Val di Sole is located in the Brenta Dolomites in the west of Trentino. From transalpine to downhill to cross-country, Val di Sole is probably a household name for anyone who practises one of these disciplines. The BIKE Transalp racers head for old military roads in the long valley via the Passo Tonale. Transalp tourers usually prefer the route via the Forcellina di Montozzo or the Rabbijoch. In both cases, after a rest in Val di Sole, the tough climb towards the stage finish in nearby Madonna di Campiglio awaits them.
What the Streiff is for skiers, the Black Snake Line in Commezzadura is for downhillers on fat tyres: it is considered the most technically demanding course in the Downhill World Cup. A steep monster of roots, dust and holes. The crash videos from the DH World Championships held there in September 2016 are legion.
Val di Sole is also a regular fixture on the annual racing calendar for cross-country racers. The CC World Cup final was last held there in 2015 and the Masters crowned their world champion in 2016. The course is considered by athletes to be as technically demanding as it is spectator-friendly. Particularly in the Rockgarden near the finish area, the athletes show how, in addition to strength and fitness, riding technique and line choice can make the difference between top and bottom.
But Val di Sole is also fully focussed on the biking clientele beyond spectacular bike events. In summer 2016, the brand new bike park at Passo Tonale opened its doors (s. Bike park info Trentino). In contrast to the wild downhill rides at Commezzadura, the main thing here is flow. The absolute highlight of the bike park is the six-kilometre-long flow descent into the neighbouring Val Camonica. The lines in the Adamello ski area there are also included in the programme with just one bike park ticket. For all flow fans, the park is a hot tip for the coming season!
If you're looking for classic tours, you'll find plenty of them in Val di Sole anyway. On both sides of the valley, a network of forest and military roads leads up a good 1000 metres in altitude. And as only two short trails have been designated as bike taboos in the entire valley, all trail options are open for the descent.
Top mountain bike tours in Val di Sole
Trentino Tour 01: Malga Campo
Tour data and tour rating
Starting point
At the church in the centre of Cusiano
Route
There is not much time to warm up, as the long ascent via the mountain villages of Termenago and Ortisè is already demanding. A good 1200 metres of ascent await here in one go, with a balance between tar and gravel. The descent is divided into a very flowing trail from the highest point of the tour to Malga Campo. There, the terrain becomes steeper and the gradient of the trails increases. Nevertheless, only short sections are graded S2.
Highlights
The first trail section to Malga Campo runs along an old trade route and impresses with flowing passages on cart tracks and great views of the Adamello mountains.
Retreat
The Malga Campo offers good, regional cuisine with its own cheese dairy products and a few places to stay overnight.
GPS download
You can download the GPS data for the 20 Trentino tours presented free of charge in the download area below this article.
Trentino Tour 02: Forcellina di Montozzo
Tour data and tour rating
Starting point
At the church in the centre of Cusiano
Route
The first part of the tour leads along the network of military roads that connected the forts at Passo Tonale. After the pass, a short pushing section connects to the Alta Via Camuna, a marvellous trail that leads to the Rifugio Bozzi with fantastic views. A final steep section to Forcellina di Montozzo, then the legendary trail descent to Lago di Pian Palù. This descent is mostly flowy, with the difficulty increasing slightly from the middle section onwards (short S3 passage). In the Peio Valley there are some more beautiful trail sections at S1 level.
Highlights
The trails to the Rifugio Bozzi and in the upper part to the Forcellina lead through a marvellous, high alpine landscape.
Retreat
Rifugio Bozzi or in the village of Peio
GPS download
You can download the GPS data for the 20 Trentino tours presented free of charge in the download area below this article.
Info about the Val di Sole bike area
Tours
All tours with GPS download at outdoor.valdisole.net
Bike events
All events and competitions of the 2017 season, including the World Cup final from 25-27 August 2017 at www.valdisolebikeland.com
Bike park
Information about the Bikepark Tonale at www.centrobikevaldisole.com
Val di Sole Guest Card
Free use of cable cars, trains and buses as well as free admission to many sights for 1 euro per day. Info: www.valdisole.net/DE/Opportunity
General information
www.valdisole.net
