Global Bike Festival 2022 Ultimate Guide

With the January blues fully set in, it may be easy to forget that tickets will soon be on sale for the hottest bike festival of the summer, GLOBAL BIKE FESTIVAL 2022. For many of us it’ll probably be the first holiday we’ve had in two years so you may be a bit unprepared. To make it a bit easier we have put this guide together of what to expect so you can have the best summer at Global Bike Festival 2022. 

Getting There 

By Car:
Saalbach is easy to reach, with good road links to Germany, the wider Austrian region, eastern Europe and Italy. Parking options vary from hotel to hotel.

By Rail:
Visitors wanting to make their way on public transport will find that the easiest method is to make their way to Maishofen or Zell am See and then switch to the public bus services there or from Salzburg city centre.  

By Plane:
You will need to book airport transfers through the extras section on the website. We will be running transfers to and from Salzburg and Munich airports. You can also fly into Innsbruck airport but there will not be an official event shuttle from Innsbruck. The last transfer will be at 18:00 and the first transfer on departure day will be at 06:00

GENERAL

Covid-19:
The safety of all guests and staff at Global Bike Festival are of paramount importance - we will be monitoring developments with the pandemic closely as we approach the event and will follow the official guidance. 

This may include social distancing, face masks, health questionnaires and other measures. We will release Covid-19 Safety Management information ahead of the event.

If the event is cancelled you may be entitled to either a refund or replacement holiday from us - please refer to section 8 in our terms and conditions.

What’s included in the Festival Package? 

• 4 nights’ accommodation (B&B options and half board upgrades are available)

• Festival wristband including entry into the festival site, festival venues, events and parties

• All talks and screenings

• All guided and non-guided rides 

• Entry into timed race events

• Access to all the entertainment across the venues

What is not included: Airport transfers, unlimited bike lift passes (every attendee gets two free bike uplifts per day via the Saalbach ‘Joker Card’), bike hire, meals (except where specified with the hotel package) and drinks, travel to and from the event including flights, rail or other transport and Travel Insurance.

Do I need to purchase a lift pass?
All packages come with the Saalbach ‘Joker Card’, which offers 2 bike uplifts per day on lifts in the Saalbach-Hinterglemm resort area - if you want to use the lift more you can purchase a lift pass at the lift stations in the resort and receive a 30% discount using your Joker Card.

Are there twin rooms available? What is an Austrian twin? 
Austrian twin/double rooms are a double bed frame with two single mattresses and two single duvet covers. Alternatively they could be two single beds pushed together. These are the standard twin rooms in Austria. 

THE RIDING EXPERIENCE

Will I be able to ride with the presenters?    
Yes, there will be scheduled rides with the presenters and special guests. You may even be able to drop Hank! 

Is Global Bike Festival suitable for all abilities?
Yes, there are lots of different routes which riders can explore and ride at their own pace and intensity. All routes are marked out clearly designed to let riders explore at their own pace. 

Different rides and routes will have different levels of support, but all rides and routes (MTB, Road and Gravel) will have designated feed / support stops where assistance will be available. Roaming mechanical support will be available where geography allows and medical support will be available on all routes - customers will be issued with emergency contact numbers and / or tracking. 

Can I download a festival map and schedule?
Festival maps, ride routes and a full schedule will be available to download closer to the event. 

Accessibility & Special Needs

Can I attend if I have a disability, or other accessibility requirements?
We want to make our Festival accessible to as many people as possible. In order for us to best understand your needs please contact us directly info@globalbikefestival.com to discuss how we can help you.

I have a medical condition that may affect my ability to participate in some rides or events. Can I still attend?
While there will be a variety of rides and routes for all abilities available across all disciplines, it is important that we understand the exact nature of your needs. Please contact us at info@globalbikefestival.com  so we can discuss this with you.

What should I do if I have an allergy or other dietary requirements?
Please contact us at info@globalbikefestival.com to discuss your needs. Vegan and vegetarian options will be available at all hotels.

What are you doing to limit the environmental impact of the event?
Large scale events have an inevitable impact due to a number of factors, including transport of customers, staff and equipment, energy requirements, waste and refuse, single use plastics, food and beverage impacts and more. You can read our Sustainability Policy here [LINK] and Saalbach’s own policy here [LINK]. 

Age Restrictions, Family And Pets

Can I bring my partner and / or children?
Saalbach is a fantastic location for a family break, with lots of activities and attractions for partners and children. If you want to add them they will need a full package to attend the bike festival events - contact us at info@globalbikefestival.com to discuss your accommodation requirements.

Is there an age restriction for the event?
Due to the nature of the routes and geography of the region, we do not recommend this event for riders under the age of 16. Customers aged 17 and under will need to be supervised by adults aged 18 and over at all times. Some event venues may have their own licence conditions and refuse entry to under 18s.

Can I bring my dog or pet?
Dogs (or other pets) are not permitted on Global Bike Festival rides and at events. Individual hotels will have their own policies regarding pets - please check before booking.

Will alcohol be on sale at the event?
|Alcohol will be on sale at most event venues, including the Event Village. Purchase of alcohol will be age-restricted at all venues.