GOL INVESTS IN SUSTAINABLE MOUNTAIN TRAILS

- Hallingdal is investing aggressively in trail cycling, and on Golsfjellet, steps have now been taken to meet the growing interest from both trail cyclists and hikers. Around 5 km of the most popular trails have been improved to better withstand the increased traffic. In a new video, local trail builders share their tips for creating solid trails - without the use of cleats.

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For an avid mountain biker, there's little that compares to a good old-fashioned narrow trail in magnificent mountain scenery. Trail biking in the high mountains is popular, and when the autumn colors make their appearance, cycling is perhaps at its very best. Golsfjellet is located in the heart of Hallingdal and has seen a clear increase in cycling interest in recent years.

"Without a doubt, Golsfjellet has a unique starting point with relatively flat terrain, a large trail network and fantastic views of the mountains in Hemsedal. As trail biking has grown in popularity, we've also seen an increase in biking on the traditional multi-use trails." says General Manager of Visit Gol, Sissel Bjørøen.

Gol is located in Hallingdal, where there are aggressive efforts to develop new mountain bike trails. But in parallel with the creation of new trails, the destinations have had a strong desire to preserve the unique mountain biking. Together with Golsfjellet Utmarkslag, they have now taken action, and the local trail-building company Stiteknikk has been given responsibility for the rehabilitation and maintenance of almost 5 km of trail.

"It's important to get ahead of developments by keeping the trails sustainable. There are a lot of trails being built in Hallingdal, which are machine-built with imported materials. This trail and this project are a little different. We're using an existing path that we maintain by hand."

Mikkel Aspelin and colleague Antti Ollila show in a new video how they work with trimming vegetation, laying stones and adjusting the location of the trails to minimize the footprint and increase the user experience.

Bjørøen is delighted with the result.

"We feel that we have achieved a pioneering project, which we hope will inspire other players to not only build new, but also look at the opportunities in the existing road network. In Norway, we are very good at building sewers. In this project, we have shown that there are many other - and often better - techniques for solving sustainability challenges. Now we hope many cyclists and hikers will visit Golsfjellet during the fall holidays!"

Stay tuned here at Rides.no and on @hallingdalrides, for the latest news about the project!

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Facts about the project:

• Initiator: Visit Gol and Golsfjellet Utmarkslag

• Rehabilitation of 3 trail sections: "Gjuvarunden", "Langhovda" and "Bekaren". A total of 5 km. The trails are best reached from Storefjell Resort.

• Budget: approx. 300.000,-

• The project is part of the cycling initiative in Gol, which over the coming years will lead to extensive trail development on Golsfjellet and around Gol town center.

Find the trails on Trailguide:

• Langhovda: https://trailguide.net/27

• The casting round: https://trailguide.net/11

• Learn more: https://trailguide.net/1268