Airtime for all: BIKE REPUBLIC SÖLDEN opens the new “Hupfar Line”

Last updated on 09.06.2026 | Ötztal

A long-awaited wish of the bike community has come true: to kick off the season properly, Sölden presents one of the Alps’ longest continuous jump lines and simultaneously invites everyone to join the free Swatch Nines Public Days with the world’s best athletes in June. 

Jumpline Opening © Ötztal Tourismus – Tobias Siegele

The BIKE REPUBLIC SÖLDEN (BRS) is filling an important gap in its range of offers at the start of the new season. Thanks to the brand-new “Hupfar Line”, the network expands to include a pure, top-class jump line. What makes it special: the elite of trail architecture were involved in its construction. At the same time, the opening makes a truly perfect warm-up for the upcoming Bike Republic Sölden Festival (18–21 June) which this year boasts a spectacular public program that is completely free of charge.

From dialect to trail building
The name says it all in Ötztal dialect: “Hupfar” means jumping. With a planned total length of 2.35 kilometers, one of the longest and most intense jump lines in the entire Alpine region is being built. “Jump lines are so demanding, nobody rides them all in one go. That’s why we are integrating six to eight rest zones along the entire trail. After 1.5 kilometers, you are glad to take a break,” explains BRS Project Manager Leo Linser. The design of the trail is like a work of art, combining regional expertise with world-class international standards. While the first and third sections are being implemented by Tirolean trail designer Matthias Garber from Reutte in collaboration with the BRS team, the second section bears a very special signature: Swatch Nines pro couple Sam Hodgson and Veronique Sandler are responsible for both design and construction.

Fun for everyone, from amateurs to pros
Despite its enormous dimensions, BRS Managing Director Dominik Linser emphasizes its inclusive nature: “The track is designed in a way that everyone can have fun. The main line is completely rollable as no one has to jump. But those looking for maximum airtime will find special add-ons and obstacles to the left and right of the line.” That this concept works is also confirmed by professional biker Korbinian Engstler, who was enthusiastic after the first test runs: “Hupfar Line absolutely lives up to its name. I mastered many jump lines worldwide. This line is rideable and accessible to everyone, but even we pros have an incredible amount of fun. It is perfectly shaped and incredibly well thought out!”

World stars up close and totally for free
The exciting momentum of the new trail opening will carry right to the BIKE REPUBLIC SÖLDEN Festival, taking place for the first time in early summer from 18 to 21 June. The undisputed highlight for spectators: in the roughly two-hectare “Dirt District”, the 45 world’s best freestyle and slopestyle athletes (new this year including BMX) will showcase their most spectacular tricks. Dominik Linser is looking forward to connecting with the crowd of fans: “It would be a real shame not to let spectators enjoy this highlight. That’s why we are hosting the legendary Night Session on Thursday evening and the Public Day on Saturday afternoon. And we have decided to offer it completely free of charge for all fans – there’s no admission fee.” Additionally, free shuttle buses will ensure convenient transportation within the village. Also for fans from the surrounding area, there is a special service: on Saturday, buses from Innsbruck, Munich and the Allgäu region will take bike fans directly to the event for just € 10 (return ride).

BIKE REPUBLIC SÖLDEN News

  • “Hupfar Line” at a glance:
    • Character: red jump line (difficulty: intermediate/red). Fully rollable main line for intermediate riders, optional branches (add-ons & obstacles) with massive airtime for experts and pros.
    • Length: 2.35 km total length (section 1 open from 04 June, Section 2 opens for the festival, Section 3 completed by 2027). Includes 6 to 8 strategic rest areas.
    • Design: collaboration between Tirolean trail builder Matthias Garber and Swatch Nines athletes Sam Hodgson & Veronique Sandler.

BIKE REPUBLIC SÖLDEN Festival 2026

  • When: 18 to 21 June 2026 (new date in early summer!)
  • Where: Sölden, Ötztal (Tirol)
  • Admission: totally free of charge for all visitors and fans.
  • Program highlights:
    • 18 Jun (Thursday evening): legendary Swatch Nines Public Night Show under floodlights in the Dirt District (2-hectare area, featuring BMX for the first time).
    • 20 Jun (Saturday): Swatch Nines Public Day in the afternoon, featuring the 45 best riders in the world, large Expo Area at Gaislachkogl gondola station including test bikes, music and Riders’ Party.
  • Travel special: on festival Saturday (20 Jun), convenient fan shuttles from Munich, Innsbruck and the Allgäu region available for only € 10 (flat rate for return trip). Bookable via Ötztal Tourismus Adventure Shop shortly before the event.

More details: www.soelden.com
Pictures: HERE
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Anna Pircher
anna.pircher@oetztal.com
+43 57200 935

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