Mountain Bike

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Mountain biking in the Dolomites requires some attention, and a new definition of mountain biking.

Two mountain bikers in the Italian Dolomites

For the visiting American, let this serve as a warning, the Dolomites are not Durango or Fruita, Colorado and they are not Lake Tahoe. They are the Dolomites, and as such, we like to call the mountain biking here, “Dolomiking”.

Yes, you can ride singletrack, but more often than not, you are riding a bit of singletrack, a fair bit of dirt road, and more often than you feel is fair, carrying your bike through rocky terrain and feeling a little short changed on the whole promise of singletrack.

YES, the mountain biking is good, even excellent, it just seems fair to put that warning out there.

One thing is certain; the trails, the views, the huts, the loops, the tours and of course the food all more than make up for it not being endless singletrack terrain. Arrive with an understanding of what you are getting into and you will be quite happy with the offerings.

The Experience

It starts with a map, preferably the Kompass brand. The usual unlimited trail potential becomes a little more limited for the mountain biker. Look for the green trails, these are for the mountain biker, but again, fair warning – it being a green trail might just mean some map maker once took a mountain bike on it. Trust nothing, not me, not the maps. Use the green trails as a starting point and then continue with caution. Typically the green trails are loops, yes you will mostly ride these loops, but anything is possible. The white roads (“strade bianche”) on the maps might be paved or they might be dirt – they can be your salvation. Consider them as an option or escape route from the green trails. The red dotted trails are an unknown – they might be brilliant single track or they might be something else entirely… I suggest wearing cycling shoes comfortable for walking. Learning to swear in Italian is useful.

Do not let this scare you away, do not click on the Home button quite yet – read on…

Once accepting of all of the above – you will have a great time. The more you get to know the terrain and the maps, the more you will begin to pick out the gems. A day out on the mountain bike will include riding on every possible type of path. If we are in a new area, we start with the marked mountain bike trails and then split off to single track as we see it. Keep the map accessible while riding.

For the American, the landscape you will ride through will have you stopping on a very regular basis; to stand in awe at the beauty, to marvel at the beautiful old homes, to pick wild berries or to stare at the endless chain of mountains stretching to the horizons. Unlike hiking and trail running which move at slower speeds, the amount of new views and terrain you will see mountain biking can be sensory overload. Luckily, there are strategically placed huts to stop and enjoy it all from.

The Gear

Hardtail or softtail…? Undeniably, the nature of the Dolomites is steep terrain, the Dolomites are all about climbing, so a light bike is nice for the up, but what goes up must inevitably reverse the process and here full suspension proves useful. The ultimate might come in the form of the Specialized Brain system… full suspension on when you need it, off when you don’t – and at a reasonable weight.

Hydration pack and onboard waterbottle. Carry just enough water in the pack but have the bottle handy for the many fountains you will encounter throughout the area.

Maps maps maps – carry a map!

Freeride Tours

Like the tour above, freeride versions are also possible. Think of this option as if you are going lift skiing. Ride trams and chairlifts to access high points before bombing down to another area and riding a whole new network of lifts. In using this system, it is actually possible to do a tour without much riding uphill. One can literally travel through northern Italy using this system. Gaining in popularity, freeride tours are actually the summer version of skiing. The Dolomites, with their already perfected lift system, is the perfect venue for mountain bikers looking to descend countless meters. More information can be found at Mountain Pass Alta Badia.

Janine Patitucci mountain biking above San Cassiano with the Conturines and Santa Croce in the background

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When building your itinerary and booking services, such as hotels, guides or huts – please utilize our DolomiteSport Network which offers a handpicked selection of what we know to be some of the finest services, accomodations and resources in the Italian Dolomites.

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