Elke Rabeder, Austrian national downhill champion, has found her second home in the Bikepark Wagrain. The gravity queen loves to save metres in altitude with the "Flying Mozart" gondola lift, as this has now become even easier thanks to the expansion of the bike park with the second mountain lift section. At the top, you thread into the newly built Hard Rock freeride line to finally arrive at the middle station with a variety of options. In the forest, the Hard Rock splits into "Nail Games", "Symphony" and "Lillys Treat". Incidentally, the latter trail is named after the dachshund of trail builder Tonio, as the dog is always there when his master goes out to maintain the trail.
You only have to ride it a few times to quickly get a feel for which trail combination suits you best. "My favourite lines are the new Hard Rock because it is so varied, together with the rooty Angry Ants and Memories. It immediately gives you that challenging downhill feeling," explains Elke Rabeder. The inbuilt fun elements are perfect training for her. "My favourite obstacle is the wall right after the middle station. It has the perfect radius for all speeds."
Playing with the possibilities is what makes this bike park so charming. Every junction is signposted. So you can always decide anew which level of difficulty you want to take on. The lines are marked in a simple colour code of blue, red and black. Elke has already been able to see for herself many times that the bike park has gained a lot from the addition of the summit section. She always enjoys the new section. It is simply unbelievably long, guarantees variety and the flow is not long in coming. The scenery on the Hard Rock is also an absolute dream.
The new section undoubtedly enhances the Bikepark Wagrain. And not just from a technical riding point of view. While all the trails were previously hidden in the forest, there is now a great panoramic view at the start.
The only important thing to know now is that the park rules stipulate that protectors must be worn. Safety first is very important to Katharina Emberger from the park operator, Bergbahnen Wagrain. Protectors can also be hired, and for pros like Elke, the protectors are a cool thing anyway.
Quick check: the trails in the Bikepark Wagrain
- HARD ROCK
At 3.7 kilometres, this is the longest trail in the park, newly built with a panoramic factor. A fun freeride line of medium level - SYMPHONY
The centrepiece of the lower park section with obstacles for lots of airtime - but for which there are bypasses - ON AIR
Fluid fun course with berms and wall rides for having fun and getting to grips with the park - NAIL GAMES
Difficult old-school single trail with roots, ramps and bridges - ANGRY ANTS
Crisp root carpet uncompromising in the fall line - MEMORIES
Challenging single trail in the lower section of the park with everything that technically experienced riders will enjoy - R 'N' B NORTHSHORE
If you're afraid of heights, you should skip this "boardwalk"
"The Bikepark Wagrain offers a lot of fun for bikers of all skill levels. Everyone will find a challenge on the diverse trails. The obstacles and crossings are built very safely and are therefore also suitable for children." - Elke Rabeder, downhill pro
Away from the park - the best MTB tours
Around Wagrain and Kleinarl there are plenty of exciting bike tours. Here are the three most beautiful tours that allow you to experience the entire region:
The High green deck (27.9 km/1126 metres in altitude) is the showpiece panoramic mountain high above St. Johann im Pongau and Bischofshofen. At the top, there are uninterrupted views of the Tauern mountains, the Hochkönig massif and the Dachstein.
The Frauenalm circuit (33.1 km/1017 altitude metres) is just as easy from Wagrain as from Flachau. A very rewarding tour with valley changes and varied impressions. The Flying Mozart, the gondola lift, helps you get started. Start at the middle station.
The Grafenberg circuit (16.4 km/603 altitude metres) leads from Wagrain in the direction of Kleinarl and collects the altitude metres on this side. A nice after-work ride or roll-in tour!
All information about the Wagrain-Kleinarl bike area
The precinct
The bike park is just the epicentre for trail fans. But the Wagrain-Kleinarl region actually has a whole lot more to offer bikers. There are tour options in all directions. For example in the east to Flachau or in the north to the Hochgründeck. Touring bikers can also use the Flying Mozart, the gondola lift, to increase the panoramic factor on their tours right from the start. All information about the region and transport can be found at www.wagrain-kleinarl.at and www.bergbahnen-wagrain.at
Tour information
On the homepage of the Wagrain-Kleinarl tourist office, there is a link to an interactive bike map with a total of 19 tour suggestions ranging from family-friendly to sporty. You can also download the GPS data there.
Bike park
Route information, opening times, prices, park rules, etc: www.bikewagrain.com
Bike hotels
There are several hosts in the region who cater for bikers. The tourism association can help you find them.
Bike events
The Symphony Jam Session, one of the coolest gravity events in the Salzburg region, takes place every year at the beginning of August. Incidentally, the women's winner in 2015 was Elke Rabeder. Everything about the event and the exact date can be found on the bike park's homepage.
Bike shops
Bike World Wagrain (www.bike-world.at); Sport Obermoser (www.wagrain-sport.at); Mountain Sport Wagrain (www.mountain-sport.at)
Bike guides
Bikeworld offers guided tours and riding technique workshops.
