Dirt

The Åre Bike Festival is Scandinavia’s biggest gathering to celebrate all things related to freeride mountain biking. Held annually in Åre, Sweden’s outdoor capital and home to one of the world’s biggest summer bike parks, the festival brings together over 1,000 mountain bike fans.

It prides itself on being a true rider’s festival, so the majority of events are all about experiencing and enjoying the best riding the area can offer, whether that means flowing machine-built jump trails in the bike park, or natural singletracks in the surrounding mountains.

The 2013 edition was held from 2nd to 6th July, and featured a packed schedule with activities and competitions for all tastes and ages, and extended lift hours each day to take advantage of the area’s long summer nights. The highlight of the race programme was Scandinavia’s hardest enduro race, Enduro King & Queen by Sweet Protection, with four special stages on technical single tracks and machine-built trails – first over the finishing line were Robin Wallner and Katrina Strand.

Other races and events included downhill competitions for kids and adults, the Pilgrimsloppet XC race, and daily freeride clinics led by professional instructors. The exhibitor’s area at the base of the lifts displayed gear from a number of leading bike brands, including demo bikes from Scott and Trek as well as Five Ten’s legendary sticky bike shoes and Oakley’s groundbreaking Airbrake MX goggle.