About Switchbacks
What does Switchbacks offer?
Started by Michael Saunders, Switchbacks is a Spanish registered company trading in the Sierra Nevada, Spain. We offer fully guided riding on some of the best trails in the world. The location offers excellent Cross Country, Freeride and Downhill possibilities. From 4-hour rides to all-day epics Switchbacks has an endless supply of singletrack, fast-rolling descents and rocky, technical riding all customised to your needs so that you can go home a better, more confident rider.
Switchbacks holidays are structured around you, the guest. If you are just starting out or have only been riding for a few years we can offer you excellent MTB coaching. For professionals or the very experienced the climate and terrain of Southern Spain offers exceptional year-round riding.
Your Guarantee
Switchbacks/SwitchbacksDH is a Spanish registered company constituted under Spanish law, licensed by the Ministry of Tourism (Registro de Turismo Activo/Junta de Andalucia) and complies fully with all legal, financial and insurance requirements. Our official registration number is AT/GR/00087.
We are also the only company in Spain who are externally moderated by N.V.Q. assessors every year (Youngs Instruction) to ensure the highest standards of guiding and coaching are delivered to all our customers throughout your stay. All 4 of our guides hold Mountain Leader Level 3 Advanced guiding certificates. No other Spanish MTB holiday company is as highly qualified to guide you.
Why is this important? Spanish police & authorities do not distinguish between the customer and the company. If caught riding with an "illegal" organisation, the customer in the eyes of the law is just as guilty and fines of up to €5000 can be handed out and a confiscated bike. In short don't take the risk – book legal.
Guides
Michael is the crazy Canadian ex-pro downhiller whose highly suspect line choices are not to be followed. His most noted claim to fame is crashing into a crowded barrier doing 62mph through a speed trap in the Kamikaze DH in California 1991 - subject of many photos and film. Despite this he survived to ride most Norba, European and World Cup DH courses - even finishing some! If you want to learn how to ride fast he’s your man. Rides a Rocky Mountain Altitude - brilliant on the downs but makes the climbs that much easier!
Isabel is the Viking brains behind Switchbacks. She is also Michael’s beautiful Swedish wife. Speaking just about every language there is to speak she organises everything about your trip from housing, food, transport, trouble shooting and emails. Rides a Rocky Mountain Element.
Robin aka 'Racing Snake' has been a Switchbacks guide for over 5 years. Equally at home patiently helping novice riders down gently undulating singletrack or putting experienced riders through their paces. Renowned for his "unique" hucking skills. He rides a Rocky Mountain Slayer SXC that he spins with his skinny little legs up and down the hills without any apparent energy expended.
Brian now in his 3rd year with us. Brian loves to ride just about every sort of bike. From flats to clips, XC to full on DH, forwards or backwards - ask him to show you that one! He is aided throughout the day by a seemingly endless supply of super-tasty homemade cakes which his partner Lynn spoils him with. Rides a Rocky Slayer SXC and Cove Shocker DH.
Luki our full time gofer is nick-named after cartoon character Lucky Luke. He's the one that will keep your bikes from getting shuttle burn and you a sore back. Throughout the week he will load your bikes in and out of the vans, collect you if in trouble out on the trail and is always there after you've had one too many beers at the end of the day to take you back to base.
