here you'll find information on some of the best MTB Europe's got to offer
The surrounding Kaprun / Zell am See area has plenty of gentle cycle routes such as the 'Tauernradweg'. This cycle route connects the whole of the 'Hohe Tauern National Park' which stretches from Krimml to Salzburg and further. These trails are easily accessable using the green biking signs, run the length of the valley bed and are usually traffic free lanes.
The Tauernradweg is perfect for light mountain biking, touring or a simple warm up before tackling something more challenging. This is also the most biker friendly route to ride to Kaprun from Zell am See and back!!
For the more enthuisiastic biker there are plenty of options available.
Since hosting the UCI Downhill World Cup in 1995, 2001 & 2002 the local Maiskogel mountain has become a popular area in Kaprun for mountain bikers. There are numerous trails, providing a large variety of technical terrrain. Whether you choose to ride up, down or both, there are numerous 'fire track's to progressive & extreme techincal singletrack with plenty of 'technical features'.
If you wish to head up the Maiskogel, you can either head out and ride straight up the Alpin road from the centre of the village (next to the retirement home) or head towards the Maiskogelbahn Gondola on the main Kitzsteinhorn glacier road.
The famous Downhill World cup downhill trail has been named 'Root to Hell' by the local riders. This trail is pure singletrack heaven and is certainly not for the faint hearted. Here you can expect a constant technical descent with plenty of tree roots, rock, switchbacks, storm gulleys and off camber riding.
We ALWAYS advise riding terrain which is not only suitable to the bike you are riding, but, more importantly, the trail is suitable to your riding ability!!
There are several sections where you have two lines to ride. The lower sections of this trail however engage the rider to push their abilities to maximise the trail terrain. Rocks are littered all over this area as are close encounters with barb-wire fencing are occasional.
The offical downhill trail in Kaprun is the currentlly the most challenging route on the Maiskogel. listed as hiking route number 29 on the walking maps (it's available for hikers aswell!) and noted as a 'black' on the biking trail map.
Towards the top of the trail you will find steep and extremely technical terrain. Expect unavoidable long and difficult rock gardens, loose ground, tight, off axis drop offs, very tight switchbacks and the occasional cows grazing the hills!! This trail is without a doubt for experienced mountain bike riders.
There are of course plenty of other trails but we dont want to give eveything up. Some of the fun is the excitement of adventure!!
The Maiskogelbahn gondola allows mountain bikes to be taken up the mountains. You are able to choose wheter you wish to use the uplift once, twice or more frequently by purchasing the relevant ticket at the lift station on the day of your ride.
Following the sucsess of Mountain Bike Parks such as Leogang, Saalbach Hinterglemm & Wagrain, Kaprun has agreed to open Kitzsteinhorn Gletscherjet 1 & 2 gonndola's. We are currently waiting for more information such as prices, opening & closing times for Summer 2013
The Maiskogelbahn can easily fit 8 bikes and riders per uplift. The lift operates every 30 minutes, although more frequently during high season. Whenever there are more people wanting to use the Gondola, they operate as and when needed.. The uplift takes roughly three minutes and operates from May to the end of October, making it available for 6 months!
Last uplift is 4:45pm and the lift station has basic washing facilities a hose to wash down your bike if its caked in the messy stuff!