The precinct
For a long time, bikers ignored the Paganella trail area - probably because of its proximity to Lake Garda. This changed in 2015 with the organisation of a European Enduro Series race. The area is practically ideal for an enduro race. It offers long trail sections, some of which are very demanding in terms of riding technique, with the transfer sections between the stages kept to a pleasant level thanks to the use of the cable car. The locals are aware of the selective nature of their trail area. Since 2016, they have been working on expanding the network of natural single trails with built flow trails. Two new (flow) trails will be opened above Andalo for the 2018 bike season, and further trail construction projects are already in the pipeline for 2019. The character of the existing trails is to be retained, but the bike offer is to be opened up to a broader user group by building easier trails. At the moment, the area is particularly suitable for technically experienced trail riders - they will find a large playground on site to let off steam. Less advanced riders are likely to have explored the options suitable for them in two days.
You can find the GPS data for these tours in the download area below:
- Paganella Easy (30.5 km | 430 m elevation gain | 2400 tm | 3:30 h)
- Cresta Paganella (38.6 km 730 m elevation gain | 2350 tm | 4:30 h)
- Paganella - Terlago (35.9 km | 1260 m elevation gain | 2320 tm | 5 h)
Best touring time
The lifts above Molveno will resume weekend operations on 31 March. However, summer operation of the entire cable car infrastructure will not resume until 2 June. Even if the climatic conditions certainly make bike tours possible as early as May. Weekend operations will then resume at the end of September.
Overnight stay
Locally, 26 businesses have positioned themselves as bike-friendly and offer a corresponding service. From campsites to guesthouses, holiday flats and hotels, there is something for everyone. Bike buses run between the towns and even to Lake Toblino and Lake Garda, which you can use free of charge if you have booked accommodation. There are also affordable package deals, e.g. four nights with half board and cable car ticket from 234 euros.
Ropeways
All five summer cable cars on site also transport bikes. A day ticket costs 30 euros (multi-day tickets are cheaper). A day ticket for the bike park only costs 24 euros.
Bike school
The Dolomiti Paganella Bike Academy offers a fixed programme of guided tours and riding technique training during the season.
Bike park
The small Fai Zone bike park at Passo Santèl offers a total of four lines and a few short connecting routes as variations. The Peter Pan flow trail and the (moderately difficult) Easy Rider line are particularly popular. The other two routes are reserved for downhillers with solid skills. The trail maintenance in the park is exemplary!
Stop for a bite to eat
- The 3Tre cable car bar at Passo Santèl has established itself as a meeting point for bikers. Over panini and après-beer, the lines ridden are discussed again. The hire shop and chairlift are just a stone's throw away.
Rifugio La Montanara - one of the reasons why tours are best started and finished in Andalo is the cosy rifugio above Molveno, at the entrance to the interior of the Brenta Dolomites. In addition to good food, the Rifugio also offers a cosy terrace, afternoon sun and a great wide-screen cinema view of the Dolomites.
- Bistrot Dolomieu - a cool ambience in the evening with local cuisine and gourmet pizza. In Andalo, right on the main road, less than 100 metres from the cable car station.
General information
All information on accommodation, cable car opening times, bike parks, events, riding technique courses and guided tours can be found at www.dolomitipaganellabike.com
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Gitta Beimfohr
Editor
