MTB
There's a reason the Italian Dolomites are an incredible place to ride mountain bikes, and this guide to Val di Fassa reveals why.
The Dolomites need little introduction. They're a jewel in the Alps, famous for their towering rock spires that are so spectacular UNESCO added them to its list of world heritage sites. Nowhere is riding more dramatic and awe-inspiring, and within the region, two mountain groups stand out – the Marmolada (3,343m) and the 3,151m Sella massif. The gateway to these giants is to be found in Val di Fassa, a valley historically so cut-off it's one of the few places where the Ladin dialect is still spoken.
Val di Fassa is not just designed geographically for epic riding, the tourist infrastructure is also uniquely set up for athletes, with four sport checkpoints at key points along the valley where you can source information, organise your day and check out other activities with local experts.
This mountain bike kingdom offers something for everyone. You can take it easy by following the Dolomites cycle path along the river Avisio for 48km, as it flows through the Fassa and Fiemme valleys. You can also hone your skills at two MTB parks, while there's more than enough to keep tourers, all-mountain and downhill riders grinning for days on end.
Stay locally in one of the registered hotels, pensions or apartments to get your Val di Fassa card to benefit from numerous discounts and special offers. Offers include introductory MTB courses and local visitor attractions. Click here for the full list.
The riding
The possibilities are endless in this area, especially in the high alpine pastures between 1,550m and 2,500m. Some of the best tours for cross-country and all-mountain riders can be downloaded here. The pdf (which can also be picked up locally) features 12 rides and details like difficulty, elevation and length.
Watch a POV video of the Double U trail in the player below:
Gravity riders will want to head to the Fassa Bike Park Belvedere, which has eight trails for all skill levels and packs in all the features riders love. The Electric Line, which you can see in the video player below, is one of the most fun trails.
Other classics of the region include the famous Sella Ronda tour around the Sella mountain range. This 58km trail is unbelievably spectacular, and with 4,000m of descending and just 330m of ascent thanks to seven lifts, it'll leave you with a smile for weeks.
Watch a POV video of The Col trail in the video below:
Enduro fans will want to head for the Nos Tour, which connects Val di Fassa, Arabba and Fedaia using lifts. It follows both natural and manmade trails in front of the jaw-dropping Marmolada glacier. It's full day's ride at 32km long, with 2,820m descending and only 320m of ascent. You can also extend the tour by taking lifts to Col dei Rossi or Col Rodella and try other trails. It's possible to make it a 60km outing with 5,000m of descent for a really epic day.
The Tuttifrutti trail is part of the renowned Superenduro race, and is an extremely panoramic ridgeline trail that's fast, natural and a lot of fun.
Watch a POV video of the Tuttifrutti trail below:
For more details, visit the The Fassa Bike website, which is great for finding tours, booking guides and discovering everything you need to know about riding in the region.
Where to stay
For a list of bike-friendly places to stay check out the options here. All the places listed are ideally setup to cater for the needs of riders, offering secure storage, cleaning and maintenance areas for both you and your bike. Additionally, they offer three completely free guided tours during the week and group rides for a minimum of four people. Most of the local pools, spas and gyms are generally open to the public, as well.
Riding the lifts
Chairlifts open up for summer season on June 16 and run every day until September 23. That's three months of fun, every day from 8:30am to 17:30pm. A bike pass costs €23 for a half day and €31 for a full day.
Getting there
Val di Fassa is is situated in northern Italy and has good transport connections. It's only 40km from Bolzano, around 350km from Milan, 180km from Bologna, 170km from Venice and 190km from Innsbruck across the border in Austria.
By car: A22 Brennero motorway – Ora/Egna exit, S.S. 48 delle Dolomiti – Passo San Lugano – Val di Fiemme – Val di Fassa (distance 45km). At the roundabout in Moena, follow the direction of Canazei upwards.
– Bolzano Nord exit, S.S. 241 Grande Strada delle Dolomiti – Passo Costalunga – Val di Fassa (distance 40km). From Vigo, follow the direction of Canazei upwards or the direction of Soraga and Moena downwards.
Other access routes to Val di Fassa
– From the A27 (Venezia motorway), Belluno/Ponte nelle Alpi exit, then take the S.S. 203 to Agordo and the S.P. 346 to Passo San Pellegrino – Moena (Val di Fassa). At the roundabout in Moena, follow the direction of Canazei upwards.
– From the A27 (Venezia motorway), Belluno/Ponte nelle Alpi exit, then take the S.S. 203 to Agordo/Alleghe/Rocca Pietore first and the S.P. 641 to Passo Fedaia – Canazei.
– Coming from Arabba, take the S.S. 48 Passo Pordoi – Canazei.
– Coming from Val Gardena, take the S.S. 242 Passo Sella – Canazei.
By plane
The closest airports to Val di Fassa are Bolzano airport (40km), Verona Valerio Catullo (180km), Venice Marco Polo (175km), Treviso Antonio Canova (160km), Milan Linate and Milan Malpensa (350km), Bergamo Orio al Serio (280km). Austria's Innsbruck Airport is also just 190km away.
The Dolomites Airport Shuttle offers daily transfer services from the airports in Verona, Bergamo and Milan Malpensa.
By train
The closest railway stations are in Trento, Bolzano and Ora, and from the train stations, daily bus connections to Val di Fassa are provided by Trentino Trasporti (Trento) and SAD (Bolzano and Ora). Tickets can be bought directly on the bus.
When to go
The beautiful Dolomites are open for riding for three months of the year, from mid-June to the end of September. The mountains are often at their most spectacular in early summer, with snow still on the peaks. During peak periods they can get busy, but even then there's enough space for everyone. Just remember these are big mountains – always be ready for conditions to change quickly.
With thanks to our partners at Val di Fassa and Trentino Marketing
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