Imagine a place where gravity-defying jumps and heart-pounding descents have been thrilling riders for a quarter of a century! In 2026, the EPIC Bikepark Leogang in Austria is set to mark a monumental 25th anniversary, a truly significant achievement for the nation's pioneering bike park. This iconic destination has evolved into a global magnet for mountain biking enthusiasts, consistently hosting prestigious events like the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series. It's even been the chosen venue for the UCI Mountain Bike World Championships multiple times, including in 2012, 2020, and is slated to host again in 2028. The year 2026 will be a spectacular celebration, with the pinnacle being a grand 25-year community event from July 24th to 26th.
Let's rewind to 2001, the year Leogang first opened its doors. The mountain biking landscape was vastly different! In the world of downhill, Nicolas Vouilloz clinched the World Championship title, with Steve Peat and Greg Minnaar close behind. For the women, Anne Caroline Chausson took home the gold. At this time, Leogang's future legend, Aaron Gwin, was just 14 years old, and the current local hero, Vali Höll, was yet to be born! Meanwhile, in the stark beauty of Utah, the legendary Red Bull Rampage was crowning its very first freeride champion, Wade Simmons.
The genesis of the EPIC Bikepark Leogang in the picturesque Pinzgau region began with a modest setup of just four trails and a healthy dose of apprehension from many. The vision was inspired by a concept developed from Martin Samek's diploma thesis and nurtured by the initiative of the Trailwerk Wachau. A pivotal site visit to Germany's Bikepark Geisskopf in October 2000 solidified the commitment to bring this ambitious project to life. The initial financial backing was a collaborative effort, with the Leogang cable car company and approximately 30 local silent partners – including the municipality, tourism board, private investors, and even the local earthworks contractor – sharing the investment equally.
"The beginning, 25 years ago, was far from smooth sailing," reflects Kornel Grundner, CEO of Leoganger Bergbahnen. "We faced considerable skepticism, numerous hurdles, and had to engage an entirely new audience. Looking back, the unwavering unity within the founding team and our shared conviction in the project were absolutely crucial in transforming the bike park into the resounding success it is today. The early years, in particular, presented significant financial challenges. However, through clear, targeted communication and exceptional event formats – meticulously crafted with our long-time partner agency Rasoulution and Tarek Rasouli – we successfully propelled Bikepark Leogang onto the global stage. The recognition? Two UCI Mountain Bike World Championships to date and 14 UCI Mountain Bike World Cup events. A heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone involved!"
From humble beginnings to a global powerhouse: A journey of growth and iconic events.
Since its inaugural season, Saalfelden Leogang has witnessed remarkable transformation. The park now boasts an impressive 21 distinct lines and trails, expanding to 30 when you include the Riders Playground, which was completed in 2013. The sheer volume of riders has also seen an astonishing surge, escalating from 16,700 uplift rides in 2001 to an incredible 270,000 rides per bike during the summer season today. The region and the bike park proudly look back on a rich history of hosting premier events and creating unforgettable moments. The first of what are now 14 UCI Mountain Bike World Cups graced Saalfelden Leogang in 2010. Just two years later, in 2012, the area hosted its inaugural UCI Mountain Bike World Championships, followed by a second spectacular edition in 2020. The anticipation is already building for the third World Championships, confirmed for 2028, with the World Cup series set to continue its presence in Leogang until at least 2030.
Between 2006 and 2017, the EPIC Bikepark Leogang was the undisputed stage for the world's elite slopestyle riders at the legendary 26TRIX event. Spectators at the base of the Asitz gondola were treated to jaw-dropping tricks and numerous world-first achievements. The park also catered to winter enthusiasts with White Style, running from 2006–2018, which brought exhilarating slopestyle action to the ski slopes, showcasing innovative and world-class riding. Many now-famous riders, including Andreu Lacondeguy, Brandon Semenuk, Sam Pilgrim, and Thomas Genon, launched their international careers on Leogang's slopestyle courses.
What's on the horizon for 2026? A year packed with celebration and adrenaline!
While the specifics of the 25th-anniversary celebrations are still under wraps, the EPIC Bikepark Leogang community can eagerly mark July 24th–26th, 2026, on their calendars for the grand anniversary weekend. Naturally, the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series will also make a triumphant return. Less than a month after the season kicks off on May 8th, the world's most skilled riders will converge from June 11th–14th, 2026, to compete in Downhill, Cross-Country (Olympic and Short Track), and Enduro disciplines. Another eagerly awaited event is the renowned Saalfelden Leogang bike festival, returning for its seventh edition with a new date from October 2nd–4th.
Beyond the festivals and races, the park offers a diverse array of downhill, flow, and jump lines, alongside naturally sculpted singletracks, catering to riders of all skill levels and preferences. Whether you're riding solo, with friends, or participating in one of the many available riding camps, there's an experience for everyone. The Ladies Shred Events will continue in 2026, underscoring the bike park and region's strong commitment to female empowerment in mountain biking. Through camps, workshops, and dedicated women's programs, a supportive environment is fostered for skill development with professional coaching, building confidence on trails, berms, and jumps, and connecting with a vibrant community of fellow female riders.
With its 25th anniversary, the EPIC Bikepark Leogang reaffirms its standing as a premier center of excellence for mountain biking in Europe. Meticulously maintained trails, cutting-edge track designs, and an infrastructure that delights both seasoned professionals and enthusiastic beginners have cemented the bike park's status – in conjunction with the Saalfelden Leogang region – as a hotspot for world-class riding experiences. It forms a vital part of Austria's largest bike region, alongside Saalbach Hinterglemm and Fieberbrunn, boasting an impressive 120 kilometers of lines and trails.
Marco Pointner, CEO of Saalfelden Leogang Touristik, shares, "In 2026, the EPIC Bikepark Leogang celebrates its 25th anniversary, a significant milestone for Austria's largest bike region, Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn. What began 25 years ago as an ambitious vision has blossomed into an international beacon for mountain biking. The bike park embodies not just elite sport and memorable events, but also a deep-seated passion, relentless innovation, and a continuously expanding community. In collaboration with our regional partners, we are dedicated to delivering an unparalleled biking experience, and 2026 will showcase this commitment more vividly than ever before."
But here's where it gets interesting: Is the relentless pursuit of bigger and more extreme trails always the best path forward for bike parks? Or does the focus on community and inclusivity, as seen with the Ladies Shred Events, hold the key to long-term success and broader appeal? What are your thoughts on the evolution of bike parks over the past 25 years? Share your opinions in the comments below!
