Downhill & freeride in Saalbach Hinterglemm
There is no doubt that the Bike Circus Saalbach Hinterglemm is among the great destinations of the mountain bike scene: Whatever freeride, downhill and mountain bike fans are looking for, Saalbach Hinterglemm's unique and versatile trail network has it in spades. And don't forget that the hotel Das Zwölferhaus is located right next to the brand-new 12er KOGEL lift, right at the foot of the Z-Line downhill run! What are you waiting for?
Get off the lift, unload your freeride or downhill bike, push it to the start of the downhill run and feel the adrenaline starting to pump. One final check of your gear and off you go, on a thrilling downhill adventure! In Saalbach Hinterglemm, a multitude of trails await that you won't forget in a hurry.
With your JOKER CARD, you may use the gondola lifts twice daily free of charge, while also enjoying a 30% discount on the bike tickets for unlimited use of the cable cars, including bike transport, in Saalbach Hinterglemm, in the Epic Bikepark Leogang and in Fieberbrunn.
The best trails
FROM BEGINNERS' TO ADVANCED LEVEL
The Pro Line and the Blue Line are the veterans among Saalbach Hinterglemm's freeride trails. When the Glemmtal Valley was still only beginning to grow into the tourism centre it is today, some bike park shapers were already busy trying to set up lines in the forest of the Reiterkogel. The Blue Line is designed for freeriders that don't have much experience yet and is known for its playful character. Flowing curves, easy tables and stylish waves will get beginners hooked in no time.
And once you have made it to advanced level, head for the Pro Line, which shares a starting point with the Blue Line. This is where mountain bike pro's get read to ride roots, stones, steep curves, jumps, doubles, Northshore elements and mean escarpments.
THE LOCAL TRAIL FOR THE HOTEL DAS ZWÖLFERHAUS
In 2013, the Zwölferkogel was given its very own freeride line, which we at the hotel Das Zwölferhaus have come to think of as "our" trail. The gondola lift will take you and your bike to the middle station almost directly from the hotel. But be careful - the fabulous view may distract you from your actual plans! The Z-Line offers a great mix of freeride action, all-mountain fun as well as mountain bike tours. There are many different options available, meaning that experienced freeriders will enjoy themselves just as much as beginners and touring bikers. Curves, jumps, wall rides, tables and Northshore elements hem the trail - but if you don't feel up to the obstacles, you can simply circumnavigate them. Another highlight is the action snapshot spot in the upper third, right next to an imposing wallride along the trail. Shortly before the end of the Z-Line, there is the option of detouring via the pump track and the bike safety training facility.
The "queen" of freeride trails
Don't underestimate the queen of freeride trails in Saalbach Hinterglemm: With a length of 6.3k and at an altitude of 1,025 metres, it is among the longest freeride trails in Europe and requires strength and stamina. The first part of the X-Line that winds its way from the Schattberg summit to the valley station of the Schattberg express is still nicely flowing and playful. From the middle station, however, the trail takes you into the forest and over NorthShore obstacles, jumps and tables. But don't worry too much - there is always the possibility of circumnavigating the most difficult obstacles. Before you get to the finishing line, choose between the Adidas slope-style run or a relaxed forestry trail.
A visit to the Westgipfel hut on the Schattberg in order to "refuel" is an absolute must! In addition to the magnificent panorama and breathtaking views into the valley, this is a great place for food and drink. From the Westgipfel hut, bikers also have the option of choosing alternative routes over the Hacklberg or Bergstadl trail.
A trail for all age groups
The Monti trail on Kohlmais mountain used to be known as the Milka line and is your best choice when looking for a trail that suits everyone in Saalbach Hinterglemm. The route is prefect especially for freeride newbies: It is easy and wide, making it perfect for practising your cornering technique, while newcomers can develop a feel for freeriding with cool jumps and wooden elements that are completely safe. The Monti trail starts at the Kohlmais middle station and leads through meadows, forests and the ski run all the way to the Kohlmais valley station - the perfect spot for a souvenir picture.
A playground for bikers
Enduro bikers and freeriders alike will love the Bergstadl trail, which starts on the western summit of the Schattberg and shares its first section with the Hacklberg trail. The trail takes you through the wonderful scenery with lots of curves and many technical obstacles that require full concentration and a high level of skill.
65km of biking adventures
Five cable cars and five mountains around Saalbach Hinterglemm and Leogang: The BIG-5-BIKE-CHALLENGE offers cross-country and Enduro bikers as well as freeriders biking adventures at the highest level: A whole day is spent on the trails that span a total of 65km. In addition, participants may relive their tour virtually back home, download the pictures from the snapshot station and share them with friends as well as collect badges in order to make it into the Bike Challenge Hall of Fame! For the BIG-5-BIKE-CHALLENGE, simply exchange your JOKER CARD for a key card in order to use the cable car lines.
MORE ABOUT THE BIG-5-BIKE-CHALLENGEImprove in a safe environment
From hairpin bends to vertical descents, the Wieserauberg riding technique area has everything you need to improve your skills and get ready for the challenges out on the trails. Go it alone, bring a friend or use a trained bike guide who will be happy to share professional tips and show you some cool tricks.
World-class biking
There is even more action waiting behind the mountain: the cable car is your direct link to the Bikepark Leogang, one of the world's best and most challenging bike parks that is in a league of its own. In 2012, the UCI Mountain Bike World Championships took place here, and the bike park's combination of downhill runs, freeride routes, natural single trails, a fantastic dirt park, bars and shops will delight the heart of any freerider.
