Pump tracks have spread all over the world in the last decade. PARKITECT has built some brilliant ones across Europe, and the standard keeps going up. Whether you are planning a trip around tracks or just want to know what a proper pump track looks like at its best, here are five that are worth going out of your way for.
1. Bikepark Winterberg, Germany
Winterberg is one of the busiest bike destinations in central Europe and the pump track there matches the quality of the rest of the park. It is a full-size loop with proper berms and well-spaced rollers. The surface is smooth, the layout flows naturally, and there is enough variety to keep you occupied for a full session. If you are already heading to Winterberg for the trails, do not skip this.
2. Pumptrack Arosa, Switzerland
Arosa sits at altitude and the views alone make it worth the cable car ride up. The pump track is a tight, technical loop that rewards precise body position over raw speed. It is a smaller circuit but it is very well designed. Riders who can pump a small track well tend to find the bigger ones much easier, so this is a good benchmark.
3. Bikepark Davos, Switzerland
Davos has invested heavily in its bike offering over the last few years and the pump track is a strong part of that. It is bigger than Arosa, with longer rhythm sections and more open corners. A good one for riders who want to feel what carrying speed through a berm actually feels like. The town itself is an easy base for a few days of riding.
4. Pump Track Innsbruck, Austria
Innsbruck has one of the most accessible pump tracks in the Alps. It is right in the city, free to use, and open most of the year. The standard of the riders who use it regularly is high, which makes it a great place to push yourself. You will see everything from kids on balance bikes to experienced riders trying to clean the whole loop without pedalling once.
5. Your Local One
This sounds like a cop-out but it is not. The best pump track is the one you can get to three times a week. Consistency beats destination every time when it comes to building skill. Check the PARKITECT site for a track near you. More facilities are being built all the time, and there is a good chance there is one closer than you think.
If you are making a trip of it, the pump track merch makes a solid travel companion. A good hoodie works from the trail head to the coffee stop. Check the full range here.