From mountain pasture to mountain pasture in Ultental Valley - this quiet and idyllic side valley of Merano is blessed with outstanding mountain bike trails. So why is this trail paradise still lying dormant? Other South Tyrolean valleys and regions are far better known. This may be due to the fact that although time has not stood still in the Ulten Valley, it definitely moves a little slower than in the rest of the world. And because it is not a through valley - a dead end for car tourists or motorbike pass collectors.
Mountain bikers, however, are familiar with the Ulten Valley, as there is a way through to Lake Garda for those crossing the Alps. Coming from the Vigiljoch or Meran, you roll completely through this valley of saints and turn off into the Kirchbergtal behind St. Gertraud. You then wind your way up from 1500 to almost 2500 metres above sea level, before hurtling back down to Male after the Rabbi Pass, also known as the Haselgruber Pass on maps, and continuing towards the lake. But of course you only experience a fraction of the Ulten trails on this journey. You simply rush past the real highlights.
You can find the entire article and the GPS data as downloads below.
The five top tours in Ultental Valley
Tour 1: Riemerbergl Trail / 25.8 km / 1180 m elevation gain / 4:30 h
A technically tricky tour with a persistently steep ascent from St. Walburg to the Gigglhirn and via the Schweinsteig to the Marschnellalm (2220 m). In front of a fantastic panorama, a trail (short pushing passage) leads on to the rustic Riemerberglalm. After a refreshment stop, follow the gentle paths down to Kuppelwies and back to the starting point.
Tour 2: Falkomai loop / 24.8 km / 1485 m elevation gain / 4:15 h
Great day tour to the idyllic Inner-Falkomai-Alm. From the Schwemmalmbahn car park, you first climb up to the Gigglhirn, enjoy an exciting forest descent before the gravel road winds up to the Inner-Falkomai-Alm. Technical riders will clap their hands on the slightly blocked downhill trail 3B, while there is a bypass for beginners. Finally back to the start via flowing paths.
Tour 3: Gampen-/Spitzner Alm / 28.2 km / 1420 metres altitude / 4 h
Varied start via the Ulten valley path and subsequent ascent over tarmac and gravel to the Gampenalm. Very cool cross passage back to the Ulten valley side via the narrow path 23 over high pastures and through larch forest. Descent to the Spitzner Alm. Return to the valley via either steep(!) trails or a relaxed gravel path.
Tour 4: Schwemmalmen / 16.2 km / 250/900 m elevation gain / 2:40 h
Minimal metres in altitude - thanks to the gondola - and maximum riding fun, perfect refreshment stop included. The ascent back to the Innerschwemmalm is technically challenging. The descents alternate between trails, cart tracks and meadow paths. The perfect dessert: the narrow, flowing lakeside trail that leads back to the start shortly after the village.
Tour 5: Höfeweg / 25.8 km / 530 m elevation gain / 3:10 h
Relaxed valley tour with a surprisingly high proportion of trails to get to know Ulten. Attractions are right on the route: the 800-year-old ancient larches, the oldest in Europe, and the Stelvio Nature Park House with the Lahnersäge. A perfect introductory or afternoon tour that can be extended to the Weissbrunnsee lake.
