Austria pivots towards mountain bike tourism as Alps warm

According to a joint report by the weather services of Austria, Germany and Switzerland, last year’s winter season in the Alps was “characterised by exceptionally mild temperatures”, marking the second-warmest winter in Austria since records began in 1851.

Less snowy winters have threatened the existence of Austria’s famed ski resorts.

“Climate change has caused tourist destinations to rethink and pick up on trends, such as mountain biking,” said Martin Schnitzer, a sports economist at the University of Innsbruck.

Austria’s government is aiming to meet the rising demand for legal mountain bike trails by formulating a plan to sign more contracts with landowners including forest owners, who currently restrict access.

Austria’s rules, formulated nearly 50 years ago, include a default ban on biking across land unless the owner gives explicit approval.

Bikers can be fined up to 730 euros (about $800) for trespassing, but there have been disputes where claims have ballooned to “several thousand euros”, said Rene Sendlhofer-Schag of Austria’s Alpine Club, which is involved in the strategy.   

The government will look to resorts like Leogang-Saalbach that have managed to become an all-year-round destination.

Its famous bike park — which regularly hosts mountain biking world cup races — was the first of its kind in Austria when it was established in 2001.

Austria hosts more than two dozen bike parks and trail centres.