Bike Circus Saalbach Hinterglemm: Greatest Show On Dirt

Bike Circus: Greatest Show On Dirt!

14 May 2014

(photo credits to Saalbach Hinterglemm: Yorick Carroux and Markus Greber)

(photo: Markus Greber)

Who are you and what do you do at the Bike-Circus Saalbach Hinterglemm?

My name is Bernhard Niederseer and I am the marketer for the lift company Saalbach Hinterglemm. I am a passionate mountain biker, that’s why I spend all my spare time on the trails of Saalbach Hinterglemm, always looking for new projects and something to improve…

How long ago was Bike-Circus Saalbach Hinterglemm developed? Who or what was the driving force?

The local tourism manager Dir. Wolfgang Breitfuß established the mountain biking scene here in Saalbach Hinterglemm, 15 years ago. At that time, areas like Lake Garda and the French Alps were great role models. He then took a closer look on Saalbach Hinterglemm and what there was to offer. Very quickly he found that Saalbach Hinterglemm had equally good or even better conditions and infrastructure as these other places. Due to the exploitation of the mountains through forest roads or tracks that served the construction of lifts, huts and accommodations in all categories, we also had an ideal infrastructure for serving mountain bikers. The missing links were agreements with the property owners to make biking on the mountains legal. These agreements and the conviction of the lift company to also invest into this field were the next few steps in the development of the Bike-Circus.

What is the most popular trail at your bikepark?

The legendary Hacklberg Trail.

Will there be any new trails added this season or will you be re-developing any existing trails?

The Hacklberg Trail will become twice as long as last year, so that we have a super trail from the top of the Westgipfel down to the valley with about 10 km single-track and 1,000 vertical meter.

X-Line powered by CONTI is getting a re-shape in the lower section. PRO Line at some parts too. And 1-2 further trail projects are in development or rather not ripe for decision. We are very excited for the upcoming summer 2014.

Describe the predominant “style” of riding at your park? (Natural vs. Manmade, DH/Tech/Steep vs. Flow/Features) Typically, what kind of terrain do you have? (Rocky, Dry-dusty, Tacky, Roots)…

Saalbach Hinterglemm is no classic bikepark. It’s a huge area with 4 cable cars up to the four main mountains, thus you have a huge area with all kinds of terrain. We also have manmade trails like the Z-Line powered by TREK as well as natural lines like the Bergstadl Trail. To sum it up, the freeride region of Saalbach Hinterglemm has an impressive selection of routes for every age and ability, a connection with the Bikepark Leogang, and top infrastructure. Some other things that Saalbach Hinterglemm offers are pumptrack, bike technique area, bike shops and service centers. They also have events, camps, guiding, a lively community, and much more. One thing is certain, whether you are young or old, freeride or cross-country rider, rookie or downhill-crack addict; there is something for everyone in the Bike-Circus Saalbach Hinterglemm.

(photo: Yorick Carroux)

What is the mountain bike scene/culture like at your bikepark?

We have a very lively community here in Saalbach Hinterglemm. Many of the accommodations and local shops are welcoming to mountain bikers. Because of our good reputation as the leading mountain biking region in Austria and the JOKER CARD (free lift ticket when staying in any JOKER CARD partner accommodation) we have many mountain bikers who live here in Saalbach Hinterglemm.

Tell us a little bit about Saalbach’s mountain town. Are there any restaurants or bars that mtb-ers like to spend their time?

Saalbach Hinterglemm is world famous because of the huge ski resort in the winter. With great attractions, accommodations, restaurants, pubs, bars, and discos for all types of interests Saalbach Hinterglemm is a gym. They have everything for a perfect holiday, not just in the winter but during the summertime too! You will always find a place to hang out and have fun.

(photo: Yorick Carroux)

Tell us about any big events that are happening this summer at the bikepark?

BIKES AND BEATS FESTIVAL (3rd - 6th July 2014) Once again this year Saalbach Hinterglemm will be hosting Europe’s biggest music and bike Festival, with music of all sorts of genres, bikes in all sorts of forms, and plenty of partying.

LAKE OF CHARITY (25th - 27th July 2014) This will be the 4th year for the Lake of Charity event at the Gerstreit reservoir. Following the 3 previous years, which raised a total of €53,500 for charity, the Glemmbang crew are really looking forward to the 4th in the series. Professionals from the biking, free skiing, skating, slackline, and snowboard scenes come together in a relaxed atmosphere, and all for a good cause. There are numerous active and free things for visitors to do such as water bombing, wake boarding, slackline, skate miniramp, flying fox, archery, and workshops. There is the chance of really getting involved, rather than just being a spectator. Lake of Charity #4 will be rounded off with live acts featuring local bands and acoustic musicians, and all in breathtaking scenery, giving you the chance once again to forget humdrum everyday routine, and experience a weekend that has an emphasis on the joy of life.

16th World Games of Mountain Biking (4th - 7th September 2014) The 16th World Games of Mountain Biking in Saalbach Hinterglemm from the 4th - 7th September is open once again to ALL mountain bikers who can battle it out for the title of “World Games Champion” by competing in marathon, cross-country, and downhill.

When is your typical season? Do you have an opening date yet?

May until November. This year: 23.05. – 26.10.2014

What does the future hold for Saalbach Hinterglemm?

I am sure, that Saalbach Hinterglemm is getting more and more trails and of course better and better trails. Tourist potential is present and we are motivated to improve the region from year to year.

And we have one new attraction for this year:

Try out the new Air2Bag at the Reiterkogel valley station in Hinterglemm! Freestylers are always wanting to push their limits and find new challenges. The jumps get bigger and the kids become braver. The Air2Bag, offers a safe training environment for our mountain bikers. The specially designed airbag landing pad is positioned behind a run-up ramp and kicker, it provides a safe landing that is close to the real thing. Whether you are a beginner or expert, training for your next competition or practising, a new jump, or simply trying it out "just for fun", the unique feeling of "landing on the clouds" is something you can experience on your bike and without too great a risk.

Thanks to the JOKER CARD, bikers can enjoy the diversity of the region of Saalbach Hinterglemm more easily and cheaply. The JOKER CARD is included for the duration of your stay in a partner business, providing you with additional benefits. For example: When staying in any JOKER CARD partner accommodation, you can use all of the 4 lifts in Saalbach Hinterglemm for free for the duration of your stay. There is also free use of the leisure pool, the tennis courts or the mini golf facilities here in Saalbach Hinterglemm.

Tip: The BIG-5-BIKE CHALLENGE covers the 5 cable cars and 5 mountains around Saalbach Hinterglemm and Leogang, combining them into a XXL tour that guarantees you the absolute maximum freeriding pleasure in one day. The prescribed route covers 5,000 vertical meters; you only have to ride up 500 m of them under your own steam, as the cable cars take care of the rest.

To see everything that we have to offer visit our site here. Find out everything going on at our bike park here.