CAPERCAILLIE AT LOISCHKOPF

CAPERCAILLIE AT LOISCHKOPF2024-08-06T16:22:45+02:00

THREATENED WITH EXTINCTION.

During the expansion of the bike park on the Loischkopf, it was discovered that there are capercaillie on the Loischkopf. It is now clear that this is an important “source population” of this critically endangered bird species. As passionate outdoor sports enthusiasts and nature lovers, we have a moral obligation to ensure that the capercaillie are not disturbed. But there is also a clear need for action legally. Below you will find information about this bird species, which is protected under the EU Bird Protection Directive, and our measures to protect this population.

CAPERCAILLIE PROTECTION CONCEPT

Many measures to protect the capercaillie have been defined in a comprehensive protection concept. This protection concept, which was developed together with a leading wildlife biologist for capercaillie, is the basis for the further touristic use of the Loischkopf.

WHY IS THIS POPULATION SO IMPORTANT?

The capercaillie population discovered on the Loischkopf is a so-called source population. This brings a gene exchange that is necessary for survival to the other capercaillie populations in the region. That is why this occurrence of capercaillie on the Loischkopf is particularly worth protecting. Capercaillie are very shy and react extremely sensitively to disturbance – especially during the breeding season, which usually lasts from April to around mid-June.

TEMPORARY LOCKDOWN

An important measure is to calm the Loischkopf during the highly sensitive breeding phase. That’s why the ST04 TSCHARLIE TSCHÄPLIN and ST05 TSCHONNY NOXWIL routes are closed from April to June 15th of each year. The FOREST ROADS on the Loischkopf are also completely closed to mountain bikers from April to mid-June, and in some cases until the end of June. The Loischkopfbahn can still be in operation for the mountain bike connection to Brand. Use the ST09 Schmalzbödile Trail to get to the following trail entrances: Burtscha Trail, Parpfienz Trail, Alte Statt Trail.

ONLY DRIVE DURING OPERATING HOURS

The wild animals also need their rest. Especially at dusk, wild animals forage and should not be startled. Therefore, respect that all trails may only be ridden during the operating hours of the bike park. Outside these, the routes of the bike park are closed without exception.

AVOID NOISE

Even if one or the other trail would like to elicit a whoop – we are in the mountains and should therefore avoid noise as much as possible. Please do not bring portable speakers with you on the trails. Wild animals react sensitively to noise. Let’s try to keep the disruption as low as possible!

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

We have set ourselves the goal of inspiring mountain bikers with our project and of being able to offer children and young people an attractive sports facility. But it is just as important to keep our footprint as small as possible. That is why one of our declared aims is to protect the capercaillie on the Loischkopf as best we can. We move in nature, let’s protect it together!

Interesting?

Check out more information on how to treat nature, the environment and other users respectfully on the mountain.
TRAIL TOLERANCE

DO YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS?

Do you have other questions?

Here are the answers to all the topics!
to the FAQ's
What are ‘appropriate preparations’ for visiting the bike park?2022-03-24T13:32:30+01:00

You are suitably prepared for a visit to the bike park if you are in good physical and mental condition, and have already prepared yourself for what awaits you in a bike park. It is also necessary that you have flawless and adequate sports equipment for use in bike parks. The necessary protective equipment must also be available. A helmet is mandatory, but we strongly recommend a full-face helmet as well as other protectors such as an upper body protector, knee and shin protectors.
You can also rent a serviced bike and protectors in our store, you can reserve your gear online.

Why do routes and obstacles have to be inspected before riding?2022-03-24T13:28:29+01:00

Even if you already know routes – sections are sometimes renewed or completely rebuilt. So it is necessary that on each visit you roll down the routes on the first run, stopping if necessary to look more closely at difficult places to assess the risk as good as possible.

I heard a new lift is being built. Is that true? What is planned and why?2025-02-24T14:15:53+01:00

Yes, the time has come! The renovation of our chairlifts, which has been planned for years, is now underway and will be completed in summer 2025. As you probably know, the two chairlifts on the Tschengla were very slow due to their design (fixed-grip chairlift), as people get on and off at the same speed as they go up.

The two lifts are now being dismantled and replaced by a state-of-the-art 10-person single-cable gondola lift, with a transport system for your mountain bikes specially developed for bike parks. Relaxed boarding and alighting and super-fast transport to the top take the quality level to a completely new level.

This reduces the time it takes to climb from the Einhornbahn II valley station to the Loischkopf from around 30 minutes to around 5-6 minutes. It is of course also possible to get off halfway. This intermediate exit will be located exactly at the former mountain station of the Einhornbahn II. (Start Tschengla Unchained, Tschäck the Ripper, Whip off…)

We are very excited about this massive improvement in transportation quality and can’t wait to show you everything in 2026!

What does “drive on half-sight” mean?2022-03-24T13:09:36+01:00

Drive on half-sight means, that you have the possibility to stop safely at any time, and an oncoming road user (e.g. on forest roads) also has the possibility to stop.

Is it true that sometimes cows lie on the trails and take a nap?2022-03-24T12:58:53+01:00

Yes, that is correct. Together with the local farmers, we decided on the concept of open grazing. Moreover, the grazing animals were there before us, and are allowed to lie down wherever they want. Therefore, please drive at half sight at all times and respect the grazing animals. Brake and just give the lying or standing cow a little space, and ride around. In this case, you may even actually leave the trail briefly, which is normally not allowed. By the way, the cows of Alpe Rona (Tschengla) and Alpe Parpfienz (Brand) produce probably the best cow’s milk you can get. Stop into one of these alps, and order yourself a glass of milk. It does not get fresher than this. If you need more energy, grab the buttermilk.

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