The right knowledge of how to handle your bike not only saves valuable energy on long tours, it also prevents injuries and accidents. This applies, for example, to descending a steep downhill trail without crashing, riding through muddy stretches, behaviour in bends or efficiently mastering steep climbs. There are several bike schools in Tyrol, run by state-certified mountain bike trainers, where single trail fans, enduro enthusiasts and freeriders can learn all these skills - in theory and practice. Behaviour in emergency situations is also taught there. The range of courses and camps is wide and is aimed at experts as well as beginners and even children.
A selection of providers
- SAAC: Every year, the association organises several bike camps in Tyrol. SAAC stands for "Snow and alpine awareness camps" - so the main focus is on safety issues, but also on correct behaviour in the great outdoors. The special thing about it: Participation in the camps is free of charge. The courses, which are led by state-certified MTB trainers, usually last two days. In theory and practice, the focus is on riding technique, accident prevention, dealing with material defects and sustainability when biking in the great outdoors.
- Bikeacademy, Kirchberg: Run and founded by MTB pro Kurt Exenberger, Austria's first mountain bike school offers a variety of bike camps for beginners and advanced riders throughout the year, in Tyrol as well as in other countries. Some of these are aimed specifically at children and young people. The participants go on tours together with the trainers, evaluate their riding behaviour using video analysis and learn a lot about important safety aspects.
- Appi.at, Axams: Markus Apperle's bike school, based in Axams near Innsbruck, specialises in guided Alpine cross tours, riding technique courses and freeride camps - in Tyrol and sometimes in other countries. Recently, there are also special e-MTB courses. Professional Markus Apperle also offers individual coaching sessions.
- Bikeride mountain bike school, Innsbruck: How do I brake correctly? How do I deal with hairpin bends? How do I shift my weight on steep descents? Questions like these are the focus of the MTB camps and courses, sometimes with the help of video analyses. They take place in a wide variety of regions. The bike school is run by Manfred Stromberg, MTB pro and riding technique expert at Mountainbike magazine.
- Bike School Innsbruck: During the summer season, the Bike School Innsbruck, which is located at the valley station of the Muttereralm cable car, regularly offers camps for young riders as well as technique training, taster courses for beginners and women's specials. Some training sessions are organised together with the Tirol-Innsbruck downhill club. There is also a special children's programme for guests and locals.
- FlatSucks: The main thing is not flat - the 15-strong "FlatSucks" team prefers to ride on vertical terrain. They offer mountain bike fans courses throughout Tyrol. These include riding technique training for trails, enduro or e-mountain bikes. Individual training is also possible. Children from the age of 6 can take part in the junior courses. Particularly interesting: the "FlatSucks" team also has expertise in mountain guiding and first aid. First aid courses are also offered, focussing on mountain bike accidents.
- Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis bike school: Located in one of Tyrol's top family regions, this bike school's programme is aimed equally at men and women, beginners and experts as well as children and older bikers. Various camps are organised in summer, some especially for women.
- mtb.schule.tirol in Schwaz: From April to October, the bike school in the Silberregion Karwendel offers a daily programme of riding technique training and special e-bike courses. You can also sign up for guided (e-) mountain bike trips, where you can learn interesting facts about the region's nature and culture as well as tips on riding technique.
- Ride On bike school, Sölden: In addition to exclusive camps for children and women, this bike school in the Ötztal has offers for all skill levels in its programme. There are freeride camps for advanced riders, e-ride camps for electric bikers and flow ride camps for trail riders.
- Area 47, Ötztal railway station: The famous adventure park at the entrance to Ötztal offers bike camps as well as climbing and water fun. Freeride and mountain bike camps lasting several days are organised several times, some of which are "girls only". Bike hire and accommodation are included in the package.
