The valleys we send people to are cycling country of the first order. Whether you ride road, gravel or full-suspension, the climbs and the descents start close to where you are staying.
Val Venosta: the Stelvio and the great downhill
Val Venosta puts the Stelvio Pass within reach: 48 hairpins and one of the defining climbs in the Alps. For anyone who would rather not race uphill, the Vinschgau cycle path runs about 80 km from Lake Reschen to Meran, mostly flat or gently downhill.
- Stelvio Pass (2,757 m) from Prad, or the Umbrail from the Swiss side.
- The Vinschgau cycle path, with bike hire stations along the route and a seasonal bike shuttle or the Vinschgau train (Mals to Meran) for the return.
- Forest roads and gravel climbs up side valleys such as Martell and Schnals, with proper MTB trails around Latsch and Naturns.
Your place to stay: Apart Vinschgau
Val di Fiemme: passes and forest trails
Fiemme sits between the Lagorai and the Latemar, with a dense network of forest roads and two serious road passes on the doorstep. The valley cycle path along the Avisio makes an easy family day.
- Passo Manghen (2,047 m) and Passo Lavazè (1,808 m): long, scenic climbs that are relatively quiet, especially on weekdays. The Manghen starts in Molina itself.
- Mountain bike trails and a small bike park at Alpe Cermis, plus MTB tours on the Latemar above Predazzo.
- The Avisio cycle path, which starts in Molina and runs about 50 km up the valley through Predazzo towards Canazei.
Your place to stay: Apart Dolomiti
Valmalenco: steep, wild, rewarding
Valmalenco is a climber's valley: the road from Sondrio gains altitude quickly and passes right through Torre di Santa Maria. For mountain bikers there are long forest ascents and technical descents.
- The climb from Sondrio via Chiesa in Valmalenco to Campo Moro (about 2,000 m), a narrow dead-end road with unlit tunnels. Check the road status before you go.
- Technical forest and alpine trails around Alpe Palù, with the Snow Eagle cable car taking bikes up in July and August.
- For strong road riders, a very long day over the Bernina Pass into Switzerland via Tirano and Poschiavo.
Your place to stay: Chalet Valmalenco
Bringing your bikes? Tell us in advance and we will let you know where they can be kept at your house.
