Bike parks are the new ski resorts... Perhaps not yet, but it's just a matter of time...
There is a wide variety of bike parks available, each with their own unique appeal. Some parks are well-known for their accessibility and diverse range of trails, while others are famous for their stunning natural settings. Some of the bike parks are particularly popular among professional riders who are seeking to improve their skills or learn new techniques. Whatever your interests or skill level, there's a bike park out there that is perfect for you.
What most bike parks have in common is that they feature a wide variety of trails that cater to riders of all levels, from gentle beginner-friendly routes to extreme downhill runs that will test even the most experienced riders. In this article, we'll take a closer look at some of the world's best mountain biking parks, exploring the unique features and attractions that make each one a must-visit destination for any mountain biking enthusiast.
Whether you're an experienced rider or just starting out, these bike parks offer a truly unforgettable biking experience that will leave you breathless and eager for more.
Hopefully this small list of five of the best mountain biking destinations in the world will help you get started.
Location: Leogang, Austria
Website: Click Here
The Epic Bike Park Leogang is located in the heart of the Austrian Alps, the park boasts over 80 kilometers of trails with varying degrees of difficulty, from beginner-friendly flow trails to adrenaline-pumping downhill tracks. It is one of the best mountain biking destinations in the world offering 9 cable cars on 7 mountains - all of which is accessible with one ticket.
One of the main attractions is the World Cup downhill track, where riders can test their skills on the same course as some of the world's best downhill racers.
Leogang is a stunning place, with a mix of wide-open spaces and tight, twisty trails that are fun for all levels of riders. You can take your time and leisurely explore the area, or you can push yourself to your limits—either way, it's a great trip!
The trails here are well maintained and marked, so you'll always know where you're going. If you're new to mountain biking, don't worry: there's an easy route marked out for beginners that will get you started without overwhelming you. And if you've got more experience under your belt? No problem—there are some challenging sections that will challenge even the most skilled riders.
The park also features a bike academy, rental shop, and plenty of other amenities to make your visit comfortable and enjoyable.
Location: British Columbia, Canada.
Website: Click Here
Whistler Bike Park may need little introduction as it is often thought to be the best mountain biking destination in the world.
It's got everything you could want from a mountain biking destination: it's just 1.5hrs North of the awesome city of Vancouver (and the airport), it's got an amazing variety of trails and terrain, and it's got some of the best weather in North America.
At Whistler Bike Park, you'll find a community of bikers who are passionate about what they do and willing to share their knowledge with you—whether it's helping you fix a flat tire or introducing you to new friends who share your love of biking. Whistler also offers a great opportunity to increase your skills by having biking lessons from professionals who know the area in and out.
There are 5 different bike zones all with a variety of difficulty. The park is well organised and signposted to help you stay in your comfort zone or push past it!
The park is well-known for its extensive downhill trail network, including the renowned "A-Line" trail, which has become an iconic trail within the mountain biking community. We know that at first glance, Whistler Bike Park might seem like an intimidating place to visit if you've seen all the videos of pro riders whipping over gap jumps and flying downhill at crazy speeds but Whistler also offers several cross-country trails that wind through pristine alpine forests, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
Alongside the great riding, the welcoming Canadians help solidify Whistler as one of the best choices for an amazing mountain biking holiday.
Location: Lezerheide, Switzerland
Website: Click Here
The bike park in Lenzerheide is one of the top destinations within the Bike Kingdom, offering a variety of trails that cater to riders of different skill levels. The park features over 40 kilometers of downhill and freeride trails, including the renowned "Worldcup Downhill" trail. The park also offers several jump lines, a skills park, and a pump track, allowing riders to hone their skills and progress in a safe and controlled environment.
The Bike Kingdom area is the largest interconnected biking area in Switzerland, situated in the northern region of Graubünden. This area boasts of two remarkable bike parks, twelve mountain railways, and bus and train lines that connect the regions of Arosa, Lenzerheide, and Chur. In Graubünden, the hiking trails double up as MTB trails, presenting bikers with hundreds of kilometers of trails and countless tour options to explore within the Bike Kingdom.
The experience is further enriched by the presence of exceptional MTB schools, bike hotels, and a diverse range of events. Overall, Bike Kingdom is a must-visit destination for any mountain biking enthusiast seeking a challenging and exciting experience.
Location: France & Switzerland
Website: Click Here
The Portes du Soleil is a mountain biking destination offering over 600 kilometers of marked trails that wind through stunning alpine landscapes across France and Switzerland. It contains 12 linked resorts and 4 internationally renowned Bike Parks: Chatel bike park, Super Morzine, Les Gets and Avoriaz.
From challenging downhill and freeride trails to scenic cross-country routes, there's something for everyone in Portes du Soleil. The terrain is varied, featuring steep descents, technical features, and smooth flowy sections, making it an ideal destination for mountain biking enthusiasts. Additionally, the area has a vast network of lifts and gondolas that provide easy access to the trails, making it easier for riders to explore the whole area with minimal effort.
You can also enjoy great views from many areas of the park. When you're not busy biking up one side of a mountain only to come down another, you might want to take in some panoramic vistas of Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc from atop a lookout point or picnic area where you can relax with friends over lunch or an afternoon snack while taking in breathtaking scenery.
Speaking of food, there are tonnes of options from great local Savoyard cuisine to American style comfort food available during your stay. All of this alongside lively bars, great lodging options and one of the most mountain bike friendly communities in the world.
See what Alex Holowko has to say about Portes du Soleil and especially Morzine
Location: West Virginia, United States
Website: Click Here
Snowshoe Mountain Resort is a world-class resort that offers everything you need for an unforgettable mountain biking experience. The bike park features over 60 miles of trails and 100+ features, including jumps and natural features such as rock gardens and tight turns. There are also 15 miles of cross-country trails if you want to take it easy on yourself!
If you're looking for an awesome mountain biking destination, Snowshoe Mountain Resort is the place to go.
Snowshoe Mountain Resort is located in the Pocahontas State Park in West Virginia, and it has over 200 miles of trails that are open to mountain biking. The bike park is designed to be a safe place for riders to practice their skills on jumps and obstacles. If you're looking for something more challenging than the bike park, there are plenty of options!
The mountain bike trail network at Snowshoe ranges from wide and flat to narrow and technical. Riders can enjoy all-day rides or just ride out a few miles on some of their favorite trails. The trails are well-marked with signs at every junction so you'll never get lost along the way!
The views from Snowshoe Mountain Resort are incredible—they stretch for miles in every direction! You can see mountains as far as your eyes can see when you're up there enjoying a day on your bike!
There are many mountain biking destinations to choose from all over the world, but these are certainly some of the best. Be sure to check out their detailed descriptions and visit their websites before choosing a place that's suited to your needs, and start planning your trip.
Whether you’re an experienced rider who wants to try a new challenge or just looking for a fun trip with friends, there’s no shortage of options out there! So what are you waiting for?
If you are looking for a mountain bike destination that is a bit more unique and away from the hustle and bustle of the popular bike parks, take a look at some of the destinations available on our website.
As we embark on yet another mountain biking season I'd recommend taking a look at Chamonix, located at the foot of the majestic Mont Blanc or our secret little gem Engelberg in central Switzerland... wink wink
Join Our Insider Club
Special Offers, New Destinations, Competitions & more. Become part the LeRipp Collective and you'll be the first to know when we have some exciting news to share.