Bike Parks 2026: New Destinations, Big Expansions, and Regions to Watch

A year of growth, modernization and unexpected hotspots.
Published by Radical Life Studios / MTB Report

The 2026 season is shaping up to be one of the most dynamic years for bike parks in recent memory. Across Europe, several resorts are expanding their trail networks, upgrading lifts, or launching entirely new projects. While not every region moves at the same pace, the overall direction is clear: bike parks are investing again — and riders will feel it.

Austria: The Alpine Engine Keeps Running

Austria continues to lead the European bike park scene. Multiple parks are undergoing lift upgrades, reworked trail networks or new flow sections.
Two trends define 2026:

More mid-level terrain
Parks add blue and red runs to attract newer riders without alienating experts.
Enduro-style upper-mountain access
Several regions expand routes outside the classic bike-park layout, giving riders a mix of bike park flow and true mountain terrain.

Austria remains the country with the strongest unified development — and one of the best infrastructures for multi-day trips.

Germany: Growth in Silence, But Growth Nonetheless

Germany isn’t exploding with new parks, but several promising projects are in late-stage planning or entering construction phases — especially in the Schwarzwald, Bavaria and parts of NRW.

The pattern is consistent:

more legal trail concepts
more cooperation with municipalities
more focus on sustainability (erosion control, drainage, vegetation management)

While Germany won’t match Austria’s pace, 2026 will likely bring two or three new medium-sized parks and expansions in existing areas.

Switzerland: Modernization Instead of Expansion

Swiss destinations tend to invest heavily rather than widely.
Expect:

lift upgrades
resurfaced bike park lines
expanded beginner terrain
better signage and safety infrastructure

Switzerland focuses on quality over quantity, with some parks shifting toward family-friendly zones without abandoning advanced riders.

Italy: Enduro Regions Gain Momentum

Italy continues to blur the line between “bike park” and “natural enduro terrain.”
Especially in the north, several regions expand lift-access climbs or redesign shuttle zones to create hybrid bike-park/enduro systems.

A few areas in South Tyrol and Veneto are preparing new trail networks — with a clear trend toward:

longer descents
more technical natural features
bigger regional terrain loops

Italy is quickly becoming the go-to for riders who want elevation, rough terrain and a little less park-sculpting.

Eastern Europe: The Next Big Chapter

Slovakia, Czech Republic and Slovenia remain some of the most exciting growth regions.
Why?

lower operating costs
strong local communities
untapped mountainous terrain
faster permitting processes

2026 will see at least two new lift-access projects finalizing their first stages — and both regions are pushing to attract traveling riders who want something fresh beyond the Alpine mainstream.