Mountain biking is a community sport, and that has been impressively demonstrated on every level right now at Bike Republic Sölden. Freeride pro, shaper, and newly elected Swatch Nines MVP Vero Sandler is thrilled with the diversity of the bike destination and the new jump line. The Kiwi, who resides in the UK, is making the case for courage within (women’s) communities. Vero and her fiancé Sam Hodges are spending several months at the Bike Republic Sölden and sharing the experience with us. Community is also the base of the new partnership between Sölden and the new Riders Park Donovaly in Slovakia: local tourism director Jiri Pec is convinced that the entire MTB scene benefits from more bike parks—and with Dominik Linser, managing director of BRS, he has found the perfect partner for it.
Bike Republic Sölden 2026
At the end of June, the world elite in freeride, slopestyle and BMX gathered at Bike Republic Sölden for the Bike Republic Sölden Festival on the legendary Swatch Nines course. The two newly elected Nines MVPs Vero Sandler and Sam Hodges are, however, extending their stay this year—the two freeride pros and trail builders are spending several months at the Bike Republic and building the second section of the long-awaited jump line. The first section of the Hupfar (Austrian dialect for “jumping”) Line has been open since the Summer Kickstart on 4 June 2026; the third and final section will—follow next season-both built by Matthias Garber. Building has also been in full swing in Slovakia: through the partnership with the new Riders Park Donovaly, BRS is expanding its offering beyond national borders. In combination with THE MOTHER—bike park in Winterberg, the three partners will together form a bike park trio for even more trails, exchange and community.
Vero Sandler and Sam Hodges discover Bike Republic as a biking and holiday destination
Vero and her fiancé Sam have already been spending their summer season at Bike Republic Sölden for around six weeks. The two are not only here to ride but are building the middle part of the Hupfar Line—already 1 mile long (1.6km)—to a world-class standard, and in doing so they are discovering Sölden as a versatile biking and holiday destination for pros, beginners and families alike.
For freerider and trail builder Vero, the new jump line is a real highlight within the trail network. Vero is particularly impressed by the versatility of the red route. Beginners can roll the features safely, while experienced riders can use different take-offs and bigger jumps.
The Hupfar Line is a unique line–it’s got its own unique features which I’ve never ridden before on any other flow trail or jump line. Basically, anyone of any skill level can have fun on it – which is such a hard thing to build. They really did an amazing job here.
Veronique Sandler & Sam Hodgson
The second section opened over the weekend of July 11/12 and is now rideable for everyone. Here’s a sneak peek from Vero and Sam.
But it’s not only the new Hupfar Line that leaves an impression. For Vero, the real strength of Bike Republic Sölden lies above all in its versatility as a holiday destination. The wide variety of trails and the length of the routes—from over 3,000 metres in altitude down into the valley—as well as the many sports and activity options (ranging from hiking, climbing, rafting, canyoning, wellness and lakes, as well as day trips to nearby Meran) plus good food in town, make Sölden something special for the two who live in England by choice.
Speaking of England: Bike Republic Sölden is quickly, affordably and easy to reach, both, by car and by plane. Vero and Sam have tried both:
The first time we came out here with our van which is a beautiful drive. We stopped overnight in Belgium which was around halfway and the scenery is epic. The second time we got a cheap flight from London to Innsbruck. Once you get to Innsbruck, you’re like an hour’s drive away from Sölden, so that’s a very accessible method.
Veronique Sandler & Sam Hodgson
Vero and Sam are deeply rooted in the scene as professional freeriders and have gradually built up their own crews. As a woman in trail building, Vero encourages others to be brave and simply get started, even if they don’t yet have riding buddies. She has this message for all girls and women.
If you don’t have a crew, it can be really intimidating to go out there and put yourself in a male dominated sport. But everyone started somewhere, everyone was a beginner and the community of biking in my experience is very inclusive and really encouraging. If you can get the courage to go out there, even when it is just to turn up to a bike park on your own, I guarantee you’ll find some people to share laps with, and you’ll probably make some new friends.
Veronique Sandler & Sam Hodgson
Community from Sölden to Winterberg to Slovakia: how Bike Republic is inspiring the new bike destination Donovaly
Bike Republic Sölden’s influence has long extended far beyond the borders of Tyrol, as demonstrated by its partnership with the new Riders Park in Slovakia. A new bike park is currently being built around 600 kilometres away in Donovaly, its development significantly supported through exchange with the Bike Republic Sölden team. For many years Donovaly was known primarily as a winter sports destination, just like Sölden. With the new Riders Park, the region is now pursuing the goal of developing into a modern, year-round destination.
The idea behind building a new bike park is to give a once-successful winter sports resort a new perspective and turn it into a modern, year-round destination. Thanks to the collaboration with Bike Republic Sölden, we realized that we can transform the whole region by creating something new—something geared towards summer that can be used in the long term.
Jiri Pec, the person primarily responsible for the region
Just as for Dominik Linser, managing director of Bike Republic Sölden, for Jiri such a partnership stands for more community—there is no competition between bike parks. The competition for bike holidays is the beach holiday.
We knew that Bike Republic Sölden was one of the best examples in the industry, so we reached out to Dominik Linser from Bike Republic Sölden and asked for support. To be honest, we were initially surprised that they were willing to help us so openly. Dominik gave us a very simple answer: Donovaly is not a competitor. The real competition for mountain destinations is not another bike park—it is beaches, cities and alternative holiday activities. That perspective immediately resonated with us.
Jiri Pec, the person primarily responsible for the region
Riders Park Donovaly has been open with its first trails since 27 June 2026, with further challenging trails to follow by the end of September.
In the future, Bike Republic Sölden citizens will be able to get two additional routes stamped in their pass at Riders Park Donovaly and Winterberg bike park, and can look forward to joined activities and projects as well as an even bigger community.
How the season continues
Whether alone or with the crew, whether beginner or pro: the season at Bike Republic Sölden is in full swing right through into autumn. Upcoming highlights include the regular “Bike-Feierabend” (after-work biking) formats every Friday from 3 July to 21 August. The season’s crowning finale is the traditional BRS National Holiday on 3–4 October 2026, when the “flowiest nation of the Alps” celebrates the season closing.
About Bike Republic Sölden
The BIKE REPUBLIC SÖLDEN in the Ötztal is more than just a bike park; it is the most flowy nation in the Alps. Founded in 2015 as one of the most ambitious and unique bike projects in the Alps, it now boasts 16 natural trails, 14 well-maintained, sustainably built lines, signposted enduro routes – and the best citizens in the world. Why a nation for bikers? Because the BIKE REPUBLIC SÖLDEN is not only a sensational bike area but also a comprehensive bike culture from the valley to the mountain, where everyone should feel at home, and everyone is welcome: whether a trail beginner or enduro pro, touring rider or freerider. It doesn’t matter where you come from, what you look like, or how you ride. Riders rule – in terms of diversity, hospitality, and sustainability. While muscle power and e-support are required on the quiet side, the pulsating side offers perfect lift support with the Gaislachkoglbahn, Langeggbahn, Giggijochbahn, Hochsölden-Rotkoglbahn, and the Zentrum Shuttle. Two pump tracks and a skill center in the valley, bike washes, bike shops, and bike hotels complete the exemplary infrastructure. Furthermore, the Bike Republic Sölden will host the Swatch Nines mountain bike edition over the next three years, from 2025 to 2027.
Official website: bikerepublic.soelden.com
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