Ready to Ride – Saalbach-Hinterglemm starts the season

The eagerly-awaited biking season in Saalbach Hinterglemm starts on 23rd May 2014, with new routes, highlights, and cool events, giving you loads of variety.

Mountain bike fans from all over the world come to Saalbach Hinterglemm in summer to where skiers and snowboarders carve along the pistes in winter. On 23rd May 2014 the waiting is finally over and wheels will be turning again. Freeriders, downhillers, and leisure bikers will be making their way to the leading mountain biking region of Austria for the beginning of the season on the Reiterkogel.

The BLUE Line is already awaiting its first riders of the summer after its spring clean, whilst the PRO Line is expected to open for bikers from the end of May due to the larger scale of works taking place. Then, in the following weeks, the other 3 cable cars in Saalbach Hinterglemm will be opening for summer business; here too there are newly shaped trails, and new highlights to be enjoyed. The huge selection of biking on offer in the Freeride Region Saalbach Hinterglemm will be further enhanced by the new Air2Bag from Airpatrol. Freestylers are always looking for new challenges, attractions, and pushing the limits. Jumps are getting bigger and longer, and kids are getting braver. The Air2Bag air cushion guarantees a safe training facility for bikers. Beginners, experts, those training for their next competition, or trying out new jumps, or simply having a go “just for fun” can experience the unique sensation of “landing like on clouds” on their own bike, and without too much risk, from the start of July at the bottom station of the Reiterkogel lift in Hinterglemm.

Bike Paradise with new Features

4 cable cars to 4 different peaks, a fantastic infrastructure and a 400 km network of paths and trails: the ingredients for a really special kind of biking Eldorado. Not only is Saalbach Hinterglemm attractive thanks to its large selection of trails for every age and ability, but also its Pumptrack & technique training area, bike shops & service centres, events & camps, guiding, a lively community, and more besides. Summer 2014 has other newly built highlights as well as the Air2Bag feature: for example, there is a new single trail planned from the Hacklberg Alm to the Westgipfel mid-station and the start of the Buchegg trail. The planned middle section, combined with the existing Hacklberg Trail and the final Buchegg Trail offers 1000 vertical metres of the finest in single trails, over about 10 km of downhill fun. Downhill experts will find their own challenge on the Schattberg: the X-Line powered by CONTI is justifiably known as one of the longest and most varied freestyle trails in Europe and has been totally refurbished in its lower section. Also, the new X-Line Challenge is for anyone who fancies timing themselves on this 6.8 km downhill stretch. You can then view your success immediately on the web, pit yourself against others, or simply share with friends. The Bergstadl Trail and the unspoiled Huberalm Trail will fulfil the highest demands of any biker. In contrast, the Milka-Line on the Kohlmais is especially beginner-friendly. To view more trails and highlights, visit www.saalbach.com/freeride

First speed, then party

Europe’s biggest Music and Bike Festival will be taking place in Saalbach Hinterglemm from the 3rd to 6th July, with Turntable-Sound providing all types of music, and bikes of all sorts being used, and lots of partying. It is the time once again for the BIKES and BEATS Festival, combining downhill, Enduro, and MTB tours with Ska, Hip Hop, Funk, Elektro and Rock. There is an action packed programme running from the 3rd to 6th July with everything that bikers love.
The hub will be the large Bike-Expo with all well-known manufacturers from the bike industry, loads of test material, guided tours, and more besides. Bikers can really make the most of the various attractive competitions and side events, providing a long weekend packed with biking fun; competitions such as the SCOTT Gang Battle, the 2-day Enduro race, the City-Eliminator, the Rookie Race, and the Dual-Slalom with final night race.

All for a good cause

Lake of Charity at the Gerstreitteich is now in its 4th year and after 3 successful events raising a
total of €53,500, the Glemmbang Crew are really looking forward to the 4th of the series, again raising money for a good cause. Professionals from the biking, free skiing, skating, slack line, and snowboarding scenes will be putting their talents to a good purpose from the 25th to 27th July in a relaxed atmosphere. Guests can simply spectate if they want to, but also have the chance of actively taking part in a variety of active and free activities such as water bombing, wake boarding, slack line, skate mini ramp, Flying Fox, archery, and also workshops. The whole thing is rounded off by live acts from local bands, acoustic musicians, and the Lake of Charity #4 will once again make sure that visitors experience a great weekend, with breathtaking scenery, where they will be able to forget everyday routine, and enjoy life! Any proceeds from the tombola, catering, and donations will be donated to a local family in need.

Bikers welcome

ALL mountain bikers are welcome to take part in the World Games of Mountain Biking running for the 16th time in Saalbach Hinterglemm from the 4th to th 7th September, and compete for the title of “World Games Champion” in the disciplines of marathon, cross-country, and downhill.
To celebrate our anniversary last year, a 4th marathon route (58 km) was added to the old favourites. This went down so well with the participants that it is also going to remain part of the programme this year. After its premiere last year, there will again be a Kids’ Downhill competition for 10 to 15-year-olds.
The World Games of Mountain Biking will open with a parade of competing nations in the centre of Hinterglemm. Around 1000 competitors from 20 nations are expected at this event, with a varied programme for bikers and spectators to accompany you through this action-packed weekend.

Saving whilst riding

Thanks to the JOKER CARD, bikers can enjoy the diversity of the region of Saalbach Hinterglemm more easily and cheaply. It offers you unlimited use of the lifts in Saalbach Hinterglemm, and all biking trails. One journey on the Asitzbahn lift per day is also included. The JOKER CARD is included for free for the duration of your stay in any of the partner businesses. The Gravity Card gives you even more variety, being valid for the whole season, and giving you entry to 12 of the leading bike parks in Europe. You can find more information about this at www.gravity-card.com. Up to 5th June 2014, there is a 15% discount on all 1-day lift tickets in Saalbach Hinterglemm.

For further information about the freeride region Saalbach Hinterglemm, please visit www.saalbach.com or our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/SaalbachHinterglemm

Words & Pictures: PR Saalbach-Hinterglemm

Did you enjoy this article? If so, we would be stoked if you decide to support us with a monthly contribution. By becoming a supporter of ENDURO, you will help secure a sustainable future for high-quality mountain bike journalism. Click here to learn more.