Bike arenas in the Alps: The best 8 playgrounds for mountain bikers
BIKE
· 09.09.2023
We present these 8 bike arenas:
Not a bike arena, but worth a trip:
Click to see the individual ratings
Q&A - Differences, evaluation criteria, protectors
We answer the most important questions at the beginning: What are we talking about? What is a bike arena? How did the ranking of the spots come about? And what should I bear in mind when visiting a bike park?
What is the difference between a bike park and a bike arena?
Bike parks have specially designed trails and a lift. In addition to the bike park, a bike arena offers a diverse, often signposted single trail network that extends far beyond the park boundaries. Some of these trails are so-called shared trails, which are shared by bikers and hikers.
How did we select the eight best Alpine arenas?
In addition to the number and variety of trails, the infrastructure was also important to us. In other words, the accessibility of the different trails and the service addresses (shops, hire, accommodation). Last but not least, the design and fun potential of the various trails.
What should I bear in mind and bring with me on a visit?
A robust fully makes sense. If you want to ride built park trails, you should bring a bike with at least 160 millimetres of suspension travel. Plus protectors - the more the better. Full-face helmets effectively protect the jaw in the event of a fall and are often mandatory. Plus at least knee pads and a back protector.
Dos & Don'ts: Rules in the bike park
Yes, do it!
- Bike check: Before you set off: Check your bike for defects, bearing play and loose bolts.
- Warm up: No matter how much you would like to turn into your favourite descent straight away, warm up on an easy descent first.
- Easy, tiger! Be careful on routes you don't know. Always inspect stunts before you ride them.
- Drink enough! Even if you only ride downhill, your body needs plenty of fluids.
No, better leave it!
- Drive up: Even if you are faster than the car in front - following closely is a no-go.
- Disable: If you are significantly slower, take the next opportunity to let others pass.
- Tired, but keep going: This is where most accidents happen. Listen to your body's signals.
- Waiting on the trail: Never stop in the middle of the trail.
Top 3 bike arenas for ...
Families & beginners
- Soelden
- Livigno
- Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis
Park biker
- Portes du Soleil
- Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis
- Leogang Saalbach
Single trail hunter
- Reschen/Nauders
- Lenzerheide
- Paganella/Molveno
The original region: Leogang-Saalbach
Leogang and Saalbach-Hinterglemm are probably the best-known bike destinations in Austria. A network of lifts connects the two high-calibre destinations and makes them a mega offer for bikers.
Austria's first bike park was created here in Salzburger Land in 2001. The people of Leogang have a wealth of experience. For a long time, the descents were only aimed at experienced park bikers and downhillers. For example, with stunt descents such as the Flying Gangster (448 metres in altitude, 3.2 km). For downhillers, the legendary UCI downhill run is an absolute highlight. A few years ago, the people of Leogang dug many more routes into the slope that also appeal to flow and singletrail fans. For example, the Steinberg-Line (929 m elevation gain), which winds its way from the mountain station down into the valley for almost eight kilometres. Enduro fans choose the Matzalm trail with root passages and Northshore elements.
The neighbouring valley of Saalbach-Hinterglemm can be reached via a connecting trail to the Kohlmais cable car. Here, an easy flow route (780 metres in altitude) leads down into the valley. Bikers in Saalbach-Hinterglemm have a total of five cable cars at their disposal to take them up the various mountain slopes. In contrast to Leogang, the routes in Saalbach-Hinterglemm are a little more scattered. While the descents in the park tend to appeal to freeriders, there are singletrail classics and must-dos such as the Bergstadl and Hacklberg trails.
For whom? Pure park bikers are better off in Leogang, single trail and touring enthusiasts with a love for the panorama in Saalbach-Hinterglemm. If you combine the two regions, you can easily spend a week here without getting bored.
Must-do! The UCI downhill trail (Leogang) for experts and probably the best natural flow trail in the Alps, the Hacklberg Trail in Saalbach-Hinterglemm.
Tour network> 400 km |Car park departures: 80 km |Lifts: 9
- Downhill action: 5 out of 5 points
- Flowtrails: 4 out of 5 points
- Touring fun: 3 out of 5 points
Summary of Leogang-Saalfelden by Stefan Frey, BIKE Magazine:
In combination, the two regions are almost unbeatable. Flow routes, World Cup downhills and singletrail fun. More variety is hardly possible. A lift connects the two valleys efficiently. If you've never been, you should make up for it as soon as possible.
BY THE WAY: From 15 to 17 September 2023, the BIKE Festival in Saalfelden-Leogang stop. Here you can test 2024 bikes for the first time. It's worth coming by!
Flow Republic: Sölden
The village in Ötztal is known for its endless flow trails. What few people know: There are also first-class nature trails here, you just have to find them and pedal up to the start yourself.
When the people of Sölden tackle something, they do it properly. In 2014, the ski destination invested millions of euros in new routes to attract families in particular to the valley. Since then, the range of trails has been growing steadily. There are now 34 kilometres of natural trails and 36 kilometres of groomed trails to enjoy. Probably the most prominent trail is the Teäre-Line (575 metres in altitude, 5.2 km), a seemingly endless flow trail with plenty of bends. Tip: include the black section Zaahe-Line (800 m), it gives the descent more flavour. The red Gahe-Line flow trail (620 metres in altitude, 7.4 km) is more varied. Experts double waves, beginners roll down them. Probably the best natural trail on this side of the valley is called the Leiterberg Trail (641 metres in altitude, 4.7 km). The natural enduro descent is technical, rooty and full of challenges.
The Long Trail Fernar descent (1427 metres altitude, 10.1 km) guarantees an unforgettable experience. However, you can only get there by shuttle. If you want to ride here, you should be technically fit.
The trails on the so-called "quiet" side of the valley are under the radar for many, but there are first-class nature trails hidden here, e.g. the Kleble-Alm-Trail (517 metres altitude, 22 km). Disadvantage: no lift.
For whom? For families, beginners and flow trail fans. Endurists get their money's worth in Sölden, even if the suitable routes are a little scattered. Stunt-loving park rats and jumpline fans will have more fun elsewhere.
Must-do! The easy but fun Gahe-Line and the natural descent Leiterberg-Trail are considered a must. If you are in Sölden for longer, you should try the 10-kilometre epic ride Long Trail Fernar (for experts only).
Tour network: > 400 km |Car park departures: 70 km |Lifts: 5
- Downhill action: 3 out of 5 points
- Flowtrails: 5 out of 5 points
- Touring fun: 3 out of 5 points
Conclusion on the Bike Republic Sölden:
Sölden wants to appeal to a large target group, and thanks to the flow concept, the Ötztalers have succeeded. There is a large selection of trails. However, there are hardly any classic park trails with high stunt density or proper downhill runs here
Steffi Marth, professional biker:
"Sölden achieves what few do. Namely to address all skill levels. My favourite: the high alpine flow trail Ollweite-Line."
Swiss Kingdom: Arosa Lenzerheide
Arosa Lenzerheide offers everything a top area needs: a bike park, numerous single trails and a handful of epic lines that you should definitely experience.
Arosa Lenzerheide has been a bike destination for a long time, but the region only really became known in 2014, when the Swiss opened their bike park. As a promotion, they brought the UCI World Cup to Lenzerheide. Since then, the best downhillers and cross-country racers have been competing every year on the trails, sections of which are also open to visitors.
The park in Lenzerheide is primarily aimed at experienced bikers, as two of the three main routes are very challenging - the Primeline freeride line (360 metres in altitude, 2.1 km) or the deep black DH World Cup descent (405 metres in altitude, 1.7 km). The blue alternative is easy, but only moderately fun. For our number 1 trail combo (990 metres in altitude, 6.8 km), you have to go higher. The Great White starts at 2579 metres. A towel-wide alpine trail over slate slabs. This is followed by easier but still fun sections until you reach the bike park's mountain station again. Families and flow trail fans are in good hands on the other side of the valley and on the Piz Scalottas (670 metres in altitude, 5.8 km). Trips to the Chur Bike Park are possible with the right lift pass.
For whom? For pure park shredders, the offer is good, but clear. Single trail and touring riders will definitely get their money's worth here. Oh yes, unfortunately Switzerland always means expensive!
Must-do! The Great White trail combination. Good for panoramic bikers: the Hörnli Trail. Be sure to plan the Furcletta-Welschtobel tour (approx. 5 hours).
Tour network: > 400 km |Car park departures: 10 km |Lifts: 9
- Downhill action: 5 out of 5 points
- Flowtrails: 2 out of 5 points
- Touring fun: 5 out of 5 points
Conclusion on Arosa Lenzerheide:
In Arosa Lenzerheide there are plenty of single trails with first-class panoramic views and guaranteed adventure. The park trails are challenging. Families will find suitable routes on Piz Scalottas.
Max Fuchs, BIKE test editor:
Pure bike park shredders will find more choice elsewhere. The attraction here lies in the epic tours with a high adventure factor and plenty of panoramic views.
Enduro-Country: Reschen / Nauders
On the Reschen Pass, a huge number of trails wind their way down into the valley. Mostly rooty, technical and challenging. Ideal for enduro riders. There are now fun alternatives for families and beginners.
The area around the Reschen Pass is known for its rugged enduro terrain. Not least because of the famous 3-country enduro race. In Nauders, the Mutzkopf chairlift lifts bikers up to an altitude of 1820 metres. From here, the Green Trail and the more challenging Elven Trail (450 metres in altitude, 1.8 km) lead down into the valley. On the other side of the valley, slightly offset, the Bergkastel cable car (2172 m) takes you to the start of the red Bergkastel Trail (630 m altitude difference, 5.5 km): a mixture of enduro trail and easy flow descent. There is also the family and beginner descent Hofratseck Trail (2.2 km), which gently undulates down into the valley and ends in the Bergkastel Trail.
Our absolute favourite, however, is the Plamort Tour - four trails that are linked together: Alm-Trail, Plamort-Trail, Bunker-Trail and Etsch-Trail (total elevation gain 675 metres, 6 km). Here you'll find flow, panoramic views and a crisp downhill. The tour ends in Reschen. Those traversing from here to the other side of the lake can now choose one of the trails at the Schöneben cable car. We like the Schöneben trail of the same name (590 metres in altitude, 3.4 km), a pure enduro descent. Alternatively, enduro cracks can descend on a traverse to the Haideralm and the trail of the same name (630 metres in altitude, 3.8 km) - an absolute root massacre.
For whom? Enduro fans won't get their money's worth anywhere else than here. Touring bikers have a wide network of trails to choose from, but must be prepared for rough descents. Families, beginners and flow trail enthusiasts will find a wider range of options elsewhere.
Must-do! The Plamort tour, past the anti-tank barriers and down to Lake Reschen.
Tour network: > 400 km |Car park departures: 26 km |Lifts: 5
- Downhill action: 5 out of 5 points
- Flowtrails: 2 out of 5 points
- Touring fun: 4 out of 5 points
Conclusion on Reschen/Nauders:
First-class descents, mostly unspoilt. Ideal enduro terrain. Also great for touring bikers. Beginners and families only have a limited choice in the rough terrain.
Dimitri Lehner, FREERIDE Magazine:
No country for old men! The rough trails around the Reschen Pass are tough, but offer a lot of riding fun. Provided you have a big-stroke bike.
Spot on the lake: Dolomiti Paganella
The area around Lake Molveno has a wide range of offers. The area is divided into three zones and offers rough park runs as well as some family-friendly flow trails with panoramic views.
When you think of Trentino, Lake Garda comes to mind first. In comparison, Lake Molveno is more of an insider tip. In contrast to Lake Garda, there are plenty of routes here, even for beginners, and: Lifts!
The Dolomiti Paganella Bike Arena is divided into three zones. The Molveno zone directly on the lake: easy flow trails lead from the mountain station. E.g. Big Hero, Blade Runner (210 metres in altitude, 2.1 km) or Goonies (130 metres in altitude, 1.8 km). The Andalo zone is a little more challenging. The combination of the red Hustle & Flow (310 m elevation gain, 2.8 km) and the red Willy Wonka (420 m elevation gain, 4.2 km) is a mix of single trail and flowline with lots of berms. More natural, but no less fun: the combination of Ribs Trail and Giada Line - a kilometre-long enduro descent with roots, rocks and steep descents. If you stay on the Giada Line, you come out at the valley station of the third zone: the Fai Zone. This is where you'll want a downhiller, as the bike park's descents (390 metres in altitude) are steep and rough, even if they have harmless names such as Peter Pan (3.3 km) or Easy Rider (2.2 km).
For whom? Families and beginners will enjoy the many flow trails, while there is also plenty on offer for enduro riders and downhill moshers. Stunt-loving park freeriders will find a better offer elsewhere.
Must-do! The connection from the Andalo Zone to the Fai Zone (Giada Line). Also good, the Secret Trail (790 metres in altitude, 4.4 km), which is a little awkward to reach.
Tour network: 400 km |Car park departures: 11 km |Lifts: 9
- Downhill action: 4 out of 5 points
- Flowtrails: 4 out of 5 points
- Touring fun: 4 out of 5 points
Conclusion on Dolomiti Paganella:
The trails on Lake Molveno are varied. There are many easy and many challenging trails. The offer for in-between is somewhat lacking. The panorama is first-class and the vibe on the lake is just right.
Kathrin Baumann, hobby biker:
The area has its very own charm - a visit is worthwhile for that alone. The trails are also varied. I like the Peter Pan in the Fai zone.
Super Arena: Portes du Soleil
The area in the Western Alps is more than just an arena - it's more like a network of arenas: Châtel, Morzine, Les Gets, Avoriaz. 22 lifts transport bikers up the mountains, where built descents and endless natural trails await.
It's not easy to keep track of the largest bike area in Europe. But we know where to go.
Châtel is known for its crisp park runs with tests of courage, big jumps and complex wooden constructions. Freeriders are in the right place here. However, there are also easy turns for beginners here. In Morzine, there are wide park runs on one side and wild downhill trails with roots and rock fields on the other side of the valley. Reason enough for many World Cup downhillers to train here.
Probably the most prominent location is the neighbouring village of Les Gets. The mega World Cup in almost all MTB disciplines is being held here this year. Date: 6 to 17 September. In addition to the World Cup routes, there are also numerous park runs for all skill levels. Most of them are wide with lots of berms and jumps. Similar to the last park in the group, Avoriaz. Also exciting: Morgins and Champéry on the Swiss side. There are plenty of nature trails around Portes du Soleil. All regions can be easily combined thanks to signposted connecting trails and a total of 22 lifts. The lift pass is valid for all 22 bike lifts, across all countries.
For whom? For beginners, downhillers and park freeriders, the possibilities are almost inexhaustible. Touring bikers also get their money's worth here.
Must-do! The World Cup downhill runs in Les Gets, although only parts of them are open during the season. A trip to Morgins on the Swiss side is worthwhile.
Tour network: >600 km |Car park departures: 72 km |Lifts: 22
- Downhill action: 5 out of 5 points
- Flowtrails: 4 out of 5 points
- Touring fun: 4 out of 5 points
Conclusion on Portes du Soleil:
You could hardly have more on offer. Each region has enough trails to spend a whole day there. The choice is huge and satisfies almost all preferences. Be sure to plan enough time.
Max Schumann, Enduro pro:
Every biker has to go to Portes du Soleil. I've been there many times, but I still only know a fraction of the routes.
Family excursion: Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis
The Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis bike park is one of the editors' favourite bike parks. Very few regions are so diverse. The single trails and tours are always worth a trip.
The park in Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis has been aimed at families and children from the very beginning. The operators organise one of the most famous junior downhill races: the Rookies Cup. However, anyone who thinks that the park only has tame marble runs is mistaken. In reality, there are more challenging runs leading down into the valley than easy ones. For example, the red jumpline Strada del Sole (420 metres in altitude, 2.8 km). However, if you want to make it to the landing anywhere here, you need drive and determination.
The Supernatural 2.0 is a successful and unique single trail with lots of waves and berms. Special: experts double and triple the waves. Super! The Wurzelmeer Hill Bill (420 metres in altitude, 2.5 km) is often used as a BIKE test track: selective, snappy, fast. Downhillers get their money's worth on the modern and bouncy downhill route (420 metres in altitude, 1.5 km). For single trails with panoramic views, you have to take the Schönjochbahn cable car up to the top (costs extra). There are trails for every ability level here. Eight main trails lead from here into the valley. The most prominent trail is probably the Frommes Trail (1000 metres in altitude, 8.7 km). Riders get a flow shower on the Zirben-Trail section (180 metres in altitude, 2.2 km).
For whom? Downhillers, enduro bikers, touring bikers, kids and families
Must-do! Everyone should have tried out the Supernatural (2.0) single trail. If you want to know where we test bikes, turn into the root-infested Hill Bill (not in wet conditions!). Panorama fans choose the Frommes Trail.
Tour network: > 400 km |Car park departures: 15 km |Lifts: 8
- Downhill action: 4 out of 5 points
- Flowtrails: 3 out of 5 points
- Touring fun: 3 out of 5 points
Summary of Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis:
Successful bike park with varied, well-built descents. The bike park is the main reason for a visit, but the trails around it are still worth a trip.
Laurin Lehner, FREERIDE Magazine:
The park is one of my favourite bike parks. My favourite: the rooty Hill Bill. Epic single trails are more likely to be found elsewhere, however.
Tax haven: Livigno
The village is located in the main Alpine ridge and has two bike parks on opposite slopes. In addition to the trails in the parks, the region offers plenty of single trails, including into the neighbouring Engadin.
Unfortunately, Livigno is relatively remote and was declared a duty-free zone by Napoleon back in 1805. But the long journey is worth it if you plan a few extra days - also because of the numerous trails. Two bike parks provide fun with built trails.
The Mottolino bike park has a range of 560 metres in altitude and accommodates five main routes and a dozen branches. Clientele: freeriders, downhillers and enduro riders. Families and beginners have more choice in the Carosello 3000 bike park opposite. Here, the trails stretch more gently into the valley, with lots of berms and waves. For a full flow shower, fork the Tutti-Frutti tour (45 km, 3500 metres altitude).
In short, the parks offer a wide range of options, but even more exciting are the endless tour possibilities around Livigno. One of our favourites is the Val Federia tour (19 km, 950 m elevation gain, approx. 2.5 hours). In terms of riding technique, the tour is also suitable for beginners. The Epic tours into the Swiss Engadin are more challenging. Via Val Viola to Poschiavo, for example (62 km, 1467 metres in altitude, 3236 tm) or the high alpine experiences via Passo Gallo, Passo Trela and Passo Alpisella.
For whom? There is something for every biker here. Touring fans with a sense and stamina for high alpine adventures will love Livigno in particular.
Must-do! The tour through Val Viola into Val Poschiavo and over the Bernina Pass back to Livigno. With a pushing section, but incredibly long trail descents and views of the Bernina.
Tour network: > 400 km |Car park departures: 14 km |Lifts: 4
- Downhill action: 3 out of 5 points
- Flowtrails: 5 out of 5 points
- Touring fun: 5 out of 5 points
Conclusion on Livigno:
No matter which category of biker you belong to - everyone will be happy here. Disadvantage: the long journey and the comparatively short season.
Gitta Beimfohr; BIKE travel editor:
Even the back-country trails through the high mountains have perfect curve radii here. But the trail builders have helped out a bit.
Oh, by the way ...
These spots may not be considered bike arenas, but they are definitely worth a trip. Six spots in a quick check.
1 Willingen
Germany's largest trail network for bikers is being created in the Waldeck-Frankenberg district around Willingen, Winterberg and Brilon. The idea: a comprehensive and interconnected trail network covering 600 kilometres. The first sections in Korbach were completed last year. In addition to the trail network, there are also the well-known bike parks in Willingen and Winterberg.
Willingen is also the venue for our annual BIKE Festival. Read all about the 2023 mega-event in the live blog.
2 Schladming
The former hardcore downhill park was successfully relaunched in 2020. In addition to the tough downhills, there are now also challenging jump lines and fun flow trails for beginners, as well as an uphill trail. Enduro riders and single trail fans should definitely try out the trails on the Reiteralm, 15 minutes by car from the bike park.
3 Brandnertal
The park in Vorarlberg tripled its range of trails in 2020 and Brandnertal is now also inspiring enduro riders and beginners. The brutal downhill Tschack Norris remains the benchmark for experts.
4 Canazei
Hardly any other backdrop is more impressive than the Sella massif in South Tyrol. The Dolomite village has a small bike park. But the single trails away from it are much more worth mentioning.
5 Innsbruck
Small but mighty: three bike parks await between Innsbruck and Brenner. The ten trails on the Muttereralm are world-famous thanks to the Crankworx festival. The Bike City Card also opens up the Bikepark Tirol in Steinach and the two downhill/enduro trails on the Elfer in the Stubai Valley.
6 Carinthia
The most prominent highlight is still the almost endless flow country descent on the Petzen (11.5 km), which is superbly built, but becomes bland over time. On the same slope, first-class enduro trails wind their way down into the valley, including an original EWS race track. If you are in the area for longer, you should check out the Jamnica trail park on the Slovenian side.
