family can explore these scenic valley trails together:
- Lake Davos Loop (approx. 4 km, flat): A wide, virtually flat gravel circuit surrounding the alpine lake with peaceful pebble beaches and scenic picnic spots.
- Dischma Valley Nature Trail to Teufi (approx. 6 km, gentle climb): A broad forest path tracing the mountain stream. Perfect for practicing uphill gear shifting, ending with artisanal ice cream at historic Restaurant Teufi.
- Sertig Valley Panorama Path: A gentle gravel route winding up through pine forests to the storybook Walser hamlet of Sertig Dörfli.
When these loops start to feel short, easy family e-bike rides into Sertig valley are the next step – the same valleys, simply further in.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions on Kids Bike Lessons in Davos
What is the minimum age to enroll?
Our youngest participants on balance bikes start at age 3. As soon as a child can stand and balance on two wheels with excitement, they are warmly welcome in our beginner sessions.
What if my child gets tired or overwhelmed during the lesson?
Our coaches are seasoned youth educators. We incorporate regular snack breaks, hydration pauses, and playful non-bike games (such as pebble-throwing target games or balance challenges) to keep spirits high.
Can we rent children’s mountain bikes locally?
Yes. If you are travelling without a bike, get in touch and we’ll recommend the local partner that suits your location.
Book Your Child’s Alpine Mountain Bike Adventure
Ready to see your child ride with confidence, safety, and a giant smile this summer? Reserve your coaching slots early:
- Children’s Summer Programme: Book Kids Bike School & Coaching
- Private Family Guiding: Inquire Family Mountain Bike Guide
- Direct Contact: info@ride-and-smile.ch | +41 81 543 10 87
