THE HERO: WHAT NEXT? SUMMER AND MOUNTAIN BIKING IN THE DOLOMITES

VAL GARDENA

The HERO’s “home valley” boasts a network of paths and tracks of over 600 km featuring single trails and forest paths, delivering a good 22 day excursions. There are different courses which may or may not include lift facilities for both absolute beginners and seasoned pros. The more expert cyclists can head to the Trail Arena in Selva di Val Gardena and try out the freeride Ciampinoi course and the Dantercepies flow trail with its curves, steep climbs, and even a jump or two! Families can opt for hopping on the Piz Seteur gondola lift and the Gran Paradiso chair lift to reach the Sassolungo bikepark and its Family Trail and Easy Jump Line. For further information visit www.valgardena.it

ALTA BADIA

The HERO’s second valley is rich in mountain bike offers, with trails ranging between 1,300 and 2,000 m altitude, a welcome addition to the already great road cycling offer. Take the “Bike Beats” trails, for example, a network of hoggin flow trails developing across the meadows, hills, and forests of the villages of San Cassiano, La Villa, and Corvara. The brand-new Fle-Trail will delight summer guests – the course starts from the Pralongià and descends to Passo Campolongo, boasting fun jumps and wide, scenic bends. The trails are complemented by the adrenaline-pumping Freeride Bike Gardenaccia trails. For further information visit www.altabadia.org

ARABBA

Thanks to its vast network of paths and trails in the Fodom valley, the area is ideal for MTB excursions. Passo Pordoi boasts a good three trails belonging to the Dolomiti Bike Galaxy. The first one is the Lezuo, with 2.9 km and 263 hm for beginners featuring lovely views. Second up is The Col, ideal for whoever wants to give downhill trails a shot. The 800 m trail boasts 100 hm, a quick and fun option which continues on the All Faver, a 2-km trail boasting 240 hm which then turns into an Enduro trail. Love mountain biking but need a bit of extra help? Arabba saves the day with its bike shuttle service, beloved by families and beginners alike. Outstanding hotels, SPAs, and restaurants round off the offer. For further information visit www.arabba.it

VAL DI FASSA

Mountain bike tours, gravity trails, rental services, MTB guides as well as charging stations for e-bikes make Val di Fassa perfect for mountain biking. All of its trails follow the Avisio river, which springs from the Marmolada glacier, the majestic mountain which overlooks the entire valley. The Val di Fassa Classic trail is an absolute highlight. This demanding, 50-km route features the odd, small obstacle to overcome – pay attention to your surroundings and the trail itself, and book one of the many local, experienced mountain bike guides. Adrenaline junkies and gravity lovers will find a match made in heaven at the Fassa Bike Park. The paths and single tracks develop between Col Rodella and Belvedere, set at an altitude of 2,000 m. These trails boast natural obstacles (roots, rocks, and counterslopes) as well as wooden walkways and embanked bends in the paths. Mountain bikers can avail themselves of expert teachers and guides from the Fassabike MTB School, who will teach them the correct technique in a safe environment. For further information visit www.fassa.com

ALPE DI SIUSI

The largest European plateau offers something for everyone when it comes to off-road cycling. On the Alpe di Siusi, mountain bikers will experience trails boasting more than 2,500 hm as well as short trails, day tours, or even paths and courses requiring more than one day. All these trails boast a stunning view over the legends that are the Sciliar, Sassolungo, Sassopiatto, and Catinaccio mountains. The “Tour Panoramico dell’Alpe di Siusi” (Alpe di Siusi scenic tour) is ideal for whoever wants to hop on their mountain bike and enjoy a pleasant ride combined with beautiful views of the Alps – an interesting option as lift facilities can take cyclists to the starting point at the top. For seasoned cyclists looking for a bit more of a challenge, the 7 km to the Monte Cavone, after cycling the Giro della Croce Schnaggenkreuz, are the perfect choice. The breathtaking itineraries crossing Val Duron, the Siusi-Compaccio trail, and the route between the plateau and Val Gardena are of a medium level. For easier options, choose the path uniting Alpe di Siusi-Val Gardena with the end of the Valle Isarco. For further information visit www.seiseralm.it