Imagine a small Austrian town with a bold vision: to build the country's first-ever bike park. Fast forward 25 years, and that vision has become a global mountain biking powerhouse. This is the story of EPIC Bikepark Leogang, a place that's not just about trails and jumps, but about passion, community, and pushing the limits of what's possible on two wheels.
But here's where it gets controversial: In 2001, when Leogang first opened its gates, the idea of a dedicated bike park was met with skepticism. Four lines and a lot of doubt – that's how it started. Inspired by a thesis and a visit to a German bike park, a group of determined locals, including the cable car company, the municipality, and even the local earthworks contractor, pooled their resources and took a leap of faith.
And this is the part most people miss: The early years were tough. Kornel Grundner, CEO of Leogang Bergbahnen, recalls, 'We had to convince many skeptics, overcome plenty of obstacles, and appeal to a completely new target group.' Economic challenges were real, but through targeted communication, innovative event partnerships with Rasoulution, and a shared belief in the project, Leogang slowly gained traction.
The rewards? Two UCI Mountain Bike World Championships (with a third in 2028!), 14 UCI Mountain Bike World Cup events, and a staggering 270,000 rides per summer – a far cry from those initial 16,700 in 2001.
From legendary slopestyle events like 26TRIX and White Style, which launched the careers of riders like Andreu Lacondeguy and Brandon Semenuk, to hosting the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series, Leogang has become the epicenter of the international mountain bike scene.
Is Leogang just about elite competition? Not at all. The park's 21 lines (or 30 including the Riders Playground) cater to all skill levels, from flowy trails for beginners to technical challenges for seasoned pros. The Ladies Shred Events, continuing in 2026, highlight Leogang's commitment to female empowerment in the sport, offering camps, workshops, and a supportive community for women riders.
What's next for this mountain biking mecca? 2026 marks the 25th anniversary, and celebrations are already shaping up to be epic. A big community event from July 24-26 promises to be a highlight, alongside the return of the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series in June and the Saalfelden Leogang Bike Festival in October.
As Marco Pointner, CEO of Saalfelden Leogang Touristik, puts it, 'What started 25 years ago as a bold vision has become an international flagship for mountain biking.' Leogang's success story isn't just about trails and events; it's about a community that's passionate about the sport, constantly innovating, and welcoming riders of all levels.
So, whether you're a seasoned pro or a weekend warrior, Leogang invites you to experience the thrill of its perfectly maintained trails, its vibrant atmosphere, and its unwavering dedication to the world of mountain biking.
But here's a question to ponder: With the rise of e-bikes and evolving riding styles, how will bike parks like Leogang adapt to meet the changing demands of the sport? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
