Very easy

Mostly flat and easy trails which are physically not very demanding. Riders should be fit and have a basic knowledge of key bike handling skills.

Very easy = green

• Average gradient: 6% max.
• Gradient over 20 - 30 m max.: 15% max.
• Trail width: minimum 1 m
• Curve radius: minimum 3 m

Technical requirements according to the single trail scale: S0 describes a single trail without any particular difficulties. Mostly forest or meadow paths on a natural surface with good grip, or compact gravel. Steps, rocks or roots are not to be expected.

Required biking ability: basic trail technique such as position on the bike, tackling curves and braking on loose surface.

Easy

Flow or single trails can be easy. However, an easy trail might be as much as twice as steep as a trail rated very easy, with moderate fitness and coordination requirements. Basic biking technique skills are required to tackle the trail.

Easy = blue

• Average gradient: 10% max.
• Gradient over 20 - 30 m max: 30%.
• Trail width: minimum 0.8 m
• Curve radius: minimum 3 m
• Trail can be in steeper terrain.

Technical requirements according to the single trail scale: On a trail marked S1 you already have to deal with smaller obstacles such as flat roots, small stones and isolated gulleys. The maximum gradient is 30%. Switchbacks are not to be expected. S1 flow trails have additional rollers and banked corners.

Required biking abilities: basic trail technique such as position on the bike, riding banked turns, cornering, controlled braking on loose surface and weight shifting.

Moderately difficult

Flow trails with an average gradient of > 10% are classified as moderate and S1.
Jump trails are a more difficult version of flow trails with moderate to difficult elements such as steeper banked turns, jumps, gaps, step ups, step downs, shark fins and other elements which also may consist of wood and other materials.

Intermediate = red

Moderate single trails beckon with technical challenges such as narrow curves, larger roots, mostly optional jumps and technical elements like stone gardens, rock drops etc. Requires a fair amount of fitness and coordination skills. On an average 20 up to 50% steeper than easy trails.

• Average gradient: 10% up to 15% max.
• Gradient over 10 to 30m: 60% max.
• Single trail trail width: minimum 0.6 m
• Jumpline trail width: minimum 1.5 m
• Curve radius: minimum 2 m

Trail can be in steeper terrain.

Technical requirement: On S1 trails, you will already have to deal with smaller obstacles such as flat roots, small stones and isolated gullies. The maximum gradient is 30%. Switchbacks are not to be expected. Within the S2 single trail classification you will most likely find trails with larger roots, stones, steps, flat staircases and narrow curves. In some passages, the gradient can reach up to 60%.

Required biking abilities: advanced MTB riding skills including the ability to brake at all times and keep body tension. Good weight shifting to overcome obstacles as well as advanced trail and jump technique.

Difficult

Very difficult single trails with extremely high technical challenge.

Difficult = black

• Average gradient: minimum 20%
• Gradient over 20 up to 30 m max.: 60% max.
• Trail width: < 0,6 m max.
• Curve radius : < 2 m max.

The trail runs mostly through steep terrain or is built technically demanding in flat terrain.

Technical requirement: on single trails graded S3 up to S5, riders have to be prepared for difficult to extreme challenging obstacles and passages. S3 describe blocked single trails with large boulders, root passages, high steps, loose gravel and tricky traverses. Steep slopes over 70% and extreme exposure are not uncommon.

Required biking abilities: advanced to professional trail technique. Requirements include excellent balance, the ability to shift the rear wheel and outstanding braking.