Mountainbike - Dolomites Nature Parks

This self-guided mountain bike loop starts and finishes in Niederdorf/Toblach in South Tyrol's Hochpustertal, following old military and forest roads and wide mountain trails through three Dolomites nature parks: Fanes-Sennes-Braies, the Ampezzo Dolomites and the Sesto Dolomites. Parts of the route trace the famous Dolomites MTB marathon held each July, with the dramatic, UNESCO-listed peaks in view on every stage.

The first riding day loops via an old military road to Markinkele (Cornetto di Confine) on the Italian-Austrian border. Riders then follow the Pustertal cycle path before a long climb to Kronplatz (2,275 m), home to the Concordia 2000 peace bell and the Messner Mountain Museum Corones, where experienced riders can tackle the downhill trails before continuing to St. Vigil. From Pederü the route climbs past the Fodara Vedla and Senna huts, with sweeping views of Hohe Gaisl, Cristallo, Sorapis and Tofane, then crosses the Fanes Valley to Cortina d'Ampezzo, host of the 1956 Winter Olympics. A day loop from Cortina climbs to the Cinque Torri beneath Monte Pelmo, before the final stage crosses the Plätzwiese high plateau, with views of the Three Peaks, back to Niederdorf/Toblach.

Each stage has a sport and an enjoyment variant, the latter designed to be ridden on an e-bike with one battery charge, so the tour suits anyone with a good base level of fitness. Nights are in 3 and 4-star hotels, with luggage transferred daily.

Highlights:

• Old military roads to Markinkele on the Italian-Austrian border
• Kronplatz summit, the Concordia 2000 peace bell and Messner Mountain Museum Corones
• The Fanes Valley and Senna hut panorama over Cristallo, Sorapis and Tofane
• Cortina d'Ampezzo, host of the 1956 Winter Olympics
• The Cinque Torri rock towers and Monte Pelmo
• Plätzwiese plateau and the Strudelkopf lookout over the Three Peaks

Surface and terrain:
Old military and forest roads and wide mountain trails, with some asphalt and the Pustertal cycle path. Alpine terrain with big daily climbs of 1,000 to 1,640 m on the sport variants. Easier enjoyment variants (one using the Kronplatz cable car) suit e-bikes.

Weather:
Summer alpine conditions can be expected, warm in the valleys and cooler at altitude, with afternoon thunderstorms possible.

Suitable for:
Mountain bikers with good basic fitness, rated Medium by the operator. E-bike riders can manage the enjoyment variants on one battery charge.