Barbara Merz-Weigandt
· 30.06.2026
The combination of modern infrastructure, a wide variety of routes and the stunning backdrop of the UNESCO-listed Dolomites in Val di Fassa creates the ideal conditions for a long and varied cycling season.
Set amongst rugged cliffs, vast alpine pastures and tranquil mountain villages, the Val di Fassa is increasingly becoming a destination where you can experience cycling in all its forms. The cycling season starts earlier here than usual; from the second half of April onwards, the trails in the valley are perfect for your first rides – in crisp mountain air and against the backdrop of the Dolomites.
The valley below Marmolada, Langkofel and Rosengarten offers a range of cycling routes unrivalled in the Alps: road cyclists rave about the climbs up the major mountain passes, which have been decisive in legendary Giro d’Italia stages. Families can cycle at a leisurely pace along the tarmac valley cycle path between the Fassa Valley and the Fleimstal. The 48-kilometre cycle path winds through alpine landscapes, past small villages and rest areas, offering a relaxed way to explore the region at your own pace.
At the heart of the offering is the Val di Fassa Bike District – which brings together the various forms of cycling under a single concept and connects the entire valley more closely. With the gradual opening of the ski lifts from the end of May, the terrain expands significantly. Gondola lifts and chairlifts make it easier to access higher-altitude routes and ensure that large parts of the area are easily accessible. For mountain bikers in particular, this opens up new opportunities to combine different routes and undertake longer tours in a high-alpine setting.
The Dolomiti SuperSummer Bike Pass provides access to an extensive network of mountain lifts and routes, including the famous Sellaronda. Those who prefer steeper and faster rides can benefit from the Gravity Card, which connects 32 top destinations across Europe. Ambitious mountain bikers can thus venture into high-alpine regions or let off steam on technical trails. With the new 3S gondola lift from Campitello, which has been in operation since December 2025, cyclists can comfortably reach Col Rodella from mid-June – the starting point for iconic trails such as the ‘Tutti Frutti’. This modern facility is more than just a means of transport: it reduces waiting times and allows for more time on the trail.
The Val di Fassa lies nestled in the heart of the Dolomites – that legendary mountain range which was designated a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site in 2009 and captivates visitors from all over the world. Here stand some of the most spectacular mountain formations in the Alps: the mystical Rosengarten massif with its iconic Vajolet Towers, the rugged Latemar with its jagged peaks, and the majestic Marmolada, Queen of the Dolomites, whose glacier still glistens at an altitude of 3,343 metres. The ‘Enrosadira’, that magical alpenglow, bathes the stone giants anew every evening in a sea of pink, orange and purple. A natural spectacle that the ancient Ladins have immortalised in myths and legends.
In summer, the valley is transformed into a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts: over 600 kilometres of marked hiking trails criss-cross the region, ranging from leisurely family walks through fragrant alpine meadows to challenging high-mountain tours following the Via Ferrata. Families love the gentler routes along crystal-clear mountain streams, where children can discover the alpine flora and fauna. A packed calendar of top-class sporting events turns the valley into a vibrant hub of alpine sporting culture throughout the summer. And for those who prefer a more tranquil experience, modern cable cars whisk you up to panoramic terraces, where you can unwind with an aperitif whilst taking in the views of the mountain peaks.
What makes the Val di Fassa unique is its vibrant Ladin culture. Not only is one of the oldest languages in the Alps spoken here – Ladin is lived, celebrated and passed on to the next generation. In picturesque villages such as Moena, the ‘gateway to the Dolomites’, or the lively Canazei, tradition and modernity blend seamlessly to form a harmonious whole. Historic farmhouses stand alongside contemporary hotels, and rustic parlours alongside stylish wine bars. Ladin hospitality is particularly evident in the cuisine: here, old recipes combined with regional produce are transformed into culinary masterpieces. Canederli – hearty dumplings in all their variations –, homemade casunziei (stuffed pasta pockets), tangy Puzzone di Moena cheese and tender game from the local forests delight the palate. To accompany these dishes, the sommeliers serve excellent Trentino wines. As confirmation that it is on the right track, the Val di Fassa was recently awarded GSTC certification – an international standard for sustainable tourism.

Editor-in-Chief