Fall Highlights in Saalfelden Leogang

AlteSchmied Trail in Saalfelden Leogang (© Klemens König)

The second half of the season in Saalfelden Leogang is not only exceptionally long this year – with bike operations lasting until 5 November – but also has a highlight or two ready that make the Austrian mountain bike hotspot the first choice for the autumn ride. First and foremost is the opening of the AlteSchmiede single track during the BIKE Festival in mid-September, but the Epic Bikepark and the like also have a lot to offer beyond that.

Opening of the AlteSchmiede single track in September

Saalfelden Leogang has prepared a very special treat for all visitors to the BIKE Festival: the moderately difficult AlteSchmiede single track can be ridden for the very first time as part of a "soft opening". From 2024, the brand new single track will be available to young and old throughout the season. The trailhead can be reached via the Asitzbahn cable car mountain station and the Asitz trail towards Saalbach Hinterglemm, from which it branches off to the right after about 350 meters. Flowy turns, north shores and easy technical sections alternate on the 3.5 kilometer long single track, while the rider is repeatedly offered wonderful views of the imposing massif of the Leoganger Steinberge on their ride through natural forest and alpine meadows. If you want to keep riding after having finished, you can access of the lower part of the Matzalm trail via the forest road at the end of the AlteSchmiede trail. As a difficult, black single track Matzalm trail is recommended for advanced riders.

AlteSchmiede Trail in Saalfelden Leogang *Klemens König*

Like all single tracks in Saalfelden Leogang, the AlteSchmiede trail was built entirely by hand without the use of heavy machines. In this way, the single tracks in the region are created as sustainably and minimally invasive as possible.

“Markus Hampl, the guys from Kolap and I laid out the trail, which is almost four kilometers long and on average one meter wide, entirely by hand. It took us around five months in total, at around 25 meters a day. We adapted completely to the terrain and weaved our way through without even knocking down a single tree. We build tables, step-ups, steep curves or jumps where the terrain gives us the opportunity. The trail will have a red level of difficulty and can be divided into five sections, which are repeatedly separated from the forest road.” – Reini Unterberger, Head Shaper

BIKE Festival Saalfelden Leogang

#AllAboutBikes is the motto again this year at the fifth edition of the BIKE Festival in Saalfelden Leogang. From 15 to 17 September, mountain bike fans of all kinds can not only try out the AlteSchmiede single track, but can also hone their skills and learn how to use their equipment properly in various ride outs and workshops with experienced coaches and big names of the scene. Of course, you can marvel at and test the newest material again this year in the Expo Area right next to the Asitzbahn cable car, where more than sixty well-known exhibitors present the new products from over a hundred brands. A special highlight for the little festival guests is the “Scott Junior Trophy Pumptrack”, where kids between the ages of 5 and 17 can get a taste of racing and feel like the pros without too much pressure. The Junior Bike Cup, which is also held during the BIKE Festival, has the same goal. The junior cup in Salzburger Land includes a total of six locations at which six different types of races are held. All children born between 2007 and 2016 can take part - even if they don't belong to a club and come from outside of the Salzburg region.

auner Austrian Gravity Series and Clean the Trail Days

Around a month later, there will be even more race action at the Epic Bikepark Leogang when the auner Austrian Gravity Series is held on 7 October. The Austrian downhill cup for everyone can be entered with little effort and is supposed to ease the way into professional racing for anyone interested. The six-part series offers every participant the opportunity to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of a real downhill competition. To participate you only need a day license.

How important sustainability and environment protection are to Saalfelden Leogang is not only shown by the minimally invasive built trails, but also by the "Clean the Trail Days" in the Epic Bikepark Leogang: together with the mountain bike guests, the local community will clean the lines & trails after the end of operations. The first "Clean the Trail Day" took place on 24 June – two more events will follow on 29 July and 19 August. The partners and sponsors of the Epic Bikepark Leogang are also involved with smaller campaigns.

Bike operation until November 5th and online bike bonus

In Austria's largest bike region, Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn, mountain biking is possible for a particularly long time this year. The Leogang mountain cable cars are open the longest and continue to transport bikes until 5 November – while the Asitzbahn initially transports bikes and bikers daily until 22 October, one day later the Steinbergbahn takes over daily operations until the end of the season. For hikers, the mountain railway even runs through till the start of skiing.

Tip: With the Saalfelden Leogang Card, which is included in the room price of around 300 partners, guests can ride the cable cars twice a day for free – bikes included.

Anyone who has already decided to end their personal mountain bike season in Saalfelden Leogang can secure both day and multi-day tickets early at a lower price thanks to the online bike bonus. The dynamic pricing system for online bookings is particularly interesting to mountain bike riders booking some time in advance, because at the local cable car ticket offices higher fixed prices apply.