After we learned that COVID-19 restrictions pertaining to artistic and cultural events were easing up, we immediately decided to show the world that the Saalfelden Jazz Festival is alive and well. That’s when the idea for the Jazz Saalfelden Weekender was born. Heralding optimism and confidence, this series of weekend concerts aims to delight music enthusiasts. Even though we won’t be able to follow our usual routine and host concerts on the Mainstage at the Congress Center’s and the town square’s big stages, we will be able to organize a musical happening from August 20 to 23, 2020 with a concert for every taste, from jazz to pop. Concerts will take place in the city park, at Kunsthaus Nexus, on alpine pastures, in the Schloss Ritzen Museum, at the “ranch,” on the roof terrace of the Congress and in the popular Fuchs bookbindery. Additional highlights will include guided hikes with musical accompaniment through the surrounding mountain scenery. Musical acts will include Mario Rom’s Interzone, Krokofant feat. Ingebrigt Haker Flaten & Stale Storlokken, „Training“ feat. Max Andrzejewski & Johnny Schleiermacher, Duo 4675 Astrid & Beate Wiesinger, Fabian Rucker, Katharina Ernst, Lukas Kranzelbinder, the Strottern & Blech, Voodoo Jürgens, Fuzzman, Mira Lu Kovacs, My Ugly Clementine, and many more.
The UCI Mountain Bike World Championships in Downhill and Pump Track, originally planned for September 4th to 6th, 2020 at Epic Bikepark Leogang, will be moved to October and extended with two extra disciplines. From 7th to 11th October 2020 Saalfelden Leogang will host the UCI Mountain Bike World Championships and in addition to the already confirmed disciplines of Downhill and Pump Track, Cross-Country and E-Mountain Biking will also take place in the Pinzgau region. The UCI, the Austrian Cycling Federation and the region Saalfelden Leogang announce good news for the bike scene: this year will be the second time the UCI Mountain Bike World Championship will take place in Saalfelden Leogang after 2012. As previously confirmed, UCI title battles in Downhill and Pump Track (postponed by more than a month) as well as the two additional disciplines of Cross-Country and E-MTB make this the quadruple World Championships. The world's best riders will transform Epic Bikepark Leogang into the ultimate bike hotspot from October 7th to 11th, 2020 and compete for the coveted rainbow jerseys. The Cross-Country and E-MTB competitions were originally scheduled for the end of June 2020 in Albstadt (GER), but fell victim to the corona crisis. Eight years ago, the picturesque mountain range Leoganger Steinberge and the Steinerne Meer were the backdrop for four World Championship disciplines: Downhill, Cross-Country, Four Cross and Trials. The confirmation of the World Championships, including the new disciplines, brings great anticipation for the World Championship organizer and CEO of Leoganger Bergbahnen Kornel Grundner: "Over the past ten years we have developed into an extremely reliable partner of the UCI. We are currently working through various "Corona-suitable" concepts, because this year in particular it will be a great challenge to be able to hold the World Championships with four disciplines. But thanks to our enormous investments over almost 20 years, we have the infrastructure for such an event and are looking forward to it," said Grundner. Marco Pointner, World Championship organizer and CEO of Saalfelden Leogang Touristik is also enthusiastic: "The past two months have been very nerve-wracking in many aspects. Unfortunately, the World Champs in Albstadt along with some World Cup races have been cancelled, with other World Cup races postponed, to commence not before September. As a result, we have seen ourselves increasingly responsible for making a mountain bike World Championship possible for the riders, teams and sponsors, but also for the fans. The fact that we now have certainty is a great relief and brings huge anticipation for all of us. If the competitions can still take place with fans and spectators trackside, that would of course be the icing on the cake." Whether the UCI Mountain Bike World Championships can take place in front of an audience, as well as information about the schedule, course layout, supporting program and much more, will be announced in the next few weeks. All details are also available at: www.bikewm2020.com Pure riding fun in Austria's largest bike region With the relocation and expansion of the UCI Mountain Bike World Championships, the good news continues for the Saalfelden Leogang region. Recently, the opening of the Epic Bikepark Leogang on 29 May 2020 was announced. There will be pure riding fun from 11 June when Saalfelden Leogang joins forces with Saalbach Hinterglemm and Fieberbrunn to form Austria's largest bike region. Over 70 kilometers of single trails, downhill tracks and flow lines with the corresponding nine mountain railways are included in the new joint bike ticket.
The growing desire of bikers is being satisfied in Saalfelden Leogang with exciting new features: the Hot Shots fired by GoPro is being converted into a jump line and one of the largest beginner bike parks in Europe, the Riders Playground, is also enjoying numerous updates. In addition, the merger of Saalfelden Leogang with Saalbach Hinterglemm and Fieberbrunn to form Austria's largest bike region ensures superlative biking fun. The time has finally come: Leoganger Bergbahnen has been given the green light to open the Epic Bikepark Leogang on 29 May 2020, just three weeks later than originally planned. ‘The past two months have hit us all hard. We are happy that the measures taken by the Austrian government have borne fruit and that nothing stands in the way of bike park operations at Epic Bikepark Leogang,’ says Kornel Grundner, Managing Director of Leoganger Bergbahnen, adding: ’We have used the time wisely to expand the offer for our guests with exciting new features.’ Since the beginning of April, not only have overhauls been carried out, but also renovation work. The Asitzbahn and, from 4 July, the Steinbergbahn will take riders quickly and comfortably to the starting point of their bike adventures. There, bikers will literally be flying high, as the Hot Shots fired by GoPro is being converted into a jump line with a complete facelift. The challenging new course guarantees airtime and fun in equal measure for experts. ‘Although we already made extensive investments last year, we want to continue to cater to the wishes of our guests. In particular, the remodelling of the Hot Shots fired by GoPro was based on their suggestions,’ explains Grundner. The 10,000 square metre Riders Playground has been given a facelift: New conveyor belts provide better access to the 5,000 square metre World Champs pump track, which opened in 2019 and is surrounded by a flowing jump & dirt line. The Riders Playground, one of the largest in Europe, has also been expanded with two completely new lines. The region's single trail network will also be expanded this year. Construction work on a new version of the Schwarzleo Trail is expected to start at the beginning of July. Welcome to Austria's largest bike region But that's not all. Since summer 2020, the Epic Bikepark Leogang has been part of Austria's largest bike region! The merger of Saalfelden Leogang, Saalbach Hinterglemm and Fieberbrunn ensures superlative biking fun: over 70 km of lines & trails and nine modern mountain lifts take bikers quickly and comfortably to the most beautiful peaks and to the start of the coolest trails. With anticipation and a hygiene concept Health is undoubtedly the top priority at Bikepark Leogang. That is why the government's requirements regarding hygiene measures due to the corona pandemic are being consistently implemented. ‘We are all very pleased that the Epic Bikepark Leogang is allowed to open on 29 May 2020, because this means a big and above all beautiful step back to normality for the entire Saalfelden Leogang region. Also in view of the fact that the catering trade will already be open by then and the hotels will be allowed to open at the same time,’ says Marco Pointner, Managing Director of Saalfelden Leogang Touristik. Gastronomy, hotels and travel restrictions There is also good news from the catering and hotel sectors. Restaurants and alpine huts will be allowed to open from 15 May 2020 and thus serve guests under the familiar conditions and regulations. Further easing will also affect hotels, which will also be allowed to accommodate guests again from 29 May 2020. These are of course subject to the same strict hygiene regulations, but guarantee that a trip to Bikepark Leogang does not have to be a one-day experience, but that bikers can completely free themselves from the lockdown lethargy and pursue their passion for several days in a row. Further information on the currently uncertain entry restrictions and exit restrictions from other countries will follow on the platform of the province of Salzburg. ‘Politicians are already in dialogue with our neighbouring countries to clarify the possibilities for holidaymakers from abroad. Opening the border as soon as possible would of course be another milestone for the entire region. The top priority and prerequisite for this is, of course, that the number of infections continues to fall,’ said Marco Pointner. Outlook for the Downhill & Pump Track World Championships The UCI Mountain Bike World Championships in Downhill and Pumptrack planned for 04 to 06 September in the Epic Bikepark Leogang will take place. Information will follow shortly.
Since the beginning of mountain biking in Austria, Saalbach Hinterglemm and Saalfelden Leogang have been pioneers in terms of bike trails and infrastructure. The region, which has long since grown into one of the most modern and largest ski resorts in Europe in winter thanks to the merger to form the Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn and has been working together successfully for years, also took the plunge in summer in 2020. Saalbach Hinterglemm, Saalfelden Leogang and Fieberbrunn are joining forces to create Austria's largest bike region! For a long time, Saalbach Hinterglemm and Saalfelden Leogang were regarded as two independent bike destinations. For a long time, the two regions motivated each other to grow in terms of bike offers. And for a long time they worked on a joint offer and the merger. And in order to offer bikers the largest possible network of mountain bike trails, Fieberbrunn in PillerseeTal was of course also brought on board or on the bike. The result Over 70 kilometres of single trails, downhill tracks and flow lines, with the corresponding nine mountain lifts, are included in the new joint bike ticket. In addition, Fieberbrunn in PillerseeTal offers a network of mountain bike trails spanning all federal states, the limits of which are only determined by your own fitness level. E-bike charging stations at mountain huts and in the valley recharge your bike's batteries during a cosy lunch break, thus ensuring even greater ranges and touring options. The offer is rounded off by services specially tailored to bikers, such as bike shops, hire, bike schools, guiding and practice areas for beginners. And cyclists are also welcome guests everywhere in the accommodation, restaurants and huts. Unrivalled trail variety Are you looking for flowing lines for beginners that will put a happy grin on the face of any pro? Or would you prefer really fast downhill trails with big jumps? Do you fancy a blocked, technical trail for a change? On over 70 kilometres of trails, beginner areas and pump tracks, beginners can get to grips with the sport and experts can discover their personal favourite routes. But professionals will also find the most challenging bike park trails in the region on the Speedster - the official downhill world championship trail in Leogang -, the X-Line in Saalbach and the Pro Line in Hinterglemm. Natural trail fans can let off steam on the legendary Hacklberg Trail and the challenging Bergstadl Trail in Saalbach Hinterglemm. But anyone who thinks that the Epic Bikepark Leogang only has speed and jumptrails to offer will be proven wrong on the scenic Antonius Trail and the technical Forsthof Trail. Infinite ranges The huge network of signposted mountain bike trails in Austria's largest bike region only stops at your own physical abilities. Whether it's a leisurely tour on an e-bike or a challenging mountain bike marathon - every biker will find exactly the right offer for their endurance here. For all those who like to combine their tour with a culinary highlight, there are the gourmet e-bike tours or the tour to the picnic at the mountain lake in Fieberbrunn in PillerseeTal. ___ Quotes: Isabella Dschulnigg-Geissler, Managing Director of Saalbacher Bergbahnen: ‘In winter, we have been working together successfully for a long time in the Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn, and now we have also succeeded in perfecting our varied offer in summer with the joint bike map. In an international comparison, we have created a unique, varied offer. I myself am also an enthusiastic biker and am already looking forward to enjoying the size and diversity of our region on perfectly groomed trails with my kids.’ Wolfgang Breitfuß, Director of the Saalbach Hinterglemm Tourist Board: ‘We have succeeded in creating another superlative. With Austria's largest bike region, we are now also scoring points in the national and international competition in summer. Mountain biking - whether in the bike park, on an e-bike or on extended tours - is becoming increasingly popular and this is certainly a trend that will continue to grow in the future. We already know from the winter that we are a good team. I am delighted that we are now also working together in summer.’ Peter Mitterer, Managing Director of Hinterglemm Bergbahnen: ‘Our task is to offer our guests a top holiday destination in summer too. What we have already achieved in winter with our partners Saalfelden Leogang and Fieberbrunn, we can now do in summer too. Even if the situation is not easy at the moment, we will offer our guests the greatest possible safety. Our offer will be in full operation from 11 June.’ Kornel Grundner, Managing Director of Leoganger Bergbahnen and Bikepark Leogang: ‘At last, what belongs together is coming together! With the Epic Bikepark Leogang and the many trails in Saalbach Hinterglemm and Fieberbrunn, Austria's largest bike region offers one of the best programmes in Europe! Variety is guaranteed in any case. We're really looking forward to kicking off the summer season with the Epic Bikepark Leogang on 29 May and experiencing the full range of trails in Austria's largest bike region from 11 June.’ Armin Kuen, Managing Director of the PillerseeTal Tourist Board: ‘The Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn success story is now being finalised all year round. What we have been practising very successfully with our entire team for years in winter and are therefore among the best, we are now continuing with our unique bike offer in summer. In this way, we can fulfil all the needs of the bike community and continue to develop thanks to our concentrated strength.’ Toni Niederwieser, Managing Director of the Fieberbrunn cable cars: ‘After five successful winters, Bergbahnen Fieberbrunn is particularly pleased to now also have a joint offer in summer with the inclusion in the bike map. With Saalbach Hinterglemm and Saalfelden Leogang, Fieberbrunn has absolute professionals at its side and we are confident that we will also be able to further develop the offer for our guests in the biking segment.’
We have all been affected by the events of the past few weeks and months. In Austria, due to Covid19, all events are officially prohibited until August 31, 2020. We too have to accept the developments and decisions of the federal government and announce with a heavy heart that the Jazz Festival Saalfelden 2020 will be canceled. We see it as our responsibility to offer visitors and artists the greatest possible security, this is why we decided not to postpone the jazz festival to another date. We are looking forward to seeing you again in Saalfelden in August 2021. Let's stay positive, we are looking forward to a great festival next year - August 19th-22nd, 2021. But more importantly at the moment: stay healthy!
It is a time-honored tradition for the artistic management to commission an Austrian musician with opening the festival. This year, the Austrian Fabian Rucker has received this distinction. Fabian Rucker and his eponymous quintet will open the festival with a performance on the Main Stage. RUCKER Fabian Rucker – saxophones, synth Philipp Nykrin – piano, synth Mike Gamble – guitars Kurt Kotheimer – bass, synth Peter Kronreif – drums First Highlights Saalfelden is proud to present a selection of bands from the very diverse Austrian jazz scene this summer. While Christoph Cech will open the Short Cuts series with his 16-member ensemble on Thursday, the bands Chuffdrone and Mario Rom’s Interzone will present their newly released albums on the Mainstage. We are pleased to welcome drummer Katharina Ernst—who will present several of her projects—as Saalfelden’s 2020 artist-in-residence. We can also look forward to performances by Astrid and Beate Wiesinger—aka „Duo 4675“. As well by Georg Vogel and his band Dsilton, and by „GeoGeMa“ (Georg Vogel, Gerald Preinfalk, and Matheus Jardim). Last but not least, the Orwah Saleh Band and Karl Ritter will showcase their exceptional artistic vision on the City Stage.
The men's race was decided directly at the finish line in favour of Philipp Lipowitz, while Claudia Egginger also sprinted to triumph in the women's race on the home straight. Over the half marathon distance, German starters were in charge, but two local heroes were also among the front runners. A total of over 350 starters lined up at the start of the 13th Saalfelden Ski Marathon. In the men's race, only fractions of a second were decisive in the battle for the crown in the supreme discipline. Philipp Lipowitz from Ski-Club Seefeld delivered a strong race over the entire 42 kilometres, was able to mobilise the necessary reserves at the end and took victory with a 0.4 second lead over Nikolaus Leitinger (SC St. Martin bei Lofer). ‘It went very well for me and in the end the race was decided on the finish line. I'm very happy that I was able to take the win,’ said Lipowitz, who also praised the excellent work of the organisers: ’The conditions were great, a brilliant event.’ Simon Kugler from the Fischer Racing Team completed an all-red-white-red podium with third place in the men's race. With the last few grains on the home straight to victory The women's final was also a blink of an eye. Claudia Egginger took victory after 42 kilometres, 2.3 seconds ahead of Stephy Schwärzler (SV Oberreute, Germany) on the home straight: ‘It was a cool race, pretty fast right from the start. I didn't think I would be able to keep up the pace like that. The track was hard and icy, surprising considering the weather was forecast to be so warm. That was cool. I'm very happy that I was able to win in the final sprint,’ said Egginger, who competed for Skiunion Böhmerwald. Birgitt Wittmann from Germany (RSC AUTO BROSCH Kempten) came third in the women's race. Local heroes in second and third place in the half marathon The races over the half marathon distance were no less exciting. Two German runners, Florian Hollandt from SWV Goldlauter and Johanna Puff from SC Bayrischzell, came out on top. Over the 21 kilometres, however, two local heroes were also in contention for the podium places. Anna Andexer and Femke Kramer from SK Saalfelden took second and third place. Perfect work by the organisers made thrilling races possible Despite difficult conditions, the organisers of the 13th Saalfelden Ski Marathon provided the best conditions for a top-class cross-country skiing event last weekend. The premiere over the light distance (10.5 kilometres) and the mini ski marathon also brought countless cross-country skiing enthusiasts to the Saalfelden trails. ‘We are particularly pleased that we had so many runners at the start this year and that the innovations were very well received. Sensational trail conditions, a top field of starters, a really successful event. We are now looking forward to next year's edition, including the premiere of the Charity Business Run,’ Marco Pointner, Managing Director of Saalfelden Leogang Touristik, summarised with satisfaction.
For the 13th time, the Saalfelden Ski Marathon will send its participants on an energy-sapping journey amidst a unique backdrop on 16 February. In addition to the 42 and 21 kilometre highlights, the race weekend also features the Mini Skimarathon and, new this year, the Skimarathon Light. As part of the 8th Austria Loppet races, the biggest fun run in the Pinzgau region will take place on 16 February - the Saalfelden Ski Marathon. On that Sunday, participants will take on the supreme discipline over 42 kilometres or the half marathon distance over 21 kilometres using the skating technique over the gentle hills of the Saalfelden landscape. Surrounded by the imposing massif of the Steinernes Meer, numerous international participants, including some top runners, will once again be at the starting line this year to compete for top places. At the same time as the 42 and 21 kilometre distances, the starting signal for the Ski Marathon Light will also be given for the first time this year at 9.30 am in the Ramseiden district. The race for everyone also brings less experienced skiers to the Saalfelden cross-country trail and leads over 10.5 kilometres to the finish using the skating technique. The day before, the next generation will be at the start as usual. At 1.30 pm and 2 pm, children and schoolchildren will skate two, four or six kilometres to the finish in the mini ski marathon. Every year, very special cross-country skiing moments can be experienced. The first edition of the Charity Business Run, also planned for 15 February, will have to wait for its premiere. In order to preserve the trails for the main competition on Sunday, the Charity Business Run has been cancelled. Nevertheless, a donation will be made to the Hospice Initiative Saalfelden. Start of the mini ski marathon: Saturday, 15 February, 13.30 Children 14.00 hrs pupils Start ski marathon (42 & 21 kilometres): Sunday, 16 February, 9.30 am Start Ski Marathon LIGHT: Sunday, 16 February, 9.30 am
The international off-road bike scene has much to look forward to in 2020 as the Velosolutions Pump Track at Saalfelden Leogang, Austria has been selected to stage the Red Bull UCI Pump Track World Championships in September. Adding to the excitement Pump Track will this year join forces with the UCI Mountain Bike Downhill World Championships, promising an epic weekend of all things bike. Red Bull and Velosolutions launched the Red Bull UCI Pump Track World Championships in 2018 and in 2019, the iconic rainbow stripes were handed out for the first time at the World Final in Switzerland - after joining cycling governing body, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) - to Payton Ridenour and Tommy Zula respectively. With 30 qualifiers lined up for 2020, the immense growth in pump track - with its unique and fresh approach to competitive biking on a global level - is undeniable. Taking place from 4 - 6 September 2020, this will be the second time since 2012 that the UCI Mountain Bike Downhill World Championships will be hosted in Saalfelden Leogang - only this time round, the action is set to double. "Being allowed to host the World Championship again after eight years confirms that we not only run exciting races and provide a good infrastructure, but also that the entire team works perfectly, hand in hand,“ says Marco Pointner, Managing Director of Saalfelden Leogang Touristik. „The eyes of the international bike scene will be on us again. With the UCI Mountain Bike Downhill World Championships presented by Mercedes-Benz and the Red Bull UCI Pump Track World Championships, we can strengthen our status as a top bike destination once again!" Racing isn’t the only thing the fans will enjoy over this weekend, with the sporting festival presenting a packed programme of thrilling side-events. Over and above the impressive Team & Expo Area, fans at Saalfelden Leogang will be treated to an array of open- air concerts, parties and shows. Two world class biking events rolled into one festival weekend? Yes, we thought you’d like that.
On 9 and 23 February, the ‘Nordic Park Experience’ awaits once again, bringing a touch of the far north to the ‘Nordic Park’ at Lake Ritzensee with a mix of an extensive range of sports, typical cuisine and a tailored entertainment programme. Enjoying the sun in a deckchair in a Norwegian jumper with a warm ‘Glögg’ in your hand? Or would you prefer to double pole through the glistening winter landscape? At the Nordic Park Experience on 9 and 23 February in Saalfelden Leogang, everyone can do as they please. From 12 noon to 4 p.m. on both days, the event offers the perfect opportunity to indulge in the far north and its lifestyle - in a sporty, culinary and entertaining way. Sport and enjoyment on cross-country trails, ice and in a deckchair If you want to ski far and wide, you can leave your tracks on the extensive network of cross-country trails. The Salomon company will be there with new equipment and offers a cross-country ski test. On both Nordic Park Experience afternoons, there will also be a natural ice rink on Lake Ritzensee where ice hockey sticks or curling sticks can be used (depending on the weather). All young visitors have the opportunity to try their hand at curling, biathlon and more at the Kids Winter Games. After the sporting activities, the ‘hyggelige’, or cosy, part of the Nordic Park Experience awaits with a delicious BBQ with regional ingredients, prepared by the Ritzenhof Hotel & Spa am See. Green in the far north As in previous years, the ‘Nordic Park Experience’ is also a ‘GREEN EVENT SALZBURG’ in 2020. This means that the organisers will adhere to special guidelines when organising and running the event, with the aim of avoiding waste, conserving resources and using regional products. The ‘Nordic Park Experience’ is intended to be as sustainable and environmentally friendly an event as possible.prepared by the Ritzenhof Hotel & Spa am See.
