With its extensive network of smugglers' trails alone, Val Müstair scores plenty of points with mountain bikers. But the region is not resting on its laurels. With well-maintained nature trails, bike shuttles, riding technique courses and guided tours, bikers are offered an all-round feel-good programme.
The GPS data for these three BIKE tours in Val Müstair from BIKE 12/2018 can be downloaded free of charge below. The link leads to the Delius Klasing online shop. There you have to register once, then you can add the GPS data (free of charge) to your shopping basket and receive it for download or as an e-mail.
These 3 mountain bike tours in Val Müstair
- 1st Ofenpass-Acht 23.7 km, 1050 m elevation gain, 4 h
- 2nd Passo Gallo - Val Mora 58.5 km 1750 m 6:30 h
- 3rd Piz Umbrail - Tras la Val 73.6 km 3210 m 8 h
General information for bikers in Val Müstair
THE REGION
The Val Müstair branches off from the South Tyrolean Vinschgau Valley south of the Reschen Pass at Glurns. From there, it stretches westwards in a 24 kilometre-long arc to the Ofen Pass. Two thirds of the valley lies on Swiss soil. There are numerous trails and tour options on the south-facing slopes of the valley. On the north-facing mountain flanks (part of the Stelvio National Park in South Tyrol), the density of tours is somewhat lower. In the valley to the west of the Ofen Pass, the Swiss National Park adjoins, where only a few routes are open to bikers. The tour options on the Stelvio Pass (e.g. Goldseeweg, Bimbam Trail, Tibet Trail) and around Glorenza/Glurns are part of the Vinschgau Valley, but are just as easy to reach from Val Müstair.
BEST TOURING TIME
The valley boasts a similarly sunny and low-precipitation climate as the neighbouring Vinschgau Valley. However, the most rewarding tours in the area reach well above the 2000 metre mark. The best touring season therefore usually begins in May and lasts well into October. The highlight of Val Müstairs, the Piz Umbrail, is usually only accessible from the middle/end of June.
OVERNIGHT STAY
The valley offers numerous accommodation options in all price categories and a well-equipped campsite. Five establishments in different categories work together as bike hotels with the local bike school Ride la Val. Their guests benefit from special conditions at the bike school.
BIKE-SHUTTLE
A local bike shuttle service regularly travels to the Ofen Pass or the Umbrail Pass by arrangement or collects touring bikers in the Vinschgau Valley or Livigno. A shuttle service is required for various tours, such as the Goldseeweg on the Stilfserjoch, as there are time restrictions in place. Contact: Romex Bikeshuttle, tel. 0041/79/2854545, www.ridelaval.com/bikeshuttle
POSTAUTO
An alternative to the shuttle is the Swiss Postbus. These public buses run regularly to the Ofen Pass and Umbrail Pass. Bike transport is generally possible, but capacities are limited. Nevertheless, this is a possible alternative for small groups. Info: www.postauto.ch/de/fahrplan
BIKE SCHOOL
On site, the Ride la Val bike school run by local Sergio Tschenett offers a fixed weekly programme of guided tours. Individual guiding is also possible by arrangement. Info: www.ridelaval.comTel. 0041/81/5520200
BIKEPARK
There is no bike park on site. However, Lake Reschen with its numerous cable car trails is only half an hour's drive away. Livigno is also a good address for fans of trail tours with cable car support, but you will need to plan an hour's drive plus the toll for the tunnel.
MOUNTAIN BIKE SPECIALS IN VAL MÜSTAIR
Bike & Build
Bike holiday with trail building: one week free board, lodging and guiding in exchange for helping to build trails. Depending on the weather, either half a day of trail building and half a day of biking, or one day of trail building and one day of biking alternately. Please check the website to see if and when such an event is planned again. Info under www.valmuestair.bike
National Park Bike Marathon
The landscape experience with four different routes (47 to 137 km) will be held for the 18th time next year. Date: 31.8.19, info: www.bike-marathon.com
