Schöckl Trail Area in Graz: New enduro route makes winter a little sweeter

As far as skiing is concerned, that’s long since been a thing of the past in Graz. Although Austria’s second-largest city lies in the foothills of the south-eastern Alpine arc and has the Schöckl – a 1,500-metre-high mountain complete with ski lifts – on its doorstep, there hasn’t been enough snow for winter sports for a long time now. In the mountains around Graz, the Mediterranean southerly winds now carry seeds of plants that normally only thrive in southern Europe.

In 2010, the first mountain bikers approached the cable car owner; it then took another two years before the first trails were built and riders were allowed to use them, albeit rather unofficially. But in 2014, there was finally cause for celebration: the Schöckl Trail Area was officially opened! Its unique feature: it is the only bike park in the Alps that is open all year round.

The “1000” is already authorised for use

In the early years, however, the lines were mainly reserved for experienced riders. And even they are a bit daunted by the challenging ‘Gedscho’ run (2003 European Championships). But the locals have since been allowed to keep digging. The original three lines are regularly updated; there is now even a mini-bike and coaching zone at the valley station, and on particularly challenging sections there are ‘chicken way’ bypasses, which require an intermediate level of riding ability.

Freshly completed and just broken in is the “1000er”: a 10-kilometre-long enduro trail with a vertical drop of just over 1,000 metres. It starts on the Schöckl Plateau, weaves its way through the “300er”, “Waller Jumpline” and “Süßkartoffel-Trail”, and in between repeatedly forges its own path all the way down to Graz/Sattegg. With uphill sections! Although these might actually be quite beneficial in winter, as they’ll warm you up quickly. This enduro route isn’t quite finished yet. At the moment, there’s still a short tarmac section, but this is due to be sorted out soon.

Gravitiy Movement Camp with two iconic figures

What you’ll definitely need in the Schöckl Trail Area are: plenty of suspension travel and riding technique. You’ll need to bring your own bike, but you can also book a course for advanced riders at the Schöckl to improve your riding technique: Michi Gölles, a sports scientist and former Austrian downhill champion, runs a riding technique school here.

If you’re lucky, you might even bump into Andi Kolb (World Cup pro) and Stevie Schneider, aka Steviefuckin’schneider, here at the end of October (a cult video personality – have a look: (stevie-schneider.com). The pair have signed up to run one of their Gravity Movement camps in the Schöckl Area at the end of October with their nine protégés. A youth development initiative with a 360-degree approach: The aim is to provide structured support to young downhill talents over several months and give them professional guidance towards a potential professional career – technically, mentally, in terms of media presence and personally. Perhaps you’ll simply introduce yourselves to the pair and apply for the next Movement Camp in 2027?

Information on the Schöckl Trail Area

Summer opening hours (1 May – 31 October)

• Mon–Fri, 9 am to 5 pm
• Saturdays, Sundays and school holidays from 9 am to 6 pm

Winter opening hours (1 November – 30 April)

• ​Nov to Feb: Mon–Sun, 9 am to 4.30 pm
• March, April: Mon–Sun, 9 am to 5 pm

Day ticket: 42.40 euros

Information: schoeckl-trail-area.at