Close to the glacier
More mountain bike fun is hardly possible. The Transalp Marmolada crosses the most beautiful part of the Alps: the Dolomites from Bruneck to the old trading town of Trento. We go through riding and mountain experiences that are hard to beat: the ascent to Kronplatz, famous winter sport resorts such as St. Vigil, St. Kassian, Alta Badia Arabba, Canazei or Carezza. Always in the face of the Dolomites, we come very close to the mountain giants Sasso Croce, the Marmolada, the Rosengarten and the Latemar. The daily stages are deliberately short, so that we have time for the sometimes technical trails and wild rocky landscapes. A real highlight tour at level 3.
The video of the tour on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rE4XQhL6C_I&t=53s
The Dolomites Crossing
Daily stages which aren’t too long, yet great trails, hardly any asphalt and high alpine experiences. That sounds like a perfect bike week. The Transalp Marmolada is a real highlight tour in the Dolomites. Often above the tree line, the tour offers sensational views of the white mountains. However, the tour should not be underestimated. The climbs are often steep and exhausting, but the cappuccino stops make up for every meter of altitude.
6 Stages - 250 km - 7300 m elevation gain:
Dolomites - dream tour in the World Heritage Site
With good reasons the Dolomites have been declared a World Heritage Site. On the Transalp Marmolada, we are always very close to the white giants. More mountain experience is hardly possible. Overwhelmed by breathtaking and striking panoramas, we move on the best mountain bike terrain, and partly technical trails. For me, this is the highlight of the ALPS tour program.
Olaf Reinartz, ALPS Guide
Highlight No. 9: Cappuccino in the Rosengarten
Elevation Profile Day 1
Transalp Marmolada 1. Stage - 36 Kilometer - 1500 elevation gain
From Bruneck to St. Vigil
1. Stage
Von Bruneck to St. Vigil
36 km 1500 m elevation gain
We start the tour on the south side of the Alps in the beautiful Puster Valley. Our starting hotel is located above Bruneck. Strengthened, we tackle our crossing of the Dolomites. The queen's stage right at the start. The almost 2300metre-high summit of Kronplatz has its name for a reason. From this summit, the main ridge of the Alps and the Dolomites are literally at your feet. But there is still a lot of work to do first. Almost 1400 meters of altitude difference have to be covered before the lunch break. The view becomes more and more impressive, Bruneck remains lower and lower below us. Soon we can see the snow-covered peaks of the main Alpine ridge. As we reach the tree line, we can now also glimpse the imposing summit of Kronplatz. The peace bell can already be seen. Now we have earned a lunch break. The view from our
Today’s Highlights
• Start in the Puster Valley
• Kronplatz viewing platform
• Messner Mountain Museum
• Furcia Trail to the Furcia Pass
• Arrival in Enneberg/St. Vigil
rifugio is truly overwhelming. The main Alpine ridge lies at our feet. After our lunch break, we ride the last few meters up to the summit, past the Messner Mountain Museum and the start of the Furcia Trail. We do a complete loop and experience the 360-degree mountain view more than intensively. Then the even nicer part of the day begins. We enjoy the first trails of the tour at Kronplatz. From the Furcia Pass, we rush down the road for a short while before a final beautiful trail leads us to St. Vigil. From here we can already see the Sennes-Fanes Nature Park. Only a few kilometers separate us from our tour destination St. Vigil. Our hotel welcomes bikers. We relax with an aperitif, sauna area and a view of the local mountain of St. Vigil from the garden.
High alpine: the Kronplatz at over 2200 meters.
Route Requirement 1. Day - 36 km - 1500 m elevation gain
We get straight down to business without any rollers. Steadily uphill is the motto for the first few hours. The gravel road is partly steep, but the surface is excellent. A short crossing allows us to take another deep breath. Then it's 1100 meters uphill in one go. At the top of the Kronplatz, we take a wonderful panoramic loop on nice paths before the descent, which is legendary among local bikers, begins. The trail from Kronplatz to the Furcia Pass is possible on various lines. Trail biking can be so beautiful! We then speed down the last few kilometers into the valley on well-surfaced paths. The Fanes Nature Park lies before us like a panoramic photo.
Greetings from the Messner Mountain Museum. Start in Stefansdorf.
A short roll-in before the long climb.
Arrived at the top of the Kronplatz summit.
Panorama on the Kronplatz
The peace bell at the summit of Kronplatz.
The Messner Mountain Museum.
We can already see the Marmolada glacier.
The main Alpine ridge in the background.
We are not alone on the Kronplatz.
Downhill with a view of the Peitlerkofel.
The Furcia Trail heralds the start of the afternoon.
Elevation Profile 2
Transalp Marmolada 2. Stage - 32 Kilometer - 1450 m elevation gain
From St. Vigil to La Villa
2. Stage
From St. Vigil to La Villa
32 km 1450 m elevation gain
We are already in the middle of the white mountain giants. In the morning we roll towards Pederü, but before that we turn off towards Ridjoch. The first 600 vertical meters await us here. Once we reach the top of the Ridjoch, we enjoy the view of the famous Fanes massif. In addition to Fanes, Peitlerkofel with Geislerspitzen and the entire Puez group also stand out. The cappuccino break is almost kitschy. The panorama above La Val simply beats everything. Nevertheless, we have to continue. We work our way back up across the Armentara meadows and later directly below the towering Kreuzkofel walls. It's worth taking another short break here. We reach our lunch destination, the church of Heiligkreuz, via a path. A mountain hut couldn't be located more beautifully. We've already worked hard by then, so let's enjoy the dumpling
Today’s Highlights
• Start in Fanes Senes Natur Park
• Picture-book landscape La Val
• Biking on the Heiligkreuzkofel
• Lunch break at the Holy Crosss Church
• Departure to La Villa
soup and Kaiserschmarrn. If you want, you even have time for a short walk around the mountain or a quiet prayer in the chapel. In places like this, you understand why the word piety has a completely different meaning in the mountains. Afterwards, a real treat for keen mountain bikers begins. It is partly technical downhill to the hotel in La Villa. No participant will forget this descent too quickly. As we leave the forest, another fantastic view of the Badia Abbey in Val Badia awaits us. We are still above La Villa. A mountain bike day couldn't be more impressive. The wellness area is the perfect place to relax, followed by a stylish evening dinner to round off the day. After all, we're on vacation and we've earned it.
Route Requirement 2.Day - 32 km - 1450 m elevation gain
Today's tour begins with a forest ascent of 600 meters in altitude. The gravel path does not present any technical difficulties. From the Ridjoch down to La Val, we also stay on well-surfaced gravel paths. We then continue on gravel paths to the Armentara meadows. A short but crisp ramp and we are at the foot of the Heiligkreuzkofel. The route and the panorama are fantastic, but the ascent becomes increasingly long. The gravel path becomes a high-altitude trail. Short stretches of pushing are unavoidable. Fortunately, the little church of Heiligkreuz can be seen at the end and with it a well-deserved lunch break. So everyone can ride at their own pace. The descent then continues along the Kreuzkofel massif and is technical in parts, but pure enjoyment for the good level 3 rider. This is what mountain biking should be like. We ride the last few kilometers on gravel and asphalt to the hotel in La Villa.
View to the Puez-Group and Peitlerkofel.
Across the Armentara meadows towards Heiligkreuz.
Picture-book landscape in La Val.
Biking beneath the rock towers.
Biking below the Kreuzkofel towers.
As close as it gets.
Well-deserved break after the great experiences.
High alpine for lunch break.
In the afternoon we head down to La Villa.
Lunch break at the Heiligkreuz hut.
Round off the day.
Final trail section to La Villa.
Elevation Profile Day 3
Transalp Marmolada 3. Stage - 41 Kilometer - 800 m elevation gain From La Villa to Fassa Valley
3. Stage
From La Villa to Fassa Valley
41 km 800 m elevation gain
The highlights continue today. We are getting closer and closer to the Marmolada glacier. The start is already in the middle of the rock arena. There is hardly a better panorama than on the ascent to Pralongia. We are surrounded by many famous Dolomite peaks. After 600 meters in altitude, we reach the Pralongia hut. Over a cappuccino at the hut, we can hardly believe the view. After the hut, a new bike trail has been created. The Fle Trail leads us down over bridge elements. We then reach the Campolongo Pass via a unique high-level trail. This forms the border with Veneto. A short, partly technical descent and we are in the ski resort of Arabba. The cable car takes us back up to high alpine regions: the Porta Vescovo, 2500 meters above sea level. Now
Today’s Highlights
• Cappuccino break on Pralongia
• Trails to Arraba
• Porta Vescovo
• Marmolada glacier
• Downhill into the Fassa Valley
we are directly opposite the Marmolada. The glacier seems close enough to touch. The legendary trail stretches almost along a contour line to the Rifugia Padon, our lunch break. With this view, pushing is no punishment. The lookout is simply too magnificent. Therefore, the lunch break is a real treat. From the hut, the path widens again and we quickly reach the Fedaia reservoir. Now we head towards Penia on a trail that is very challenging in places. Once we reach the Fassa Valley, we can look up to the Sella massif. A day full of highlights.
Route Requirement 3. Day - 41 km - 800 m elevation gain
The motto for the first hour is a snappy ascent. The gravel road up to Pralongia is steep in places, but the surface is excellent. Every climb should be like this. After the cappuccino break, we take the Fle Trail with its many bridge elements. This leads into a wonderful forest trail up to the Campolongo pass. The trail leads gently uphill and then later steeply downhill to the top of the pass. Afterwards, continue briefly on the road and then descend again, sometimes roughly, to Arabba. At Porta Vescovo, 2500 meters above sea level, we are in the middle of the rocky high mountains. A narrow path directly under rocks and on a steep slope leads us towards our lunch break. Some passages have to be pushed. After the hut, the path widens considerably. At the Fedaia reservoir, we can enjoy the fantastic panorama for a few minutes. This is followed by a sometimes very challenging descent into the Fassa Valley. Finally, we ride along natural paths and short asphalt rollers directly to Canazei. Just in this moment the forest spit us out.
Marmolada glacier and Fedaia reservoir
The ascent to Pralongia - Piz Lavarella in the background.
The Pralongia plateau offers pure panoramic views of the Dolomites.
Cappuccino break at its best.
Downhill on the Fle Trail.
View towards Sella Pass
View to Porta Vescovo
Marmolada with Fedaia reservoir.
Close to the Marmolada glacier.
High alpine biking at its best.
No one will forget this day.
View to the Fedaia reservoir.
Elevation Profile Day 4
Transalp Marmolada 4. Stage - 35 Kilometer - 1100 m elevation gain
From Fassa valley to Lake Carezza
4. Stage
From Fassa Valley to Lake Carezza
Today’s Highlights
• Rolling in the Fassa Valley
• Ascent to the Rosengarten
• Trail to Vallonga
• Karer Pass and Latemar
• Arrival at Lake Carezza
35 km 1100 m elevation gain
We immerse ourselves in the legendary world of the Dolomites. The Rosengarten and the rocky peaks of the Vajolet Towers are our lunch destination today. Before that, however, we roll leisurely out of the Fassa Valley. The coolness and silence of the morning are grateful. After just a few kilometers, we start the first climb of the day. Once again we have 600 meters of altitude to climb. A constant climb takes us up into the land of legends. We head straight for a hut below the famous Vajolet towers. Here the cappuccino tastes particularly good. We then continue along a fantastic high-altitude trail to our lunch destination, the Rifugio Ciampedie. This is 2000 meters above sea level. We share the high trail with many Italian hikers. The lunch hut is quickly reached. Later, we are reluctant to leave the comfortable deckchairs. First, our wide tires take on a gravel descent, followed by a stony trail to Vigo di Fassa then. We reach a small church and now the 2nd ascent
of the day follows up to the Karer Pass. But even these meters in altitude are covered faster than expected. However, we have to do part of it on the pass road. We leave it for the last few meters and are quickly back on the best MTB trails. Suddenly the Latemar appears in front of us. Initially, still on the side of the Rosengarden, we change direction at the Karer Pass and now pass Lake Carezza on the flanks of the mighty Latemar. It lies like a jewel in the middle of these beautiful mountains. The Rosengarten also shows itself once again in all its glory. In the beginning afternoon light, even from its most beautiful side. We have a really good time at our hotel. In the lounge chairs, we look directly at the Latemar or relax in the hotel sauna. Everyday life is far, far away.
In the middle of the Rosengarten.
Route Requirement 4. Day - 35 km - 1100 m elevation gain
Two climbs characterize the day. But first we whizz to Canazei, along the river for a good half an hour out of the valley through the forest. A partly steep ski slope descent leads us directly into the winter sports resort. We master the climb up to the Vajolet Towers on a closed asphalt road. Here everyone can ride at their own pace, as the cappuccino is already waiting at the top. A wonderful mountain trail without any technical difficulties takes us to our lunch break. The descent afterwards is first a steep gravel track, then a challenging singletrack. On the ascent to the Karer Pass, we can't avoid a short section of the pass road before we head for the Karer Pass again on narrow paths. After that, it's all enjoyment on forest paths to the hotel at Lake Carezza.
View back to the Fassa Valley.
Group photo at the Rosengarten peaks.
Ascent to the Rosengarten.
The Vajolet towers within reach.
The last few meters to the Karer Pass.
Downhill into the Fassa Valley.
The group relaxes before the last climb.
Outdoor pool mit Latemar view.
Elevation Profile Day 5
Transalp Marmolada 5. Etappe - 45 Kilometer - 1300 Höhenmeter From Lake Carezza to Truden
5. Stage
From Lake Carezza to Truden
45 km 1300 m elevation gain
With the Dolomites behind us, we enjoy wonderful views and fantastic South Tyrolean trails today. We start directly at the picturesque Lake Carezza and cross the slope towards Obereggen. One or two Dolomite legends are sure to be revealed here. Before we rush into the Schwarzenbach valley, there is a short ascent to the ski resort on the Latemar. The Obereggen trails are not only known among locals as absolute delicacies. We reach the Maria Weissenstein monastery via a partly steep Way of the Cross, passing an old hermitage. Like the hermits of old, we enjoy the wildness of the lonely woods. At the monastery, however, the solitude is over. We climb up to the Schönrast alp on the best forest paths and take the obligatory cappuccino break. This alpine pasture has been named the most beautiful alpine pasture in South Tyrol. We then get closer and closer to the flanks of the Weisshorn. Larch trees
Today’s Highlights
• Lake Carezza and Latemar
• Maria Weissenstein
• Cake at the Schönrast alp
• Weiß- and Schwarzhorn
• Departure to Kaltenbrunn
and wayside crosses line the path. A steep climb and the view suddenly opens up. We are 2000 meters high. We reach the Jochgrimm via a final short ascent. Behind us are the Dolomites, in front of us the peaks of the Schwarzhorn and Weißhorn. The panoramic tables at our lunch stop are reserved. We enjoy the South Tyrolean sun and the view. Here, too, we want to rest longer, but after dessert we have to move on. We then descend to Radein on different paths. From Kaltenbrunn we climb another 200 meters up to the mountain village of Truden. We spend the night in a small family hotel. Another wonderful day of biking comes to a leisurely end. Tomorrow we leave the Dolomites and reach Trento.
Route Requirement 5.Day - 45 km - 1300 m elevation gain
Uphill uphill is the motto for this morning. First through a beautiful forest towards Obereggen. 100 vertical meters to the ski resort. We then hurtle down an asphalt track before experiencing the true character of a steep Way of the Cross in the forest. Initially constantly up and down, later only ascending. However, the gradient becomes more moderate towards the cappuccino break. Only below the summit of the Weisshorn the steepest sections alternate with tricky gravel sections in the final stretch. Some people have to push in one or two passages. After the lunch break, the route mainly descends on good gravel paths and old cart paths. South Tyrolean trails surprise us as short interludes. One last asphalt climb and we've made it.
Lake Carezza with the Latemar massif.
Start directly at the Latemar massif.
View back to the Rosengarten.
A little Dolomites story along the way.
Weisshorn and Schwarzhorn appear.
More beautiful trails today.
Maria Weissenstein Monastery.
Awarded as the most beautiful alpine pasture in South Tyrol.
The lunch break invites you to stay.
Elevation Profile Day 6
Transalp Marmolada 6. Stage - 60 Kilometer - 1150 m elevation gain
From Truden to Trento
6. Stage
From Truden to Trento
60
km 1150 m elevation gain
The day is characterized by altitude and riding fun in equal measure. We climb the Trudener Horn with a wonderful forest ascent. Once again, the Dolomites appear on the horizon far behind us. The mountains of Lake Garda are already in front of us. We reach the mountain pasture in three stages. Once again we enjoy a cappuccino at lofty heights. Another short push over the saddle and we can see into the Adige Valley. Our view extends from Bolzano to Gantkofel, Monte Roen, Mendel Pass, Lake Kaltern and almost as far as Trento. The Italian villages are getting closer and closer. Before that, however, we stop off at a wonderful South Tyrolean mountain inn. The landlady mainly uses her own products. After enjoying pasta tris and apple strudel, the verdict is clear: pasta and des-
Today’s Highlights
• Start on the Latemar
• Lake Carezza
• Ascent Lavazzejoch
• Departure to Kaltenbrunn
• Old railroad line into the Adige Valley
serts have rarely tasted better. But the day is far from over. We have to continue along the ridgeway on a great but strenuous mountain trail. Fortunately, there is much more downhill than uphill. At Lago Santo, all the exertions are behind us. Now we have to concentrate fully again. After all, over 1000 meters of altitude have to be conquered. After almost endless descents, we reach the episcopal city of Trento. A worthy place to end our crossing of the Dolomites. Stylish overnight stay in an old town hotel. We pop the corks and agree: the Transalp Marmolada is perhaps one of the most beautiful mountain bike tours ever.
View from lofty heights into the Adige Valley.
Route Requirement 6. Day - 60 km - 1150 m elevation gain
The last day pulls out all the MTB elements once again. Before the tricky passages, however, we first head moderately uphill on beautiful gravel paths. A short pushing section at the Trudner Horn and we hurtle downhill on good forest paths to the lunch stop. The afternoon then becomes even more exhausting. Poisonous counter-climbs lurk in the forest again and again. We are almost glad when we finally reach Lago Santo. Now over an old gravel road and later over the asphalt road down to Lavis. The last few kilometers we just whizz along the Adige. Only now we realize that there were almost no flat sections on this tour. The entrance to Trento is a grand one. We pop the corks at the cathedral.
Start of the last day of the tour.
The Trentino is reached.
Lunch break with a view.
The last meters of altitude to the Ziss saddle.
Only at the end down into the Adige Valley.
Colling off at Lago Santo.
We celebrate our arrival in Trento.
Mystical cloudy atmosphere at the cathedral square.
6 Stages - 250 km - 7300 m elevation gain
Level 3
Transalp Marmolada
Texts and Fotos:
Illustration,
Tom Bierl, Sascha Müller