Mountaineering legend Reinhold Messner famously describes the Dolomites as “the most beautiful mountains in the world”…

For mountain bikers, these spectacular landscapes provide the perfect playground. Alongside breathtaking scenery, the region offers an extensive network of trails ranging from easy rides to the City of Stones (Città dei Sassi) or across the Alpe di Siusi, to more demanding routes designed for riders seeking adrenaline and technical challenges.

Fun is guaranteed, as is the opportunity to discover new and stunning panoramas around every corner. The extraordinary natural beauty of the Dolomites is perfectly suited to cycling, with around 600 kilometres of dedicated biking trails. From the villages of Ortisei, Santa Cristina and Selva Val Gardena, visitors can choose from 22 guided day tours, all designed to be completed within a single day. Val Gardena is also recognised as an official “Approved Bike Area” of South Tyrol.

The region is not reserved exclusively for experienced riders. Thanks to a wide range of routes, accessible flow trails, skills schools and professional guides, beginners can gradually approach mountain biking and improve their abilities step by step in a safe and enjoyable environment.

For more experienced bikers eager to experience the very best of the Dolomite trails, the highlight is undoubtedly the Sellaronda MTB Track Tour. The two routes circling the Sella Group, which can be ridden clockwise or counter-clockwise, offer spectacular views of the area’s most iconic peaks, including the Marmolada, known as the Queen of the Dolomites.

Those who prefer flow trails will find plenty of excitement in the Val Gardena Trail Arena, which features six dedicated trails offering dynamic and entertaining riding experiences. With the Trail Arena Ticket, riders can use the Dantercepies, Cir, Piz Seteur, Costabella and Ciampinoi lifts, allowing multiple descents throughout the day. It is the ideal solution for both adults and younger cycling enthusiasts.

The Skill Park Palmer in Ortisei is the perfect place for anyone looking to learn the fundamentals of mountain biking. Here, riders can develop essential techniques such as braking, correct body positioning and strategies for improving safety on the bike. With the support of professional instructors, every ride becomes progressively safer, more enjoyable and more rewarding, even for complete beginners.

Finally, the new mountain bike map, the website www.mtb-dolomites.com and the trail signage throughout the area provide a comprehensive overview of routes, trails and services available in the region. Everything needed to plan a mountain biking holiday is readily available, including detailed route descriptions and downloadable GPX tracks.

INFO: Val Gardena