It was important to us that the bike parks cater to as many different mountain bikers as possible, rather than just experienced freeride bikers. Some bike parks are already achieving this. The result for the regions: more visitors during the summer months. Many ski resorts have now realised that not only the winter season is profitable, but that mountain bikers are also playing an increasingly important role. We can only be happy about this realisation. A real win-win situation.
20 bike parks in Germany, Austria and Switzerland
Bike parks are supposed to be fun and get the adrenaline pumping under safe conditions. But not all parks are the same. We did the big comparison test and tell you which one is really worth a visit.
- 1 Albstadt (GER)
- 2 Bad Wildbad (GER)
- 3 Bischofsmais (GER)
- 4 Braunlage (GER)
- 5 Chur (CH)
- 6 Lac Blanc (FRA)
- 7 Lenzerheide (CH)
- 8 Leogang (AUT)
- 9 Livigno (ITA)
- 10 Osternohe (GER)
- 11 Saalbach Hinterglemm (AUT)
- 12 Samerberg (GER)
- 13 Schladming (AUT)
- 14 Semmering (AUT)
- 15 Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis (AUT)
- 16 Spicak (CZE)
- 17 Todtnau (GER)
- 18 Wagrain (AUT)
- 19 Willingen (GER)
- 20 Winterberg (GER)
Flow shower for mountain bikers on special routes
Flow country trails are all the rage. This trail principle is designed to inspire park newcomers as well as experts. The idea: the descents undulate into the valley with lots of berms, checkers take off on bumps, beginners roll over them. Because the word "flow" is often misunderstood, flow country inventors Hans Rey and Diddie Schneider had the name trademarked. "That way, every biker knows: if it says flow country on it, it's flow country inside," says trail-building guru Diddie Schneider. Where can you find these flow showers? In the Bischofsmais and Livigno bike parks. The longest flow country trail with a length of almost ten kilometres recently opened on the Petzen in Carinthia/Klopeinersee.
High fun density on bike park trails
No, not Bavaria with its foothills of the Alps. Not the Black Forest either. The Harz has the highest density of bike parks in Germany. Five bike parks attract visitors from central and northern Germany. The low mountain range lies at the intersection of Thuringia, Saxony-Anhalt and Lower Saxony and seems to be the real bike park epicentre of Germany. "The area is perfect for a road trip," says Schulenberg's operator Dirk Vollmer. He drew our attention to the high density of parks. Until now, we had only been familiar with Braunlage (p. 10), Schulenberg and Hahnenklee; the parks in Thale and St. Andreasberg were unknown to us. Although they are small, they are said to be real insider tips. We will visit and rate these parks soon.
This is what we value when testing bike parks
- Fun factor: Ideally, bike park descents are full of fun features: turn changes, berms, wall rides, step-ups, tables.
- Variety of trails: At best, the park shines with a lot of vertical metres and should be aimed at as broad a spectrum of bikers as possible. Beginners, downhillers, stunt freeriders, families. Ideally, all bikers will get their money's worth.
- Quality of the features: Poorly dimensioned jumps or landings that are too flat make a bike park descent dangerous and reduce the fun factor. Bike park stunts must be well maintained and built safely!
- Flow/rhythm: Flow is everything! Flow is only possible with the right curve radii and well-built berms. Tracks where you have to brake abruptly are not fun and also require a lot of maintenance.
- Service and ambience: A fast lift, bike hire, practice course and good signposting are all plus points.
5 tips for a bike park visit
Bobby Root, freeride pro and bike park expert, gives 5 tips for a bike park visit that you should definitely bear in mind:
- Before you set off: first check the bike: bolts, headset, thru axles, tyre pressure.
- Warm up on the first descent - preferably on an easy trail.
- Safety first: so wear protectors. They protect you from nasty injuries.
- Take a good look at the stunts beforehand and watch others doing them. If you have any doubts, don't do it!
- Don't be reckless - 70 per cent of all accidents happen on the first or last descent.
Safety first when mountain biking in the bike park
Gravity can be cruel. That's why you should only go on bike park missions with the right equipment. Here is our Recipe for an injury-free bike park season.
1. goggle
The goggles protect your eyes from dirt and dust. So you always have a clear view. Cost: from 40 euros.
2. neck protection
Neck braces are designed to protect the neck from overstretching and thus prevent cervical vertebrae injuries. More and more bikers are now swearing by neck braces. We also recommend them. Cost point: from 350 euros.
3. gloves
Gloves improve grip and protect against abrasions. Cost: from 25 euros.
4th helmet
We recommend a full-face helmet (see photo). It not only protects the head, but also the jaw and face. Important: The helmet must fit, should not be too tight, but also not too loose. Tip: it's better to try it on first. Cost: from 100 euros.
5. shoes
In the bike park, you need the right footwear with a firm grip, grippy soles and protection for your toes. It's better to avoid clipless pedals in the park and opt for bear claw pedals. Cost point (shoes): from 70 euros.
6. knee protectors
Knees never heal, they say. That's why it needs to be properly protected. Even better: knee protectors with additional shin protection. Cost: from 50 euros
7. elbow pads
Somewhat out of fashion, but useful if you want to avoid bloody arms. Cost: approx. 40 euros.
8. back protection
Waistcoats or rucksacks with protectors are an absolute must for bike park visits. Double is also possible. Important: The rucksack or waistcoat should fit snugly and not slip. Cost: from 100 euros (rucksack), from 120 euros (waistcoat).
Laurin Lehner
Editor
