Matt Spragg has worked with ES for eight years as dual-certified ski and snowboard instructor. Throughout his time with us, Matt has gained multiple qualifications, become part of our hand-picked team at The Lodge and helped thousands of people enjoy the mountains! But what does he do in the summer? You’ll be pleased to know that if you want to come mountain biking in Verbier, Matt runs his own guiding company! We’ll let him do the talking.
“I love being active, so in the winter I teach snowboarding and skiing for ES, and in the summer I run Alpine Roots MTB. We offer a variety of mountain bike guiding and coaching for anyone on a summer holiday in Verbier.
Like ES, we aim to be super flexible around what you want to do. I operate and run the company, so I’ll be the person emailing you, talking to you on the phone and then taking you out riding as well. Guiding is available from July to October. We offer half-day and full-day guiding for anyone; beginners, intermediates and advanced riders. Our clients come from all over the world and range in ability from first-time bikers to professional riders.
Our set-up is fun and safe, just like mountain biking should be! The focus is on guiding around the Four Valleys, with tips and coaching along the way. We also offer technical coaching including line selection, balance, technique and trail-side repair.
I’ve been riding mountain bikes since I was a kid, and started cross country racing from the young age of nine. I have always loved the feeling of riding my bike off-road. I’ve raced mountain bikes all over the UK and Europe and haven’t looked back since (well, in the summer at least!).
Before moving out to Verbier I was studying a BSc in Sport Science at Swansea University, and before even graduating I had already booked onto a snowboard instructor course and set myself up for the winter ahead. This was in 2007, when I fell in love with Verbier and have stayed here ever since.
After working as a bike specialist and group leader I decided I wanted to work with a local bike holiday company in Verbier. It was an exciting summer season and I soon realised that bike guiding could also be offered on a daily basis, as well as a week holiday. At this point I started developing the Alpine Roots brand in to what it is today.
Verbier is known for its excellent terrain both on and off-piste in winter, and the summer is just the same with a growing bike park and unbelievable backcountry trails. The area and its riding opportunities are some of the best in the world, easily competing with world-renowned Whistler for its endless single-track trails and downhill tracks.
The best thing about running Alpine Roots is the ability to live and work here in this beautiful place we call home, and that I get to ride +2000m vertical descents right on my doorstep. Come and ride with me and I’ll show you!”
If you’re mountain biking in Verbier this summer, get in touch with Matt and let him show you the amazing trails it has to offer. Not quite sold? You can also check out his website for lots of useful information about mountain biking in Verbier. Don’t forget to check out the Alpine Roots Instagram to see what the Verbier trails have to offer. And if you think you’d like to ski or snowboard with Matt next winter, get in touch with ES and we’ll arrange it!