From Skiing Nation To Biking Nation: Key Findings From The Austrian Mountain Bike Congress

Saalbach became the epicenter of the mountain bike discourse when the renowned Mountain Bike Congress Austria brought together the industry's leading minds. These experts, pioneers in their fields, came together to shape the next era of mountain biking in Austria.

More than just monetary value creation

The value creation in the mountain bike sector goes far beyond monetary. An outstanding example of this is the impressive SROI factor of 14.5, which underlines the socio-economic relevance of the sport. Through mountain biking, tourism regions can become year-round destinations, which in turn helps to counteract migration trends and retain workers more effectively.

Artificial intelligence and the revolution in mountain biking

Artificial intelligence (AI) is at the forefront of the technological revolution in the mountain bike sector. During the congress there was intensive discussion about how AI is already being used today and what groundbreaking possibilities it holds for the future. Experts highlighted how AI-supported systems can help analyze extensive driver data in real time. This not only enables the optimization of the driving experience through personalized route recommendations, but also the prediction and rapid response to route wear or hazards. In addition, AI models could help to automatically monitor the condition of routes and identify maintenance needs at an early stage. The vision: A mountain biking experience made safer, more personalized and more responsive through AI.

Guiding in a European context
The job profile of a mountain bike guide is becoming more and more important. The integration and recognition of this profession at European level shows the growing relevance of sport.

Shared experiences in Saalbach
The heart of the congress was the shared experiences. The guided guiding in Saalbach's impressive landscape and the evening events, especially the unforgettable “Grill & Chill” at the Spielberghaus, offered the participants not only relaxation, but also valuable opportunities for networking and exchanging ideas in a relaxed atmosphere.

Coordination is key
The need for nationwide coordination of mountain biking was intensively discussed. Here, experts from ambi (Austrian mountain bike institute) and representatives from politics and business emphasized the cross-sectional issue of mountain biking and the importance of a coordinated approach.

Natural space management viewed internationally
The successful models from Wales and Graubünden for control in natural areas were presented. These regions have significantly reduced conflicts through targeted education and the use of rangers, an approach that is more efficient than the culture of prohibition that often prevails in Austria.

Community as strength
The importance of a strong mountain bike community was highlighted in collaboration with the International Mountain Bike Association (IMBA) Europe. With the support of the Trailfoundation Foundation from Switzerland, ways of effectively building such a community were discussed, with particular emphasis on the “Trails@home” concept for locals.

Federal forests in the context of the mountain bike boom
While the Federal Forests have expanded their approved routes for mountain bikers by 14.3% in recent years (2016-2023), this increase does not reflect the explosive growth seen across the biking segment, particularly mountain biking. This presents the Federal Forests with new challenges and opportunities in relation to the management and use of their lands.

A central topic of discussion during the federal state conference was the revision of infrastructure charges. The aim is to develop a system that meets both the needs of mountain bikers and the interests of forestry companies. International best practices, particularly from Norway and Wales, were highlighted. Both countries have established successful models that take into account the interests of both bikers and landowners through the direct management of trail centers.
The congress ended with the clear message that Austria has the potential to sustainably position itself as a leading mountain bike nation. The goal is clear: to make those affected involved and to ensure the harmonious development of the sport.