Cycling in the Dolomites: What are the Top Routes for Mountain Biking?

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The Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in northeastern Italy, are renowned for their dramatic beauty — with rugged peaks, verdant valleys, and tranquil mountain lakes. Outdoor enthusiasts will discover more than hiking paths in the Dolomites—they are also an international mountain biking mecca. If you’re looking for adventure, either as a rest day if you’re a pro or as a little struggle if you’re just beginning, you can test yourself on one of the routes in the Dolomites world, and mere miles in, you will know that the ride is one that will stay with you.

 In this article, we will talk about some of the top routes to cycle in the Dolomites and why Dolomites hut-to-hut hiking and biking is an ideal way to string together the perfect mountain adventure to remember. 

The Sellaronda — One of The Dolomites’ Top Tours 

For any mountain biking enthusiast, one of the Dolomites top tours is the Sellaronda circuit. This stunning 55-kilometer loop connects the four passes surrounding the Sella Massif: Passo Pordoi, Passo Sella, Passo Gardena, and Passo Campolongo. The route rewards riders with stunning views, a gnarly mountain grind, and thrilling downhill runs through the heart of the Dolomites. 

The Sellaronda route is renowned for its mix of technical difficulty and beautiful scenery. Cyclists may take each pass individually or ride the complete loop in one trip. The loop is so taxing that many bikers make a multi-day trip out of it, and the Dolomites hut-to-hut hiking trip allows you plenty of time to soak in the beauty of the region. Sleeping under the stars in rustic mountain huts along the way strikes a comfortable-but-challenging compromise and makes this trip all the more rewarding.

The Alta Badia Valley Circuit 

Boasting some of the prettiest and most diverse mountain biking trails in the heart of the Dolomites, Alta Badia is the perfect place for a multi-day adventure. Its mix of wooded trails, open fields, and sweeping mountain views offers an ideal opportunity for cyclists to take in the scenic terrain of the areas around the Dolomites while honing their skills on varied surfaces. 

Another popular route in the Alta Badia Region is the Alta Badia Valley Circuit. It consists of a mix of singletrack and forest roads, ideal for intermediate to advanced cyclists. Along the way, they’ll cross smooth, rolling climbs and steep technical descents, making it attractive to mountain bikers looking to experience a variety of challenges on their bike. For those wanting to combine cycling with some hiking. The Alta Badia region offers access to several hut-to-hut hiking trails in the Dolomites. Cyclists can enjoy an overnight stay in a traditional alpine hut, giving them the perfect opportunity to recharge and savor some of the most exciting and flavorful cuisine the Dolomites have to offer. 

The Dolomiti di Sesto: Bike Ride to the Tre Cime

If you are into legendary climbs, the Dolomiti di Sesto region is another mountain biker’s paradise. Located in the eastern Dolomites, the area is home to some of the most dramatic high-altitude scenery in the Alps, not least Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Three Peaks), perhaps the best-known mountain formation on the planet.

The trails are primarily technical in nature and vary in difficulty from intermediate climbs to extreme descents. This circuit circles the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, providing superb views of those jagged peaks. The loop is 30 kilometers and suitable for intermediate to advanced riders, with steep climbs, technical spots, and a variety of terrain. 

The region is also ideal for Dolomites hut-to-hut hiking. Hikers and cyclists can venture into the nearby valleys and ridges to explore more secretive nooks of the area. The region’s network of huts are ideal shelters for cyclists, who can dine and spend the night and wake up to expansive mountain views — the epitome of what the Dolomites experience has to offer.

Fassa Valley: A Tour in Nature

For the cyclist in search of heavyweight ascents, light new descents, and tremendous pure magnificence, the Fassa Valley gives a very good route. Located staged in the middle of the Dolomites, the valley also features various cycling routes from beginner-friendly mountain bike trails to those more technical mountain bike trails for guests that are up for a greater challenge. Famous touring minimum routes here is the “loop” around Passo San Pellegrino. This 45-kilometer loop will take bikers through the main picturesque ground of the Dolomites, through nearby woodlands, alpine pastures, and breathtaking views of the alpine peaks. The route itself isn’t exceptionally technical but has plenty to challenge cyclists’ endurance, with long climbs and satisfying descents.

Hut resorts also do well here, though the Fassa Valley is a good area to combine hut-to-hut hiking in the Dolomites with your biking trip. Most of the huts along the trail serve hearty and delicious local fare and carry a warm, homely feel after a long day on the trail. If you like the idea of spending a few nights in the mountains, consider spending a few nights in a hut; the option exists to hike in and out, or to hike out, circle, and into the next valley. 

The Val di Fiemme: An Insider’s Guide to Mountain Biking

Set west of the Dolomites, the Val di Fiemme is one of the lesser-known gems in the region. It provides rides around its pristine forests, lush green valleys, and sometimes tough mountain terrain. Available off-road trails crisscross dense forests and wildflower-filled meadows. The valley also serves up some of the best off-the-beaten-path mountain biking in the Dolomites. 

The trails in Val di Fiemme are all levels, from beginner to expert. For those seeking a real challenge, though, cyclists can tackle the long climb to the top of the Cermis, from which the views across the valley are just breathtaking. The trail, part singletrack and part rocky paths, is a wild race down. 

That part of the world is also famous for its Dolomites hut-to-hut hiking itineraries — a perfect complement to the cycling. Hikers reach placid valleys and ridges; cyclists, the technical trails. Instead, you overnight in comfortable huts along the way, where you can enjoy hearty meals and witness the majesty of the Dolomites from rustic refuge bases.

Final Thoughts: An Awesome Cycling Experience 

The cycling routes in the Dolomites offer something for every type and level of cyclist, from novice to expert. There is no shortage of beautiful views, wild roads, and rewarding descents, from the classic Sellaronda to the ruggedly lovely Val di Fiemme. Combine mountain biking with hut-to-hut hiking through the Dolomites, and adventurers can see the best of the region’s beauty while also getting a taste of the unique alpine culture. Whether you conquer high alpine passes, navigate technical descents, or take in panoramic views, the Dolomites will always be remembered as a cycling destination. 

So load up your gear, take it step by step over some of Europe’s most stunning terrain, and get your piece of the Dolomites.