22 April 2024
In this captivating web series, we take you on an adventure alongside amazing champion Jolanda Neff. In 4 brand-new episodes, discover the Crans-Montana Bike Park hot spots, explore the numerous activities on offer in the destination, immerse yourself in the world of up-and-coming mountain bikers, and marvel at the infinite diversity of terrain and landscapes.
From pure adrenaline to moments of contemplation, each episode transports you to a new dimension of excitement and discovery. Get ready to push your limits, expand your horizons and experience unforgettable adventures alongside Jolanda Neff and the Crans-Montana team.
So fasten your helmet, adjust your straps and ride into a world where only the limits of your imagination define the path ahead. Welcome to the world of mountain biking with Jolanda Neff in Crans-Montana!
At the heart of this web series, you’ll find an exceptional athlete: Jolanda Neff. Born on January 5, 1993, in St. Gallen, Switzerland, Jolanda Neff embodies the spirit of determination and excellence that characterises great champions. This specialist in cross-country mountain biking quickly rose through the ranks to become one of the most iconic figures in the sport, accumulating Olympic and World Championship titles throughout her career.
Jolanda Neff has been Crans-Montana's ambassador for a year now, a perfect alliance between an elite champion and an exceptional location. Her link with Crans-Montana goes far beyond simple training sessions: it's a true partnership that celebrates a passion for mountain biking and the beauty of the Alpine landscape.
For Jolanda Neff, Crans-Montana is much more than just a place to compete or train. It's a place where she feels at home, where she finds inspiration and motivation. As an ambassador, she perfectly embodies the values of Crans-Montana: sporting excellence, respect for nature and the desire to share her passion with the whole world.
«I felt at home in Crans-Montana straight away. The almost infinite possibilities for different routes and the spectacular views are definitely a motivation when I’m training. I'm delighted to be able to support the destination of Crans-Montana and to be an ambassador for the UCI Mountain Bike World Championships which will be held here in 2025, and I’ve been able to explore part of the course during the Swiss Cross-Country Championships this spring.» Jolanda Neff, 2023
How did a simple idea turn into a web series featuring one of the world's greatest mountain bike champions and a renowned resort? Let's retrace the steps that brought this project to life, as well as some of the challenges and inspiration along the way.
It all began in June 2023 when Jolanda announced that she had chosen Crans-Montana for her summer training camp. Crans-Montana Tourism & Congress had already planned to highlight the resort's exceptional attractions through a series featuring dynamic and engaging content. Being aware of the growing popularity of mountain biking and the importance of promoting the destination to this enthusiastic community, the idea of a web series featuring our ambassador quickly took shape.
However, creating a web series is a challenge! Between coordinating Jolanda's busy schedule, the complex logistics of filming outdoors and the need to capture the essence of the mountain biking experience in Crans-Montana, the production team had to be extremely creative and very organised in order to complete the project.
And so the project took shape, driven by the passion and determination of everyone involved. Today, this web series represents much more than just a series of videos; it's the result of an exceptional collaboration between a champion, a resort and a dedicated team, a vibrant testimony to a commitment to sport, nature and adventure.
«Jolanda is an iconic figure in Swiss and international mountain biking. Her friendly, spontaneous image is a perfect reflection of the pleasure mountain bikers get when they stay in Crans-Montana.», explains Grégoire Matthey, head of Marketing & Events at Crans-Montana Tourism & Congress.
«Thanks to the extraordinary playground we have here, which includes an exceptional vertical drop, over 275 km of marked routes and an optimal transport network, we aim to become a benchmark destination for mountain biking. Who better than a multiple Olympic and world champion to convey this image and reach this goal? What's more, Crans-Montana offers ideal training facilities for a champion of this stature.» he continues.
Episode 1: On track
Explore the winding trails and dizzying descents in Crans-Montana's Bike Park in the first episode of our web series. Jolanda sets off to train on one of the Bike Park's most technical tracks, after getting some advice from a professional local cyclist. Get ready for a rush of pure adrenaline in the heart of the Swiss Alps, where every turn reveals a new adventure.
Episode 2: Ride the resort
Venturing beyond mountain biking, the destination offers much more than just bike trails. In this episode, Jolanda guides you through the heart of Crans-Montana to explore the numerous activities on offer in the destination. Whether you're a thrill-seeker or just looking to relax, the sheer diversity of experiences is sure to surprise you!
Episode 3: Training ground for future champions
Find out about the essential role Crans-Montana plays in training the next generation of mountain bikers, and the legacy it offers future champions. In this episode, Jolanda meets young and enthusiastic cyclists and takes them to Crans-Montana's Family Loop to give them tips and boost their enthusiasm for the sport.
This rewarding experience fits perfectly into the "Legacy" project led by Valais 2025, which aims to create a lasting legacy for cycling and mountain biking in Valais. By developing a number of projects alongside the 2025 World Championships, the project focuses on three fundamental pillars: youth, women's cycling and the next generation.
Episode 4: Infinite adventures
In the final episode, Jolanda shows you the diversity of Crans-Montana's terrain and landscapes. From snow-capped peaks to lush forests, every turn reveals a new panorama. Experience a thrilling adventure in the natural setting of Crans-Montana, and explore a truly exceptional playground.
2024 promises to be an exceptional year for cycling enthusiasts in Crans-Montana. From cross-country mountain biking to vertiginous downhills and road bike events, Crans-Montana is hosting a series of events that showcase the diversity and beauty of its landscape.
Join us to experience the excitement of top-level competitions, cheer on world-class athletes - including our ambassador Jolanda Neff - and take part in festive events that celebrate a passion for cycling in all its forms.
2024 is the year Crans-Montana positions itself as THE key destination for all cycling enthusiasts. Don't miss this unique opportunity to be in the heart of the action and experience unforgettable cycling moments!
You’ll find all you need to know on our special page about cycling in Crans-Montana.
To make sure you don't miss out on this exciting experience, subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us on our social networks. Don’t hesitate to like, share and comment, and join a community which is passionate about mountain biking and adventure. Together, let's set off on an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Swiss Alps!
We hope this web series will inspire you to push your own limits, explore new horizons and embrace adventure. Thank you for joining us, and remember: the next downhill is never that far away. See you on the trails!
