A fall on a rocky singletrack, a deep graze or even a suspected spinal injury far from civilisation – in moments like these, every second counts. Yet whilst most cyclists invest a lot of money in protective gear and helmets, there are often dangerous gaps in their knowledge when it comes to ‘what to do if you crash’. Ortovox, a leading authority on avalanche safety and alpine training since 2008, is now closing this gap for mountain bikers and trail riders too.
Safety is not a matter of chance, but of training
The Safety Academy has been in existence since 2008 and is one of the largest safety initiatives in the Alpine region. It brings together course programmes offered by mountaineering schools, digital learning platforms and printed guidebooks. “What began with printed guidebooks has been continuously expanded and now offers a holistic range of practical courses, online content and training tools,” explains Frank Ammon, Marketing Manager at the Safety Academy. The company regards knowledge transfer as an integral part of its philosophy, which goes beyond simply developing products.
The course is structured in three parts, covering theory and practice
- The practical courses (MTB First Aid): Two-day intensive training courses on forest tracks and singletrack trails in the DACH region. These courses involve practising realistic scenarios – from managing falls to treating wounds under time pressure.
- The Pocket Lab: A free digital learning platform for your smartphone. Ideal for brushing up on your knowledge whilst in the lift or for accessing specific guidance in an emergency.
- The First Aid Guide Book: A 60-page pocket-sized handbook, available free of charge in shops, which, with its clear checklists, is a must-have for every rucksack.
Practical courses on trails and forest tracks
The two-day “MTB First Aid” course takes place on numerous dates throughout the summer at various venues in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The training sessions teach structured procedures for dealing with injuries typical of mountain biking. These range from treating minor wounds to providing first aid following serious falls.
All courses take place directly on forest tracks, singletrack or alpine trails. This environment allows for realistic scenarios that mirror the actual conditions encountered in an emergency. Depending on the venue, participants can obtain certificates in accordance with DGUV and FeV standards. The courses are developed in collaboration with Dr Hermann Meyer and his company, Alpine Erste Hilfe.
Digital learning platform and guidebook
The Safety Academy Pocket Lab complements the practical courses as a digital learning platform. The content is available free of charge at any time and builds on the knowledge acquired in the courses. Common mountain bike injuries, specific recommendations for action in an emergency and real-life scenarios provide a comprehensive overview of modern emergency management. The platform can also provide vital support in an emergency.
The First Aid Guide Book brings together essential first-aid knowledge across 60 pages. It provides structured procedures for emergencies, using clear checklists. It also covers common cycling injuries and offers specific recommendations for action. The Guide Book is available free of charge from retailers and was also developed in collaboration with Alpine First Aid.
Why first-aid knowledge matters in the mountains
Mountain biking involves specific risks that differ from those of other sports. Falls on technical trails can lead to injuries where swift action is crucial. The remote nature of many trails makes it difficult for the emergency services to reach the scene. It can often take 30 minutes or more for professional help to arrive.
In such situations, administering first aid correctly makes all the difference. Grazes must be treated properly to prevent infection. In the case of broken bones or head injuries, the initial treatment determines the course of recovery. Positioning the injured person correctly and making a structured emergency call are also part of the life-saving measures.
Booking and Availability
The courses can now be booked on the Ortovox website at www.ortovox.com. The Pocket Lab is also available online and offers useful information for when you’re out and about or to read through at home. Both programmes will start in summer 2026.
The Ortovox Safety Academy Bike at a glance:
- Course focus: Structured procedures for cycling-related injuries (falls, fractures, wounds).
- Realism: Training directly on the trail (Germany, Austria, Switzerland).
- Digital: Free ‘Pocket Lab’ to help you deepen your knowledge whilst on the move.
- Print: A 60-page ‘First Aid Guide Book’ with checklists (available free of charge in shops).
- Partners: Expert advice from Dr Hermann Meyer (“Alpine First Aid”).
- Booking: Now available at www.ortovox.com.
More knowledge for the trail: Other providers of MTB first aid
Ortovox is a pioneer in the field of comprehensive alpine training, but anyone wishing to deepen their knowledge will also find excellent courses offered by these specialist providers:
- Dani Hornsteiner (First Aid in the Mountains): The expert from Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a legend in the scene. Her courses are extremely practical and specifically tailored to outdoor sports enthusiasts.
- German Alpine Club (DAV): Many clubs now offer specific mountain-bike courses, which often include a module on first aid in the countryside.
- DIMB (German Mountain Bike Initiative): As part of its guide training programmes, the DIMB offers comprehensive first-aid courses, which may also be of interest to non-guides (subject to availability).
- Red Cross / Johanniter (Outdoor First Aid): The major aid organisations offer specialised ‘outdoor’ modules as part of their programmes, which address the challenges faced far from tarmac roads.
The editorial team’s view
Safety first! If you’ve got your bike under control, you should also know how to carry out a rescue. Ortovox’s new range is a long-overdue step towards significantly improving safety on our trails in the long term.
Stefan Frey
Editor