The Paganella Park opened in 2011 and we were there for the first time in summer 2013 to check out the mostly natural trails. Our criticism at the time: more gimmicks, more fun and more variety please! Since then, the range of trails on offer has indeed been revamped. Great: The Paganella Park is connected to the flow trails of Andalo by lifts and transfer trails. The centrepiece of the Paganella Park is the tough downhill trail "Apocalypse Now". Here, hard forest floor alternates with rock slabs, root fields, stone ledges, a few jumps and steep descents. No wonder the operators have classified the trail with two black diamonds in line with the Canadian model. Anyone who has fun on this challenging mosher descent has their bike under control - their big bike! With less suspension travel, the descent becomes a borderline experience! We say: downhill fans will find pulse-quickening and a welcome challenge on this old-school descent.
Caution: sensitive to moisture. Be sure to check the weather!
The Arancia Meccanica trail (translated: Clockwork Orange after the film of the same name) is even rougher and more bumpy. The trail plunges so steeply that you have to hold on tight to the handlebars. Hopefully your suspension won't let you down, because it rumbles a lot here. The old Northshore elements are rather unfunny. This trail definitely needs a few fun stunts, otherwise it's really only recommended for shredders who want to see a chiropractor again. Clearly big bike terrain.
Don't be fooled by the Easy Rider route. It's not that easy. It rumbles a lot here too.
Our verdict: A small, rather old-school bike park that suffers from its steep track layout. Downhill moshers will find their kick (literally) on the challenging downhill track, as some landings are blunt or non-existent. The Peter Pan cornering track offers the most flow.
We say: Paganella only becomes really interesting in combination with the flow and enduro trails in Andalo and Molveno. You don't have to come here just for the park trails in Paganella.
The new Peter Pan trail will be open from May 2016. It is the first flow trail in Paganella. This is the tamest descent in the park with lots of nice turns, a varied route and some nice jumps.
Super: A super-fast chairlift takes you comfortably and quickly to the top and down four trails of varying difficulty. The groomed trails are pimped up with berms, jumps, Northshore constructions and drops - all with a panoramic view of the Brenta Dolomites.
Our tip for enduro riders: The day tour with 6000 metres of descent and 1600 metres of ascent from Paganella to Andalo and on to Lake Molveno. The trail map is available for €1 from the tourist information centres in Andalo, Molveno and Fai della Paganella.
Fai della Paganella can be reached via the Brennero motorway and the San Michele/Mezzocorona exit and then via Mezzolombardo. The park is only 15 kilometres from the Brenner motorway. Ideal for a quick detour on the way to the lake.
Here is the route overview:
1 Apocalypse Now (double black diamond; very hard)
2 Arancia Meccanica (black diamond; hard)
3 Easy Rider (blue square/black diamond; medium difficulty)
4 Peter Pan (blue square; easy) - official opening 21 May 2016
Further features:
- Skill area (learning area) and pump track at the Meriz - Rocca chairlift mountain station, 1440 m
- Bike hire, repair and shop
- Guided tours, bike wash, WC, laundry, camper car park
- Bar Pizzeria 3-Tre at the valley station
- Meriz hut at the mountain station
The bike park is open until 4 September.
