In close cooperation with IL Flåværingen, Flå Municipality, and Flå Vekst, in 2020 Høgevarde announced plans to build one of Europe’s largest networks of cycle paths in Gulsvikfjellet. Paths will be built that are suitable for young and old, beginners and experienced cyclists, and with ample space for everyone.
Finest I have seen
With an investment framework of 107 million NOK, and a plan that extends between five and eight years into the future, between 80 and 100 kilometers of trail will be built. The model is the world’s leading destination for trail cycling, Canadian Whistler, and the starting point for becoming Europe’s Whistler is certainly present.
“This is the finest terrain I have seen, anywhere in the world”, said Glen Jacobs when he came to Høgevarde for the first time. He is not just anyone, but a legend in trail building, and founder of the Australian trail building company World Trail. He has built trails for the Olympics, WC and Enduro World Series, and is considered one of the leading experts in the field in the world.
Year-round offer
In addition to giving the local county absolutely world-class cycling paths, the project is good news for local business and public health in Flå and its surroundings. Local residents, as well as lodgers, guests and visiting sportspeople will be able to benefit from the offer, and the opportunities for local initiatives such as guide and instructor services, rental, transport and logistics, accommodation, trade and serving will benefit the entire region.
For Høgevarde, it is another step in the direction of a year-round offer at the destination, which means permanent jobs for more people.
In line with the ambition to make the least possible impact on nature, World Trail works to make this job as gentle as possible. Cycling does not require any significant installations in the terrain, and energy consumption is limited. Climate quotas have also been purchased to compensate for the construction of the paths.
On another level
It is also the nature that makes Høgevarde have such potential according to Glen Jacobs. He has allowed himself to be impressed by the beautiful landscape, with mountain lakes and waterfalls as idyllic backdrops for the cycle paths.
– When we look at alpine destinations such as Les Gets and Morzine, we see the big mountains and grasslands and the big timber structures, and you just say wow, this is beautiful. But Høgevarde is on another level. We just fell in love with it! It is also not super high above sea level, and down in the valley you will thus be able to cycle up to eight months a year, he concludes.
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