---
title: "MTB in Valdres: Complete guide to mountain biking"
description: "Everything you need for MTB in Valdres: the 9 best trails, season info, beginner tips, and what sets Beitostølen Trail Arena apart from Grindaheim and Slidre."
type: guide
category: ruter
tags: [mtb, mountain-biking, beitostolen, fagernes, gravel, trailguide]
date: "2026-03-08"
relatedRoutes: [beitostolen-trail-arena, fagernes-flytstier, grindaheim-singletrack, slidre-dalen-mtb, vaset-fjell-mtb]
relatedPlaces: [beitostolen, fagernes, vaset]
---
<AnswerBox
question="Is Valdres good for MTB?"
answer="Yes — Valdres has 9 dedicated MTB routes from beginner to expert, with Beitostølen Trail Arena as the region's flagship. Season runs May–October depending on altitude and snow conditions."
/>
Valdres isn't primarily known as an MTB mecca — but it should be. The region has everything: purpose-built singletrails, natural terrain, flowy summer conditions, and enough variety to ride for a week without repeating the same stretch.
Here's what you need to know.
---
## Valdres MTB — overview
Nine dedicated MTB routes spread across seven different zones. From Fagernes Flytstier (10 km, easy) to Slidre Dalen (42 km, demanding) — there's something for every level.
<StatGrid items={[
{ label: "MTB routes total", value: "9" },
{ label: "Easy/intermediate", value: "3 routes" },
{ label: "Demanding", value: "6 routes" },
{ label: "Shortest route", value: "10 km" },
{ label: "Longest route", value: "42 km" },
{ label: "Greatest elevation gain", value: "1050 hm (Slidre)" }
]} />
---
## Beitostølen Trail Arena — the heart of the region
**Beitostølen Trail Arena** is the only purpose-built MTB park in Valdres with marked trails at various difficulty levels. 20 km of marked trail, 500 hm, intermediate difficulty — perfect for the start of season and families wanting to try MTB.
For those who want to step it up: **Beitostølen Trail Arena — Expert Trails** offers 22 km of technical singletrack, root sections, and steep drops. 750 hm over 3–5 hours.
- Season: usually open from late May/early June
- Entry fee: check beitostolen.no for current prices
- eMTB: well suited, charging facilities on site
- Parking: natural starting point in Beitostølen town centre
**Bitihorn MTB** is the more demanding option near Beitostølen — 28 km and 890 hm up towards Bitihorn. Technically challenging, but with stunning views over Valdresflya.
---
## Fagernes — low-threshold and family-friendly
**Fagernes Flytstier** is the easiest option in the region and the best starting point for new MTB riders. 10 km, 200 hm, 1–3 hours. The trails are purpose-built and marked, starting right by Fagernes town centre — no long transport needed.
You'll also find a pumptrack and beginner terrain in the Fagernes Storhal area. Perfect for children aged 8–10 and adults learning trail riding.
---
## Grindaheim Singletrack — nature's own trails
**Grindaheim Singletrack** on Stølsvidda is a different kind of experience: 30 km of natural terrain, 900 hm, no purpose-built trails. Here you ride on paths as they've always existed — more technical and demanding than Trail Arena, but also more raw.
Season: typically from June, depending on snow conditions.
---
## Vaset and Slidre — for the ambitious
**Vaset Fjell-MTB**: 28 km, 820 hm, 4–6 hours. Starts from Vaset and takes you high into the mountains. Demanding climbs, but fantastic viewpoints and great descents.
**Slidre Dalen — Long MTB Adventure**: the longest MTB route in Valdres — 42 km and 1050 hm. 5–8 hours in the saddle. For experienced riders with good fitness and a fully packed bag. Slidre valley combines forest, open mountain terrain, and stretches of natural singletrack.
---
## Filefjell and Aurdal
**Filefjell Naturstier — MTB**: 25 km, 650 hm, intermediate difficulty. Natural forest terrain with roots and rocks. Good for riders who want a bit more challenge than Trail Arena but without the technical demands of Grindaheim.
**Aurdal Skogsstier**: 16 km, 280 hm — the ideal option for families with children and beginner groups. Easy to intermediate, 1.5–3 hours. Forest environment with good surface conditions.
---
## Beginner tips: How to get started with MTB in Valdres
New to MTB? Start here:
1. **Fagernes Flytstier** (10 km, easy) — purpose-built trails, marked, close to town
2. **Aurdal Skogsstier** (16 km, easy) — relaxed forest terrain, great for children
3. **Beitostølen Trail Arena** green runs (lower intermediate section)
Avoid demanding routes like Grindaheim and Slidre until you have a few seasons under your belt.
---
## Gear for MTB in Valdres
- **Bike**: Hardtail works well on most trails. Full-sus is better on Grindaheim, Bitihorn, and the expert park at Beitostølen.
- **Tyres**: 2.2–2.4" width, moderately aggressive tread. Valdres terrain ranges from compact dirt to roots and loose rocks.
- **Helmet**: Full-face recommended on expert trails and descents. Standard MTB helmet is fine on green and blue trails.
- **Tools**: Bring a puncture repair kit, pump, and multitool. Mobile coverage can be poor in valleys and mountains.
- **Water and food**: Bring at least 1.5–2 litres. Kiosks and cafés are only available at Beitostølen and Fagernes town centre.
---
## Season and weather
<StatGrid items={[
{ label: "Lowlands (Fagernes, Aurdal)", value: "May–October" },
{ label: "Mid-altitude (Vaset, Filefjell)", value: "June–September" },
{ label: "Mountain (Beitostølen, Grindaheim)", value: "June–September" },
{ label: "Beitostølen Trail Arena", value: "Usually opens late May" }
]} />
Wait until trails are dry after the snowmelt — riding on wet trails degrades the surface and ruins the season for everyone. Check Beitostølen Trail Arena's season status at beitostolen.no.
---
## Internal link structure
Also riding gravel? See [Gravel in Valdres — complete guide](/guider/2026-03-06-gravel-valdres-guide).
Looking for accommodation options around Beitostølen? See [Beitostølen cycling guide](/guider/beitostolen-sykkelguide).
Planning with children? [The family guide to cycling in Valdres](/artikler/2026-03-08-familieguiden-valdres) covers the best family-friendly options.