Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ous climbs up to tremendous viewpoints like Zwölferhorn peak. Green-and-white signs
indicate the trail from Annaberg to Edtalm via Wolfgangsee (
Click here
)
. Route details
and highlights are given online (
www.almentour.com
, in German).
Silvretta Mountain Bike Arena
Sidling up to Switzerland, the Silvretta Mountain Bike Arena (
Click here
)
in the
Patznauntal is among the biggest in the Alps, with 1000km of trails; some climbing to al-
most 3000m. Ischgl makes an excellent base, with a technique park and plenty of trail in-
formation available at the tourist office. The 15 free-ride trails for speed freaks include
the Velill Trail, involving 1300m of descent. Tour details are available at
www.silvretta-
bikeacademy.at
,
in German.
Kitzbühel
Covering 800km of mountain-bike trails, the Kitzbühel region (
Click here
)
ranks as one
of Austria's top free-wheeling spots. Routes range from 700m to 2300m in elevation and
encompass trial circuits, downhill runs and bike parks. The must-experience rides include
the Hahnenkamm Bike Safari from Kitzbühel to Pass Thurn, affording far-reaching views
of Grossglockner and Wilder Kaiser.
Stubaital & Zillertal
These two broad valleys running south from the Inn River in Tyrol are flanked by high
peaks crisscrossed with 800km of mountain-bike trails. The terrain is varied and the land-
scape splendid, with gorges, waterfalls and glaciers constantly drifting into view. High-
lights include the alpine route from Mayrhofen (
Click here
)
to Hintertux Glacier and the
dizzying roads that twist up from Ginzling (
Click here
)
to the Schlegeisspeicher.
GPS FREE-WHEELING
It's easier to navigate Austria's backcountry and find little-known bike trails with a GPS tour. Check
www.bike-
gps.com
for downloadable cycling and mountain-biking tours. Alternatively, head to
www.gps-tour.info
for hun-
dreds of tours in Austria.
