HIGH ALPINE BIKING FUN IN PAZNAUN-ISCHGL
Welcome to the Silvretta Bike Arena Ischgl/Samnaun! Four villages – one biking adventure – challenging trails, breathtakingly beautiful tours on smocked trails with a rich history, has been the starting point for attracting mountain bikers to the region for several years.
The Paznaun-Ischgl region consists of four villages and several mountain peaks: Galtür, Ischgl, Kappl & See. Ischgl, the main town of Paznaun, attracts many sporty MTBers with its many trails and MTB events. But not only are the numerous alpine MTB opportunities in Paznaun-Ischgl impressive, so is the region’s past. Paznaun was once essential for the smuggling of goods and tobacco between Austria and Switzerland. Today, in addition to the historic trails, no less exciting mountain bike routes wind their way from the mountain down into the valley. You can make your way over the “Uphill-Flimjoch” or take a solitary “hut tour” high up in the mountains. And the “Duty-Free Ride” would probably have appealed to the smugglers of yesteryear…. Here in the longest cross valley in the Alps, every type of biker will find his favorite route and every mountain lover his favorite peak.
Trails, trails, and more trails
On both sides of the Austrian and Swiss border, we are spoilt for choice! Because high-alpine downhill highlights await us here. For example, the Idalp Trail, which starts at an altitude of 2,320 meters and descends over 6.2 km and 950 altitude meters. There are numerous technical passages and stone fields to overcome. The trail eventually ends at the valley station of the Silvrettabahn. A big grin on your face is guaranteed. But only one can be at the top of the Paznaun bike bucket list: the monumental Filmjochtrail! The medium-difficult singletrail runs from the mountain station 2.5 kilometers along the Swiss border towards Idalp. Numerous curves, bends and jumps promise plenty of flow and riding fun on the old smugglers’ trails! With the impressive panorama of the Paznaun WOW high above the valley, this is a real MTB highlight in the region.
The Velill Trail – a flow trail with amazing views
Another must-bike in Paznaun-Ischgl is the Velill Trail. It is also a flow trail with far-reaching views and an excellent example of a high-alpine nature trail: breathtaking views of the Alpe, challenging steep sections in the forest and lots of riding fun for experienced enduro bikers. We start at just under 2,800 m on the Idjoch, overlooking the 10.3 km and 1,400 meters of descent into the valley ahead. Although the panorama captures our attention, roots, rocks and small steps demand our concentration. Along with the challenging steep sections in the forest from the Velill-Alpe, experienced bikers come into their own here. After all, this is a trail that requires hard work, but rewards you with panoramic views, cultural history and attention to the basics. Just go with the flow!
Photos: ©Felix Saller
