ABOUT

The popularity of mountain biking is booming across the world, amplifying the need for more trails and skilled trail builders to plan, design, construct and maintain sustainable trail infrastructure across Europe. This was the impetus for the DIRTT (Developing Intereuropean Resources for Trail builder Training) project in 2019, started by IMBA Europe and an international project group representing both volunteer and professional trail builders, education providers, municipalities and tourist destinations. In the first project phase DIRTT developed a mountain bike trail educational framework and study programme, leading to Europe’s first formal education for Mountain Bike Trail Planning, Construction and Maintenance at Fagskolen I Viken. The program was launched in September 2022 with a total of 25 students from 12 different countries. 

To view all resources & deliverables of the 1st DIRTT project, use the form below to request the password for the DIRTT Knowledge Hub.

 

DIRTT Knowledge Hub

Trailnews

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31/03
Emma – Top banner 03-26

Emma’s Journey in Trail Building   We crossed paths with Emma Holániová last September during the DIRTT 2.0 assessor training in Aletsch Arena, Switzerland. Emma and the rest of the...

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27/02
Ontwerp zonder titel

DIRTT 3.0 officially kicked off with an inspiring and hands-on partner meeting in Harderwijk, the Netherlands. Hosted by IMBA Europe, the gathering brought together project partners and...

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“Yet, with the massive growth in trail building also comes increased responsibility.``

“We realize that maintaining the status quo might feel like the most convenient alternative for some. Yet, with the massive growth in trail building also comes increased responsibility. The certification project is a golden opportunity for the sector to shape the profile and position of professional trail building in the future.” – Lars W. Jensen, DIRTT Project Manager

_Roc 02-05 Raised Tread Construction

DIRTT 3.0

EXPANDING SUSTAINABLE TRAIL BUILDING SKILLS ACROSS EUROPE

 

Access to nature is growing rapidly across Europe, bringing clear benefits for health, communities, tourism, and rural development. At the same time, trail networks are under increasing pressure from climate change, land-use conflicts, and gaps in professional competence for planning, building, and maintaining them sustainably.

The DIRTT project has spent the past six years building a European framework for trail building skills. Following the development of Europe’s first Trail Builder Manager programme in Norway (2022) and the ongoing creation of a European certification system launching in 2026, DIRTT now enters its third phase — supported by the EU — to expand access to quality-assured training across all levels of the sector.

Europe’s trail sector remains highly fragmented, with many small companies and strong reliance on volunteers. At the same time, 57% of businesses report difficulties finding staff with the right skills. DIRTT 3.0 responds to this gap by strengthening competence pathways from entry-level volunteers to professional practitioners.

A key focus is the development of an entry-level trail building competence profile, providing a structured pathway into the existing Trail Technician and Trail Building Manager development routes. The project will also strengthen knowledge on how trails can support biodiversity and ecosystem restoration, alongside reducing environmental impact.

To improve access to education, DIRTT 3.0 will expand digital learning resources and establish a vocational school network, reducing pressure on small companies that currently carry most training responsibilities internally. This will help scale both technical and managerial training across Europe.

DIRTT is a long-term initiative to build a stronger, more resilient trail sector — ensuring better trails, healthier ecosystems, and more sustainable outdoor recreation across Europe.

PROJECT PARTNERS

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