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Mountain Biking the Dolomites Ladin Valleys

Mountain Biking in Italy with Dolomite Mountains

Highlights

  • Experience a fairy tale mountain landscape with astounding panoramas at every corner
  • Visit the valleys of Alta Badia and Cortina d'Ampezzo and experience their different cultures and traditions
  • Perfect for experienced mountain bikers looking for a challenging adventure!
  • Mountain bike rugged terrain on different trails every day, stopping for hearty lunches at traditional mountain huts

 

Full Description

The Dolomites offer a tremendous opportunity for mountain bikers: incredible scenery, challenging terrain, and fascinating culture. Long known as a paradise for rock climbers and skiers, cyclists can also take advantage of the charming hotels in hidden pretty valleys.

On this six-day mountain biking itinerary, we’ll use these comfortable “base camps” from which we’ll venture out each day for invigorating bike rides along rugged trails. 
Wild alpine meadows, deciduous and evergreen woods, high altitude lunar-like terrain, soaring peaks, dramatic walls and towering heights alternate with the refined Venitian town of Cortina d’Ampezzo. Here, the atmosphere that the first English tourists found almost two centuries ago is preserved. The South Tyrolean town of Corvara is at the foot of the impressive Sella rock-walls. All along the way we’ll enjoy hearty meals representative of the incredible diversity of this region that will provide fuel for our next ascent!

Includes:

  • Includes accommodation in "bike friendly" hotels
  • Meals as noted
  • Professional mountain bike guide
  • Mountain bikes
  • Local transportation

Excludes:

  • Airfare to/from the departure point
  • Gratuities to local guides

Day by Day Itinerary

Sample Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive in Corvara in Alta Badia in the afternoon.
 Meet your mountain bike guide for a trip briefing and equipment check. D. Hotel in Alta Badia

Day 2

Corvara–Passo-Incisa–Cherz–Alfauro–Varda –Passo Campolongo–Campo di Golf–Corvara-Depart from Corvara and bike on a wide gravel road to the Passo Incisa (2,034m/6,673'), from where we’ll have a fantastic view of the Sella Massif and the Marmolada Glacier. Descend to the charming Ladino villages of Cherz, Alfauro, and Varda in the Livinallongo Valley. Continue up to Campolongo Pass (1,874m/6,148'), riding the last 6km on an asphalt zig-zag road. Descend to Corvara on a gravel road. (5-6 hours biking, 25km/16 miles, 457m/1,499' ascent.) B,D. Hotel in Alta Badia

Day 3

Santa Croce Sanctuary-Today we’ll bike to the Santa Croce Sanctuary at the base of the Sasso della Croce. 
From Corvara (1,568m / 5,144') bike on a wide gravel road along the river and up to San Leonardo, Armentara (1,859m / 6,099'), Arciara, Fornacia, passing through a number of closely knit hamlets. Midday we arrive at the church and sanctuary of Ospizio Santa Croce (2045m / 6,709'), where we’ll enjoy a delicious lunch, along with views of Puez-Odle Nature Park and the Sass de Putia spread out across the valley. Return to Corvara down a long, rather technical hill via San Leonardo. (5-6 hours biking, 30km / 19 miles, 658m
/ 2,159' ascent.) B,D. Hotel in Alta Badia

Day 4

Fanes-Sennes-Braies Natural Park-Today we’ll face challenging terrain, but undoubtedly one of the most panoramic trips that the Dolomites has to offer.
 Bicycle from Corvara to the Capanna Alpina at Armentarola, up to the Col’Locia, and on to Malga Fanes (2,100m/6,890'). This area, called the Altiplano di Fanes, is also very well known for backcountry skiing.
 From here it’s just another 20-minutes cycling to a rifugio where we’ll stop for lunch.
 After lunch we descend on a mule track to the location of Fiames, and from there to Cortina d’Ampezzo following the old railway track.
(6-7 hours biking, 45km/28 miles, 1890m/6,201' ascent.) B,D. Hotel in Cortina d’Ampezzo

Day 5

Col Rosà Mountain Loop-Today we cycle north towards the elegant Col Rosà mountain. Its name Rosà (red) comes from the beautiful reddish colors it displays during the sunrise. This superb peak can be biked up and down and around on small trails that zig-zag the mountain, surrounded by views of the other mountains like the Tofane. From Cortina d’Ampezzo we cycle to Fiames, to Camping Fiammes, and up a path to Cianderoun at 1,711m (5,614'). Climb up to the Passo Posporcora (1,730m/5,676') and head west on a quiet technical descent to the Ponte Dei Cadoris. From here we take a wider trail to Ponte Alto, down to the Boite River, and back to town. (5-1/2 hours biking, 37km/23 miles, 480m
/1,575' ascent.) B,D. Hotel in Cortina d’Ampezzo

Day 6

Under the Tofane Mountain Group-Today we catch Cortina d’Ampezzo's bike path heading north up to Ospitale and San Biagio’s church where there is a small lake. Head into the forest toward Val Gotres, where we’ll start climbing a wonderful track underneath the Colfreddo peaks. Following the Rio Gotres, we reach the pass Forcella Lerosa at 2016m (6,614'), with a nice view of Valbones and Croda Rossa (Col Rosà). From here, we take an old military road to the rifugio at Ra Stua. Once at the bottom, we follow the Rio Boite and take the bike path back to Cortina d’Ampezzo. 
(5-6 hours biking, 30km/19 miles, 690m/2,264' ascent.) B,D. Hotel in Cortina d’Ampezzo

Day 7

Breakfast and departure. B.

About The Operator:

Dolomite Mountains

Headquarters:

Livinallongo del Col di Lana, Italy

Our Company

Dolomite Mountains is the only local company based in the Dolomites specializing in and providing unique experiences in adventure travel within one of the most beautiful natural settings on earth.

We create the ultimate custom adventure experiences within the Dolomite valleys, for the most demanding and exclusive clientele in search of stylish and low impact programs that provide excellent quality and cost.

For over 15 years we've been crafting Dolomite adventures, helping our travelers uncover the region's true spirit in style. We customize guided and self-guided active trips, luxury and gourmet adventures, and take you off the beaten path for truly authentic experiences, so you can experience and enjoy the real Dolomites.

Why the Dolomites?

With an incredible variety of diverse landscapes, lush valleys, breathtaking panoramas, and friendly inhabitants, the Dolomites are the "crown jewel" of the Alps. From soaring peaks to elegant spires to sheer rock faces, the Dolomites offer endless opportunities for exploration and adventure.

This unique corner of the Alps features numerous valleys, ideal for a wide range of outdoor adventures. From the charming Italian atmosphere of the Ampezzo region to the green pastures of the Dolomiti di Sesto and Alta Badia to the towering peaks of the Val de Fassa and Val Gardena regions, this world-renowned mountain terrain offers something for every type of adventure traveler.

Hiking, biking, skiing, snowshoeing, rock climbing, or climbing a via ferrata - the Dolomites have an adventure for everyone!

At Your Service

The Dolomite Mountains staff works year round refining our services to ensure we offer the best trips possible in the Dolomites.

We combine this with accommodations that best reflect the style of the area, inspired regional cuisine, expert local guides with international certifications, and the best panoramas you can get in the Dolomites.

We're here so you can relax and enjoy the pleasures of wandering in the Dolomites, while we take care of the details of travel, luggage handling, and all other logistics.

About Our Founder
Agustina Lagos Marmol

Agustina is a multi-lingual world traveler, adventurer, climber, and devout hiker. She has traveled and lived in various countries, but her heart is shared between the Dolomites, where she currently lives, and Patagonia, where she grew up fly fishing and horseback riding on her family's estancia.

Before entering the world of travel, Agustina studied photography and fashion design in California. In 1994, she discovered the Dolomites while working for Butterfield & Robinson in Canada, which led her to settle down in this magical part of the world and start her own outdoor company: Dolomites Mountains.

"Being able to combine work, family, and fun together has always been my goal. The Dolomites feature some of the most stunning mountains in the world, and the mixture of beauty and service is superb: from romantic hotels to charming rifugios set on top of the mountains; Michelin star rated restaurants to authentic local cuisine; and outdoor activities to incredible spa treatments; the Dolomites offer the perfect blend of authenticity and luxury that is not to be missed."

-Agustina