We asked the trail builders at Mottolino Bike Park to tell us about a typical day for them. Theirs is an intense life involving planning and managing unexpected events, as well as a special relationship with nature.

In this post we tell you about it through these images and the candid words of one of the team members, whom we interviewed this summer in Livigno.

MEETING AND PLANNING

Every morning, my team of trail builders and I meet for a first briefing to determine what needs to be done that day.

If it rained heavily the night before, each trail builder independently analyzes a part of the route, to see if specific maintenance is needed or if the ground has withstood the rains well.

Once this first analysis has been completed, we begin to organize the teams that will start working on the trail. Priority is given to the parts of the route that have been damaged the most.

ORDINARY AND EXTRAORDINARY MAINTENANCE OF THE BIKE PARK

Trail maintenance is categorized as ordinary or extraordinary maintenance.

The former consists of reshaping the berms and cleaning the trails so that our riders find a flawless route every day.

Extraordinary maintenance is scheduled periodically and is carried out when the trail is damaged from overuse and requires the attention of the entire team.

During extraordinary maintenance, the trail is closed completely for a full repair; on these occasions, we also often take the opportunity to make improvements to the trail.

THE TRAIL BUILDER’S LIFE

Moving earth, breaking up trails and modifying them by giving them a new form and different characteristics every time is very satisfying, especially at the end when you go see the final result.

Being out in nature is another aspect that you really appreciate when you’re doing a job like this.

Whether it’s winter or summer, creating different features and being completely surrounded by nature makes you feel good.

Make sure to follow Ezequiel Urrets (@ezeurrets)

Pictures by Ezequiel Urrets
(@ezeurrets)