Schneeberg Transforms into a Scenic Backdrop for a Mountain Bike Park in NÖ
Bike Park Schneeberg: Cranking Up Tourism in a Peaceful Village
It's time to shake up the serene town of Puchberg am Schneeberg, with a brand new wave of adrenaline-pumping visitors rolling in. Beginning next year, along with hikers and train-riding tourists who head to the Schneeberg's peak, mountain bikers will be joining the scene, as construction on the "Alpen Bikepark Schneeberg" kicks off.
Biking to the Next Level
Over the next few months, ten kilometers of trails and track for cyclists of all skill levels will be carved out at the local ski center nestled against the alpine backdrop of Schneeberg.
A New Era in Grime
"By launching Alpen Bikepark Schneeberg in spring 2026, we're busting tourism on the Schneeberg into a whole new era," beamed Lower Austria's Provincial Councilor Udo Landbauer during the groundbreaking ceremony on Monday. "Our aim is to become a top-tier mountain biking destination, with mountain bike pro Clemens Kaudela joining our ranks as our unique ambassador."
With a total investment of €2.6 million, construction will primarily take place around the existing Schneeberg chairlift infrastructure, with the station building transformed into a bike shop and rental service.
Bike Boom: New Lift for the Trail Scene
Pro Clementine Aids in Trails Shaping
Mountain bike legend Clemens Kaudela will jump on board to help herd the construction crew and shape the trails. Kaudela, the first Austrian ever to compete in the legendary Red Bull Rampage - the most extreme mountain bike freeride competition - will bring her expertise to make the region around Schneeberg even more alluring to bikers.
The goal of the organizers is to lure an extra 25,000 guests to the area in the initial three years, creating up to eight new jobs and 3,000 to 5,000 additional overnight stays annually - a serious boost for the local economy and tourist industry, according to Landbauer and Puchberg's mayor Christian Dungl.
Bike Park's Phases: Shift Gears from Snow to Gravel
Grand Opening, Then Phase Two and Three
At its debut in spring 2026, the Alpen Bikepark Schneeberg will boast nearly ten kilometers of trails for bikers of every level, part of the downhill freeride track, and a kid's Skills area for beginners.
In phase two, by spring 2027, the remaining sections of single trails (red and blue) and the upper part of the downhill freeride track will be completed, along with a jump line to cater to experienced riders. Phase three, slated for spring 2028, rounds out the expansion with the last part of the red single trail and another freeride track, bringing the total trail count to fifteen kilometers.
Wexl Trails: Cycling through Seasons
The sloping topography – with the valley station of the 4-seater chairlift in Losenheim sitting at 840 meters above sea level – might not be enough for a winter skiing paradise. However, inspired by the success of the Bikearena "Wexl Trails" in St. Corona am Wechsel, the Losenheim area now aims to become the next sensation in Lower Austria.
Over 250,000 guests now converge on the Wexl Trails each year. When the financially struggling ski lifts were dismantled in 2013, few believed in the area's future. But now, it's time to pedal towards progress!
An Invitation to Other Sports
Following the launch of Alpen Bikepark Schneeberg, reigniting tourism around the Schneeberg, Lower Austria aspires to attract not only mountain bikers but also sports enthusiasts who prefer other adventures.
A Four-Season Playground
With the success of the Bikearena "Wexl Trails" in St. Corona am Wechsel, the Losenheim area's ambition is to become the Next Sensation in Lower Austria, enticing sports lovers year-round, transcending winter sports' limitations.
