If you go biking in a tourist region in Austria, you can hardly avoid Saalbach-Hinterglemm. The valley in Salzburg has been a fixture on the Alpine bike scene for years. We took a look at whether the Bike Circus Saalbach Hinterglemm still lives up to its good reputation.For over 10 years, bikers have been offered permanent freeride trails in the Salzburg winter sports region of Saalbach-Hinterglemm. While the offer was initially limited to a small area of the region, bikers now have 400 km of hiking trails and bike trails at their disposal. Four gondolas transport the very different public to four peaks spread over almost the entire length of the valley. While in other bike parks you often encounter almost exclusively downhill bikers, in Saalbach Hinterglemm it is noticeable that you meet almost all types of bikers, from freestylers to mountain bike marathon riders. The reason for this is easy to find: the bike circus offers such a wide range of options that you will think about taking two bikes with you on your second visit at the latest. In addition, the region offers an almost unbeatably cheap way to use the lifts in the valley with the Jocker Card. If you stay overnight in a Jockercard partner business, the Jockercard and therefore unlimited use of the lifts (except for the Asitzbahn in Leogang, here only one ride per day) is included free of charge.
Trails
Downhill trails / classic bike park trails
There are 5 routes accessible with the gondolas in the valley. With the Blue and Red Line, there are two routes for beginners. Advanced riders can let off steam on the Z-Line and the Red Line with medium-sized jumps and flowing berms, although some of the obstacles on the Red Lines are quite challenging and require appropriate skills. For advanced riders who like it a little rougher and fans of classic Donwhill routes, the X-Line, which is over 1000 m long, is the right choice. Starting above the tree line, the upper section of the route leads through rocky, alpine terrain with fast berms, doubles and tables. The lower section, which has been completely redesigned this year, requires the appropriate skills in steep root passages and Northshores.
Single trails
If you ask bikers about trails in Saalbach, the first answer you are likely to get is "Hacklbergtrail". The trail, which can be reached after a short climb (yes, you sometimes have to pedal in bike parks...), invites you to enjoy singletrail speed orgies in the section up to the Hacklberalm. But even for beginners, it's a great feeling to ride the twists and jumps before this
High alpine panorama to master. Last year, you still had to roll along a forest road from the Hacklbergalm to the start of the Buchberg Trail, but this year there is a new section that is not a classic single trail (if you are looking for one, the Bergstadeltrail is the place to be), but a fine freeride route that is definitely better than the forest road. On the Buchberg Trail leading down into the valley, you have to be careful, as there are not only bikers on the trail, but also cows. And who wants to explain that the really cool scar is the result of an encounter with a cow's digested breakfast? In addition to the trails accessible from the lifts, there are also a number of single trails that are open to bikers and can be tackled using your own muscle power. One of many is the Hochalm Trail. To reach the 8 km long trail, you only have to pedal 500 m uphill and can then enjoy a 1000 m descent. To cover a maximum of altitude and distance in one day, we recommend the BIG 5 Challange, a signposted 5 loop consisting of 5 mountain trails in the valley, which offers approx. 5,000 m downhill over approx. 65 km, with only approx. 500 m uphill.
Classic mountain bike trails
The marathon classification, which takes place as part of the World Games of Mountainbiking, shows that there is the opportunity to cover a considerable amount of altitude and kilometers in the Bike-Circus. The 4 marathon routes are signposted all year round and range from 31.00 km and 1,160 m elevation gain to 80.44 km and 3,678 m elevation gain.
Infrastructure
The infrastructure that you would expect from a bike region today is available throughout the valley. Bike wash stations are available at the valley stations. Due to the ski operation in winter, there are plenty of sports stores that have adapted their product range to bikers and bike courses and guides can also be booked throughout the valley. In addition to the routes on the mountain, the Bike Circus also offers a pump track, a riding technique area and an airbag.
Conclusion
The Bike Circus Saalbach Hinterglemm offers its visitors a huge range of opportunities to ride their bikes off the beaten track. This is an ideal opportunity to take the plunge from a hardtail to a downhill bike and try out a bike park trail. Conversely, all downhillers are encouraged to leave the lift behind for a day and conquer one of the peaks under their own steam. The subsequent descent on a single trail then feels incredibly good!
What we like:
- Bike park trails above the tree line: Whether it's Hacklbergtail or X-Line Start, the rugged terrain and beautiful views are a great combination that is rarely found in bike parks.
- The wide range of trails: Cruising on the Milkaline or a lactate carnage on the Marathon 80 circuit over 80.44 km and 3,678 m elevation gain, your choice!
- The Jocker Card: It is simply the cheapest way for non-season ticket holders to enjoy the luxury of a gondola for a few days in the bike park.
What we want
- A central point with pump track, finish area, shop/workshop etc...: The facilities scattered across the valley open up many possibilities but there is hardly any community feeling and arranging a meeting point can become the biggest challenge of the day.
- Fewer braking waves: Events such as the Bikes and Beat or the Worldgames of Mountainbiking attract many guests and offer the opportunity to celebrate the day's achievements as part of the supporting program. Unfortunately, however, the trails also take a beating.
