The striking Dolomite peaks of the Val d'Ega are definitely on the sunny side of the Alps. The Rosengarten and Latemar have already shaken off the snow in May. This means that nothing stands in the way of classic tours. On the contrary: the three lifts around the Latemar even help bikers up to the trailheads. In general, bikers can use any means of public transport in the Val d'Ega. This means that the classics such as the Bolzano trails and Sellaronda can be reached quickly from here. It's no wonder that there are so many biker-friendly accommodations in this valley.
Tip from BikeHotels boss and restaurateur Kurt Resch: Carezza flow trail
"Last year, we opened the Carezza Trail below the Frommer Alm. The trail winds for 4.4 kilometres through the idyllic Nigertal valley down to the valley station of the Welschnofen cable car. Along the way, there are not only 45 berms and steep bends, but also 20 tabes and jumps. A new cable car day ticket has been created to match: 22 euros for adults, 18 euros for young people aged 14-18. Info: www.eggental.com"
The absolute tour classics in the Val d'Ega
- Karersee tour: 36 km/1200 m elevation gain, difficulty: medium
From Welschnofen over the Niger Pass (1690 m) with a view of the Vajolett towers, before descending on gravel to the emerald-coloured Karersee lake. Empress Sissi is said to have loved this lake.
- Circumnavigation of the Latemar:
This loop even made it into our "Supertrail" category last year. In fact, there are three brilliant trails that wind around the Latemar. The 3000 metres of ascent are covered by three lifts, for which you only need a day ticket.
- Marmot trails: 37 km/1300 vertical metres, difficulty: medium
The gondola in Welschnofen also helps you up the first 350 metres in altitude, but you have to push yourself up the rest. Challenging trail circuit through marmot pastures.
- To Jochgrimm: 30 km/950 metres in altitude, difficulty: medium
The Weißhorn and Schwarzhorn are circumnavigated on this tour. It takes you through a canyon, along trails and past super nice refreshment stops.
- Star tour: 26 km/1100 m elevation gain, difficulty: easy
South Tyrol's only observatory is enthroned on a hilltop in Gummer. This is where the Planet Trail leads, flanked by information boards. You can find out everything you need to know about the universe as you pedal along.
Info about mountain biking in Val d'Ega
Approach
Take the Brenner motorway to the Bolzano Nord exit and through the tunnel in 20 minutes to Nova Levante, Nova Ponente and Obereggen in Val d'Ega. After Steinegg and Gummer take the winding country road via Kardaun.
Gondolas/lifts
The gondola directly in the centre of Nova Levante saves 350 metres in altitude towards the Carezza Pass and the Niger Pass. The cable cars and lifts on the Trentino side also shuttle bikes from Predazzo. On a trip from Val d'Ega to Bolzano, the Kohlern cable car takes you back again in comfort.
Hire/bike shop
Light hardtails, fullys and e-bikes are available at several hire stations. Info: www.eggental.com
Workshop and shop: Pauls Radwerkstatt, Eggeregg 22, Deutschnofen, Tel. 0039/0471/616338.
Map
Compass map no. 630 Regglberg, Latemar, Eggental (1:25000), www.kompass.at
Bike schools
Dolomiti Bikeschool www.dolomiti-bikeschool.com
Bike school Eggental www.bikeschool-eggental.com
Shuttles
Taxis for bikes and riders are available in several towns. All shuttles via www.eggental.com
Observatory
The Max Valier Astronomers' Association runs the Gummer observatory. Booking is required for demonstrations (Thursdays). Tel. 0039/0471/361314, www.sternwarte.it
Accommodation/BIKE tips
Hotel Steineggerhof***s
Kurt and his wife Sonja run the Hotel Steineggerhof***s in Steinegg. The hotel is a popular base camp in biking circles for exciting Dolomite tours between Rosengarten and Latemar, and the cuisine is particularly praised. Kurt, formerly a chef himself, is a founding member of BikeHotels Südtirol and has been president of the association for many years.
www.bikehotel-steineggerhof.com
Bike & Ski Hotel Diana Karersee***
The Bike & Skihotel Diana Karersee is run by Albrecht and Sonja. The cosy 3-star hotel with excellent cuisine is located on the Carezza Pass road and is an ideal starting point for mountain bike tours in the Catinaccio/Latemar region. Together with Norbert, the two run a bike school in Welschnofen. Albrecht and Sonja prefer to be out and about on the creamy trails of the Dolomites. The best conditions for a bike hotel!
www.dolomitibike.info
Tel. 0039/0471/613160
Erica Wellness & Vitalhotel****s
The Erica Wellness & Vitalhotel is the address for connoisseurs and gourmet bikers in the Val d'Ega. The hotel knows how to perfectly cater to the individual wishes of its guests and combine wellness and outdoor experiences. Chef Luis is a bike guide and founding member of the Val d'Ega Bike School.
www.erica.it
Tel. 0039/0471/616517
Vitalpina Hotel Pfösl****s
Come in and be welcome. At the Vitalpina Hotel Pfösl in Nova Ponente/Deutschnofen, everything is focussed on relaxation and enjoying nature. Evi and Brigitte Zelger are at the helm of the renowned wellness hotel. The sisters are involved in the Val d'Ega Bike School, which provides a professional bike programme in Val d'Ega, and are committed to the further development of their home community on the political stage.
www.pfoesl.it
Tel. 0039/0471/616537
Further accommodation, tours and information for mountain bikers can be found at www.bikehotels.it.
Gitta Beimfohr
Editor
