WORLDCUP ACTION AND 25 YEARS OF EPIC BIKEPARK LEOGANG

There is plenty to celebrate in Austria’s largest bike region: in 2026, the EPIC Bikepark Leogang marks its 25th anniversary. Since 2001, it has been one of Europe’s most renowned bike parks, attracting fans from all over the world to Saalfelden Leogang. The anniversary will be celebrated from 24 to 26 July with a major event weekend. The bikepark is the heart of Austria’s largest bike region, Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn, which is adding another highlight this year: the Tour de Champions, a new challenge for touring and e-mountain bikers.

 

25 years of EPIC Bikepark Leogang

In 2026, the EPIC Bikepark Leogang celebrates its 25th anniversary – a milestone for Austria’s first bike park, whose international reputation now attracts countless mountain bikers from around the globe. The occasion will be celebrated with a large event weekend (24–26 July 2026) featuring bike action and shared rides.

The season opening is scheduled for 8 May (running until 8 November 2026), when the perfectly maintained lines and trails will reopen. Four highlights have been added since last summer: the red line “T-LINE by GoPro” between “Vali’s Hölle” and “Bongo Bongo”. A notable detail: multiple downhill world champion, overall World Cup winner and local athlete Valentina Höll – after whom the downhill track “Vali’s Hölle” is named – also turns 25 in 2026. Access to the red “T-LINE by GoPro” is via the “Flying Gangster” or “Speedster”, and after 1.3 kilometres it ends at the Riders Playground at the Asitz valley station.

Another addition is the blue line “GATEWAY”, connecting the mid-station of the Steinberg cable cars with the “Steinberg Line”. Stretching over 600 metres, it partly runs along wooden boardwalks and is set in a particularly scenic landscape. For more technical riding, the black single trail “Back to the Roots” in the Steinberg Line area offers a 1.3-kilometre natural trail experience. A standout highlight for advanced riders is the legendary jump line “Hot Shots fired by GoPro”, while experienced riders can take on the World Cup downhill track “Speedster”.

 

Saalfelden Leogang is part of Austria’s largest bike region

Saalfelden Leogang, together with Saalbach Hinterglemm and Fieberbrunn, forms Austria’s largest bike region, offering over 120 kilometres of lines and trails – 45 kilometres of which are located in the EPIC Bikepark Leogang alone. These trails in the bikepark are open daily from 8 May to 8 November 2026 and can be easily accessed via the Asitz or Steinberg cable cars. Natural single trails outside the bikepark are already accessible from April onwards.

The region is also a highlight for gravel bikers, with a variety of tours around Saalbach Hinterglemm, Saalfelden Leogang and Fieberbrunn. For a more relaxed experience, leisurely cycling is another option, with e-bikes available for hire in Saalfelden Leogang – making it easy to explore the region with extra power.

 

 Awards for Saalfelden Leogang:

“UN Tourism & FIA Award for Excellence in Sustainable Sports Tourism” & “UCI Bike Region Label”

In Saalfelden Leogang, world-class mountain biking meets sustainability – and this has been recognised internationally. At the first UN Tourism & FIA Awards for Excellence in Sustainable Sports Tourism 2025, the region won the category “Innovation in Sports Tourism Development”, outperforming finalists from around the world, including initiatives from Italy, Costa Rica, China, Mexico, France and Albania. With the project “Nature-Driven Performance: Saalfelden Leogang as a Pioneer in Eco-Friendly Mountain Bike Tourism”, the region demonstrates how sports tourism and environmental protection go hand in hand: from sustainable trail construction and energy-efficient cable cars to initiatives that raise awareness for nature and wildlife protection among both locals and visitors. The award is not only an honour for the destination, but also a recognition of all partners, businesses and dedicated people who are shaping this sustainable path together – and a strong signal that innovative, responsible tourism represents the future.

Around two dozen cities and regions worldwide carry the “UCI Bike Region” or “UCI Bike City” label, including cities such as Copenhagen, Montreal, Paris, Glasgow and Vancouver, as well as regions such as Flanders, Val di Sole and South Scotland. Since autumn 2023, Saalfelden Leogang has also been officially recognised as a UCI Bike Region. The label is awarded by the Union Cycliste Internationale to destinations that make a significant contribution to cycling. Requirements include hosting major UCI cycling events as well as actively promoting cycling through targeted programmes. In Saalfelden Leogang, aspects such as sustainability, increasing bicycle use, expanding infrastructure, improving safety and reducing accidents, as well as youth bike training, play a key role.

 

New: Tour de Champions

Austria’s largest bike region Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn, introduces a new highlight this summer with the Tour de Champions. It is designed for those who are not afraid of long climbs and want to collect elevation gain – whether as an ambitious marathon biker or a more relaxed e-mountain biker. Legendary venues of past champions can be explored either on a challenging day tour or as a multi-day stage tour. The route leads to nine internationally renowned competition sites that have previously hosted world championships and World Cup events – including the Zwölferkogel in Hinterglemm, the Hochfilzen biathlon stadium and the World Championship tracks in the EPIC Bikepark Leogang. Along the route, participants will find engaging background information on various sports and events. At each stop, points can be collected and later redeemed for attractive rewards.

 

NEW: Bike & Hike Xpress between Fieberbrunn and Leogang

From 11 July to 30 August 2026, the new “Bike & Hike Xpress” bus will connect the Fieberbrunn cable cars and the Leoganger Bergbahnen cable car company for the first time. Whether for bikers switching between the trails in Fieberbrunn and the EPIC Bikepark Leogang, taking on the popular “The Challenge” route in Austria’s largest bike region, hikers exploring routes around the Asitz in Leogang and the Wildseeloder area in Fieberbrunn, or families discovering the Mountain of Senses and Timok’s Wild World, the new Xpress creates an attractive connection for everyone.

 

Improve your skill level

The EPIC Bikepark Leogang is suitable for both kids and professionals. Beginners can start at the Riders Playground, located at the valley station of the Leoganger Bergbahnen cable car company, featuring two conveyor belts and a drag lift. This 30,000 m² practice area is ideal for learning the basics step by step – from proper technique and cornering to overcoming small obstacles. Riders can further refine their skills on the asphalted World Champs Pumptrack or with the GoPro Bagjump landing bag. After that, they will feel ready to take on trails such as “Hangman II” in the bikepark.

 

Ladies Shred at the EPIC Bikepark Leogang – more flow, more power

Mountain biking is no longer a male-dominated sport – more and more women are hitting the trails. The EPIC Bikepark Leogang offers dedicated camps and workshops designed specifically for women, helping them improve their riding technique, build confidence and grow within a supportive community. With professional coaching, ideal terrain and a strong team spirit, the conditions are perfect for taking on new challenges.

 

Online bike bonus and smartphone ticket

In summer, bikepark ticket prices are dynamic. With the Online Bike Bonus, visitors have the opportunity to secure day or multi-day tickets in advance at a lower price. Even more convenient: tickets can be purchased at the best price via the mountain ticket app, activated directly on the smartphone and used to access the lifts and favourite trails without waiting at the ticket office.

 

“Keep the EPIC Bikepark Leogang clean”: environmental awareness on the trails

“What you bring up the mountain, you take back down.” At the EPIC Bikepark Leogang, great importance is placed on respectful interaction with nature. The guiding principle here is “Keep the EPIC Bikepark Leogang clean”. The Leoganger Bergbahnen cable car company is strongly committed to waste separation. One measure to reduce waste on the mountain is the bikepark initiative “Roll-off instead of tear-off”. Tear-off systems (disposable film strips on goggles) are harmful to the environment and therefore not permitted. In wet conditions, riders receive a replacement film for a roll-off system as a small extra when purchasing a ticket, along with a 20% voucher for 100% roll-off goggles at Sport Mitterer.

 

Sustainable trail construction

Sustainability is a key priority in the construction of new trails in the Saalfelden Leogang region. One example is the AlteSchmiede Trail, which is open throughout the summer season (1 June to 15 October). This natural trail was built entirely without the use of machinery, with its starting point located above the mountain station.

The Knappen Trail is another natural single trail, constructed exclusively by hand using natural materials. It features natural sections, wooden constructions known as North Shores and a variety of playful elements. Additional highlights include the two-kilometre-long Forsthof Trail, which crosses several streams and passes impressive rock formations, and the Schwarzleo Trail, which runs through a scenic mixed forest. The Matzalm Trail, stretching over 3.5 kilometres, is characterised by tight switchbacks as well as root and rock sections.

 

Road cycling in Saalfelden Leogang: imperial views of the Großglockner mountain

Austria’s largest bike region can be explored not only on mountain bikes but also on road bikes. Road cyclists can look forward to a range of exciting tours through nature, all offering outstanding panoramic views. Routes vary in difficulty and distance, ranging from 5.9 to 140 kilometres. A true highlight is the Kaiser tour to the Großglockner. At 3,798 metres, it is Austria’s highest mountain. On this route, road cyclists cover 80 kilometres and 2,035 metres of elevation gain, reaching the Kaiser Franz Josef Höhe, where they are rewarded with a breathtaking view of this iconic peak of the High Alps.

 

E-Bike Culinary Tour: from village shop to honey vending machine to distillery

In Saalfelden Leogang, numerous routes are perfectly suited for extended e-bike tours. At the many e-bike charging stations – located in partner hotels, sports shops and even on alpine huts – batteries can be recharged along the way. Whether for a short ride or a full-day tour, in the valley or on the trails, there is a suitable option for everyone.

One recommended route is the E-Bike Culinary Tour. Starting at the valley station of the Asitz cable cars in Leogang, the route leads via Saalfelden, Breitenbergham and Uttenhofen back to Leogang. During the approximately 2.5-hour ride (around 30 kilometres), numerous regional direct producers invite visitors to stop for culinary treats: from the village shop “Dorfladen” in Leogang and Ziefer’s dairy farm to the Stechaubauer organic farm, where fresh organic vegetables are available 24/7 from a self-service vending machine, as well as a honey vending machine by Alfred Bründl, the Siegfried Herzog distillery and many other charming farm shops. For a refreshing break, a swim in lake Ritzensee is always an option.

 

Win with “THE CHALLENGE – Bike your limit”

This challenge is not for the faint-hearted: the goal is to ride across the entire area of Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn in a single day. Using the cable cars is allowed, but the full-day challenge still demands endurance and skill. Riders can expect demanding lines and trails throughout the region.

The effort is rewarded: participants have the chance to win prizes, including a one-week holiday in Austria’s largest bike region with bike tickets included.

 

Bike school and rentals for the perfect day on the bike

A certified bike guide can help riders improve their technique. These bike guides can be found at the Bike School Elements, where they provide professional coaching and practical tips. A range of bike camps is also available. In sports shops such as Sport Mitterer and Bikepoint, visitors can find the right equipment, bikes and protective gear – with rental options available in most cases.

 

Top bike hotels for a well-prepared bike holiday

In the most contrasting region in the Alps, there is a wide selection of bike-friendly accommodations. Saalfelden Leogang offers guests specialised bike hotels with excellent services centred around cycling. These include lockable bike cellars, loan tools and laundry services for dirty clothing.

Many hoteliers are enthusiastic cyclists themselves and can therefore offer tour recommendations or even go biking together with their guests. In Saalfelden, these include Hotel DAS SAAL and the Ritzenhof – Hotel & Spa at the lake. In Leogang, Hotel Bacher, Hotel Leonhard, Hotel Der Löwe, mama thresl, Riederalm – Good Life Resort Leogang, Biohotel Rupertus, Hotel Salzburger Hof, Hotel Stockinggut, Hotel Puradies, Hotel Krallerhof, Hotel Forsthofalm and Naturhotel Forsthofgut are all ideally suited for a bike holiday in the region.

 

Bike events 2026: WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series, (Leo)Gang Days, bike festival and RUSH 300

Pros in action: from 11 to 14 June, the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series will once again make a World Cup stop in Saalfelden Leogang in SalzburgerLand. The World Cup races will be held in Olympic Cross-Country, Short Track, Downhill and Enduro. In addition to the thrilling World Cup races, the event weekend will also feature spectacular side events, numerous signing sessions, a large expo area and parties.

By the way: Saalfelden Leogang will host the UCI Mountain Bike World Championships from 30 August to 3 September 2028.

A five-year partnership (2025–2030) has been agreed upon with Warner Bros. Discovery Sports (WBD Sports). This is the first long-term agreement of its kind between WBD, the organiser of the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series, and a region. It guarantees top-class mountain bike events in Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn, Austria’s largest bike region, until 2030.

On 5 July 2026, the RUSH 300 will lead riders across 300 kilometres and 2,500 metres of elevation through the impressive alpine landscape of SalzburgerLand. This road cycling event starts and finishes at lake Ritzensee in Saalfelden Leogang and offers long climbs, fast descents and varied route profiles. Four refreshment stations, support vehicles and a mechanic service ensure optimal support throughout the ride. Participants ride, push themselves and finish together in guided groups – a challenge for both body and mind that opens the way into the exclusive 300 Club. The shorter “Light” version covers 160 kilometres and 1,500 metres of elevation gain.

To mark the 25th anniversary of the EPIC Bikepark Leogang, a true highlight awaits in summer 2026: from 24 to 26 July, the (Leo)Gang Days will turn the region into a hotspot for bike enthusiasts. A quarter of a century filled with lines, airtime, and adrenaline sets the stage for an event that brings together sporting action and a strong community spirit. Visitors can look forward to a diverse programme featuring bikepark sessions, selected side events, and an atmosphere that makes the spirit of the sport tangible in all its facets.

Another highlight for bike fans is the 7th edition of the bike festival in Saalfelden Leogang, which takes place from 2 to 4 October at the EPIC Bikepark Leogang. Numerous top brands will showcase their products and latest innovations, while workshops with stars from the bike scene, kids’ races, exciting side events and several signing sessions complete the programme.