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🌱 Growing Together on the Trails of Sölden 🚴‍♂️

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This is the time of year when you start looking back at the past season (or even the past years), remembering the best rides, the places that filled you with energy, and begin planning next summer’s adventures. For us, one destination instantly comes to mind: Sölden . The season opening at Bike Republic Sölden in June 2024 was our last visit there. It’s one of my favorite places on earth for mountain biking, and this time it was even more special, the kids are growing and can now tackle more challenging trails. I wasn’t just riding for myself, but sharing the adventure with them. Watching them ride down the mountain with confidence and joy, embracing new challenges along the way, was something I’ll never forget. From a trail design perspective, what makes Sölden and Allegra’s work so unique, and such a great example for every trail network designer, is the combination of its breathtaking alpine landscapes, its amazing network of lifts, and, above all, the progressive design of its...

🌍 Why Every Trail Needs the ITRS System 🚵‍♂️

Hey folks! Today, I wanted to shine a light on something that I believe could truly revolutionize how we ride and plan our mountain bike adventures. It’s the brilliant work of a team of passionate trail professionals who came up with something we've all needed for ages: the International Trail Rating System (ITRS) ! 🎯 🌟 What’s so special about ITRS? Well, the ITRS provides an objective, consistent, and super detailed way to assess the rideability and difficulty of trails—no matter where you are. Whether you're shredding in the Alps, cruising local trails, or exploring a bike park halfway across the world, the rating system is always clear and reliable. And the beauty of it? It works everywhere! 🙌 It doesn’t matter if you're in a lift-assisted bike park, a remote trail center, or a small local network —the system applies universally. That's the magic. A common language for trail builders, riders, and families alike. 🚴‍♀️ Why does this matter? It’s essential when y...

Trail Planning on MTB Trail Networks 🚵‍♂️🌲

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Last August, I had the chance to participate in the Trail Network Planning Webinar organized by the Outdoor Recreation Council of BC and conducted by Magi Scallion from McElhanney . I want to share some insights from the webinar and my conclusions about the essence of trail planning and what it involves. Although intuitively known and often put into practice, it was great to compile a list of considerations that should be taken into account every time we think about a trail network and how it should function. There are many benefits to a well-structured and planned network of trails. Trail planning addresses many issues that may arise during the use of trail networks for recreational purposes. How Does Trail Planning Help Us Manage a Trail Network? 🌐 1.- Identifies and Classifies Existing Trails 🗺️ 2.- Identifies Types of Users on existing trails, from hikers to bikers to trail runners 🚶‍♂️🚴‍♀️🏃‍♂️ 3.- Identifies Types of Soil in the area 🌱 4.- Identifies Sensitive Areas of...

👨‍👧‍👦 Elevating the MTB Experience at Wexl Trails with the Family! 🚵‍♂️

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It’s been almost a year since our unforgettable day at Wexl Trails, and what a day it was! Our kids, aged 5 and 8, had the time of their lives, thanks to the fantastic facilities that made our family adventure seamless and joyous. The bike lift, using the Easy Loop system, was a game-changer. With just one hand movement, we could quickly hook and release, ensuring a centered alignment during the ride. This system is designed to be user-friendly for riders of all ages, starting from 20" wheel sizes, making it perfect for our young MTB enthusiasts. Paired with the magic carpet, even the littlest riders could reach the top without breaking a sweat 😅. We’re already looking forward to our next visit in a few weeks! Embarking on an MTB adventure at Wexl Trails with my kids has been nothing short of magical. The trails, designed and built by Allegra, are a testament to their commitment to creating engaging and sustainable outdoor experiences. Their expertise shines through every feature...

Joyful Pedals 👨‍👧‍👦 and Sustainable 🌿 Trails 🚵‍♂️ at Carosello 3000 - Livigno

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In the heart of the Alps, my 6 and 9-year-old kids and I discovered more than just trails; we found joy and a commitment to the future at Carosello 3000 - Livigno , an esteemed I MBA Silver Ride Center . As we rode the gravity-oriented flow trails, laughter echoed off the mountain walls, and the simplicity of the experience reminded us that the true essence of mountain biking is found in the shared moments of happiness, not in the pursuit of accolades. Sustainability, Safety, and Predictability are the core principles of Carosello 3000 - Livigno. Each path is designed to coexist with nature, ensuring that these adventures remain available for the riders of tomorrow. 🌍🌱 Click the link below to join us on a journey where every pedal is a note in the symphony of childhood joy, and every trail is a step towards preserving the beauty of our planet. Because, let’s be honest, the true pros of the trails are those who ride with smiles, not just speedometers. ⏱️😊 https://www.youtube.com/wat...