It's like entering another world when you get on your bike down in Kaprun and set off up to the foot of the glacier on the Kitzsteinhorn. Nowhere else do civilisation and the world of ice come so close as in Kaprun. The frozen primeval rivers are usually hidden at the very back of the valley - not here. Zell am See and Kaprun are located where the Pinzgau is at its widest and the Salzach valley spreads out like a huge green carpet. But as soon as you have reached the first hurdle with the Maiskogel, you turn into the rugged incision of the Kaprun valley. Along steep slopes, it slowly becomes more difficult to crank your way up the second section. The path now climbs more steeply, but the views of the Hohe Tauern also become increasingly impressive.
At 2000 metres above sea level, it is with a certain pride that you finally join all those who have only reached this panorama with the help of the lift. However, this pride is soon forgotten, as even the most well-behaved uphill skier has no choice but to take the cable car for the last 450 metres. At least if you don't want to miss this absolute highlight of the region: the Geißstein Trail. This epic descent starts at the Alpine Centre below the striking Kitzsteinhorn and only ends at Langwiedboden at an altitude of 2000 metres. This is exactly where you have just mutated from fitness guru to freerider. And this new mindset is pleasing and continues for another 1000 metres downhill with sensational trails and lots of riding fun. By the time you reach Lake Zell, you wish you'd bought a lift ticket straight away, because then you'd have enough time for another descent. Next time then.
Interview Marco Pointner, Zell am See-Kaprun Tourism
"Trails in three vegetation zones with sensational views."
BIKE Magazine: What makes the trails on the Kitzsteinhorn so special?
Marco Pointner: Definitely the unique opportunity to ride from the glacier to Lake Zell. The trails lead through three alpine vegetation zones and offer sensational, scenic views - twelve kilometres and 1500 metres of riding fun in one go.
How long is the season up there?
Depending on the current snow conditions, from around mid-June to mid-September.
What other options are there for bikers in Zell am See-Kaprun?
You can climb the mountains on a mountain bike or take a leisurely ride around Lake Zell with the family. The Maiskogel is the right address for uphill riders, and freestylers can let off steam in the bike park in Kaprun. A more relaxed way to explore the mountains is by e-bike. Zell am See-Kaprun is part of one of the largest e-bike regions in Austria, the Pinzgau.
The Kitzsteinhorn offers these MTB trails:
GeisssteinTrail - High alpine path
The Geißsteintrail is an extraordinary adventure between 2450 and 2000 metres above sea level right at the foot of the Kitzsteinhorn. It starts at the Alpine Centre and initially alternates between playful trail sections and gravel paths. Things get really exciting when the trail finally leaves the winter circus area and winds its way through the alpine meadows as a narrow, flowing path. Its flow is only interrupted now and again by small rocks or the occasional tight hairpin bend. The scenery with the expansive, unobstructed view over the Pinzgau is just as impressive as the fun that you are sure to have very soon.
BachlerTrail - Cream trail
The Bachlertrail is a real gem. Just below the Maiskogel, the trail leads down the steep meadow slope above the Kaprun valley to the Klammsee lake. With views across to Lake Zell. The "Bachler" offers no technical difficulties and does not present any major obstacles for bikers. Mostly on a meadow path, only occasionally a little rooty or stony, you roll quickly downhill and only pull the brakes before the hairpin bends, which are not too tight to negotiate. More of it!
Tour tip: Kitzsteinhorn trail explorer
37.65 km ● 4:00 h
1598 hm ● 2067 hm
A tour for bikers who want to honestly earn the trail fun at the foot of the glacier. The route of the Kitzsteinhorn Snowclimb starts with wide hairpin bends with views over the Pinzgau to the Maiskogel. Then, high above the Kaprun valley, after a short descent past the start of the Bachlertrail, you tackle the ascent to Langwiedboden. The only way up to the Alpine Centre at 2450 metres is by cable car. The Geißstein Trail, a delicacy in high alpine terrain, now leads back down to Langwied (with a rest stop at the Häuslalm). The route now leads downhill on and along the ascent path, repeatedly utilising the exciting trail shortcuts, the upper part of the Wüstlau Trail, the challenging final section of which is later left to the right. This tour later takes the Bachlertrail into the valley and leads back past the turquoise-coloured gorge lake. Less metres in altitude, more trails? Maiskogel or Langwiedboden by gondola!
MTB information about Zell am See-Kaprun
The precinct At the foot of the Kitzsteinhorn, bikers will find a series of extraordinary downhill trails in a high alpine landscape. The Geißstein, Wüstlau and Bachlertrail are the exciting trails on the Kaprun side. Those who prefer less rocky trails will find plenty of options for tours of all lengths around Lake Zell. Info: www.zellamsee-kaprun.com All information on trails, riding times and prices on the Kitzsteinhorn can be found here: www.kitzsteinhorn.at
Events 29/30 August 2015: Highlight for triathlon fans: Ironman 70.3 World Championship in Zell am See.
Tour information The Zell am See-Kaprun cycle & bike map contains 23 route suggestions. The brochure can be online order, for example at the address bike.salzburgerland.com
Bike shops Intersport Bründl (Kaprun and Zell am See) and Intersport Scholz in Zell am See offer bikes, parts, spare parts and service. And they hire out mountain bikes.
E-bikes Numerous stations in the region have e-bikes (including e-mountain bikes) for hire and electricity for recharging. Exciting: the e-freeride centre on the Schmitten with e-motocross bikes.
Have you already got to know one of these spots? Then let us know about your experiences in the comments box below.
