Kirchberg Trail Launches – A New Highlight For Mountain Bikers
The groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the new Kirchberg Trail, which will soon be the longest bike trail in Tyrol, has taken place.
As with the Sonnenrast Trails two years ago, the client is the "Bike ARGE" association, with its members Bergbahn AG Kitzbühel, Kitzbühel Tourism, the Kitzbüheler Alpen – Brixental Tourism Association, and the two host communities of Kirchberg and Kitzbühel. With an investment volume of around 1.5 million euros and the current contracting of eight regional companies (from earthworks, woodwork, trail construction, special structures, geotechnical engineering, signage, and project supervision), this project is also an important stimulus for the local economy in these challenging times. Discussions with the affected landowners were conducted in a very constructive and cooperative manner, and negotiations and site visits with the responsible authorities also took place in the best possible spirit.
The Kirchberg Trail is a new mountain bike route in Kirchberg, connecting the Fleckalmbahn mountain station with the Gaisberg trail network. Designed as an easy flow trail, it offers a varied, family-friendly descent with waves, banked sections, natural elements, and spectacular bridges. The goal is to create a safe and legal alternative to existing trails, implement a top-to-bottom trail, and simultaneously expand the mountain biking offerings in the region.
Route and characteristics: The longest trail in Tyrol
The route starts directly at the top station of the Fleckalmbahn and leads over several varied sections with flowing curves, waves, side hits and jump elements down into the valley on the Aschauer Straße and to the Gaisbergbahn.
In total, the trail comprises approximately 10 kilometers of newly constructed trails, supplemented by transfer routes on existing trails. The trail has an average gradient of 9.6% and is suitable for beginners and advanced riders. In addition, the existing Fleckalm Trail will be adapted in some sections to improve the flow.
Sustainability and infrastructure
Construction is being carried out in accordance with environmentally friendly trail construction standards. The route was planned in close consultation with nature conservation, forestry, and landowners to protect sensitive areas. Rest areas, boardwalks, and viewpoints will be integrated along the trail to enhance the nature experience.
Significance for the region
The Kirchberg Trail is designed to direct mountain bikers to legal trails and strengthen the region's competitiveness compared to other destinations. It also better separates hikers and bikers to minimize conflicts of use. The trail contributes to making the summer months more attractive, increases capacity utilization for tourism businesses, and secures jobs in the region. The completion of this trail will create another attractive option that will further establish the region as a mountain bike destination and increase the number of trails to over 40 km.
Bike Masterplan presented until 2030 – 7.2 million euros investment in bike infrastructure
Furthermore, the master plan for 2030, which was agreed upon by the "Bike ARGE," was approved at a press conference. This plan includes the construction of two new trails along the Streif, the creation of a direct bike connection from the Hahnenkamm to the Fleckalm Trail, the further expansion of the bike offerings on the Gaisberg, the improvement of the mountain bike routes for (e-)bikers with a panoramic loop to the Resterkogel and the Bockberge in Kitzbühel, and the review and possible implementation of a bike merger with the Saalbach-Hinterglemm region. For this purpose, the "Bike ARGE" approved an annual investment volume of 1.2 million euros until 2030. According to the joint resolution of the "Bike ARGE," all projects will be developed and implemented only after prior consultation and approval of the affected landowners and in ongoing and close consultation with the authorities.
