Alta Badia: Pedalling through paradise in the heart of the Dolomites

TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF, TOURISMUSBÜROS ALTA BADIA | PHOTOS: PHOTO: ALTA BADIA

Alta Badia is a destination that offers unforgettable experiences for all cycling enthusiasts. Framed by the UNESCO World Heritage Dolomites, it provides the ideal starting point for discovering the famous Dolomite passes, true symbols of cycling history. Major events such as Maratona dles Dolomites-Enel, Sellaronda Bike Day and Dolomites Bike Day further enhance the region’s appeal, making it a true paradise for cyclists.

Alta Badia, usually known as a premier, family-friendly ski region in the South Tyrolean Dolomites in Italy, also has a lot to offer in summer for bike enthusiasts. Whether you prefer road cycling, mountain biking or e-biking, you will find diverse routes for every fitness level here. Cycling in these valleys is an experience that goes far beyond the sport itself: spectacular vistas, local culture, culinary traditions, and a growing focus on sustainability all contribute to the experience. In recent years, Alta Badia has established itself as a top destination for discerning cyclists. Its strategic location, wide selection of routes of varying difficulty, and the opportunity to ride legendary cycling roads make the region a must-visit. From here, you can tackle iconic passes like the Pordoi Pass, Sella Pass, Gardena Pass, Fedaia Pass, Valparola Pass, Falzarego Pass, and Giau Pass, all the way to the famous Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Three Peaks).

Photo: Manuel Sulzer

A dream of peace

On 5 July, the famous Maratona dles Dolomites-Enel will be held for the 39th time, with 32,400 applications from 85 nations received. The Granfondo race attracts cyclists from all over the world annually and is considered the queen of European cycling events. This year’s theme is ‘Pax’ (peace). “The Maratona is exactly that: thousands of stories intersecting, where the mountain is a symbol of equality. We are small, but our task is great: to think about peace, to talk about it, and to act on it… we do it by pedalling. Because peace is a dream we can achieve, a path we can walk together,” explains Michil Costa, president of Maratona dles Dolomites-Enel.

The main attractions, as always, are the Dolomite passes of Campolongo, Sella, Pordoi, Gardena, Giau, Falzarego, and Valparola. Furthermore, the three traffic-free routes remain unchanged: the classic Maratona, a 138-kilometre-long route with 4,230 metres of elevation gain; the medium route, a 106-kilometre route with 3,130 metres of elevation gain; and the Sellaronda route, a 55-kilometre route with 1,780 metres of elevation gain. The pre-Maratona cycling week has been redesigned and expanded, with an even richer programme this year. For example, new guided bike tours and activities for cyclists and their families are on offer. Those who did not secure a starting place can purchase one of the 200 bib numbers at a higher price on 19 March at www.maratona.it, for which the proceeds will go to charity.

Photo: Alex Moling

Three traffic free days

June and July are proving to be indispensable months for cycling enthusiasts: The events in Alta Badia once again combine spectacular panoramas with a strong focus on sustainability. For three days, the famous Dolomite passes are closed to motorised traffic, offering everyone the opportunity to cycle in complete freedom, including those not participating in the renowned Maratona dles Dolomites-Enel.

The Bike Days are non-competitive events and open to everyone without registration. The routes partially follow the Maratona route and include some of the most iconic climbs in the Dolomites.

On Saturday 6 June, the traditional Sellaronda Bike Day returns, with the closure of the passes around the Sella Group. The event will also be repeated on 12 September. From 8.30am to 4.00pm, cyclists of all abilities can tackle the counter-clockwise route: 53 kilometres with an elevation gain of 1,637 metres, nestled in a unique landscape.

On 20 June, the Dolomites Bike Day further takes place, focussing on the Campolongo, Falzarego, and Valparola passes, sites of legendary achievements in cycling. The route starts in Alta Badia, reaches Arabba and the Livinallongo valley via the Campolongo Pass, continues to the Falzarego and Valparola Passes, and then passes through San Cassiano, La Villa, and Corvara before completing the loop.

Photo: Alex Moling

Cycling together

For this summer, Alta Badia is renewing its Bike Guided Tours programme, offering five weekly rides during June and July. The schedule includes a series of guided excursions designed to discover some of the most impressive routes in the Dolomites. From Monday to Friday, each day is dedicated to a different tour, led by experienced local cycling guides, to conquer the mountain passes and iconic locations of the region. Among the suggested destinations are the famous Sellaronda, Passo Fedaia, and Passo Giau.

Furthermore, the innovative e-bike sharing service makes it even easier to discover Alta Badia. The electric pedal assist makes it easy to reach the region’s most beautiful viewpoints, as well as the three parks of the Movimënt area at an altitude of 2,000 metres. The e-bikes make even the most challenging climbs accessible and offer an experience suitable for both experienced cyclists and those who simply want to enjoy the Dolomite landscape at a relaxed pace. The bikes can be rented and returned at the mountain stations of the Col Alto, Piz La Ila, and Piz Sorega lifts. In addition, state-of-the-art models are available in sports shops and rental stores in the valley for those who prefer to start directly from the valley floor. Another advantage is the option of transporting the e-bikes on the lifts, making it easy to travel between different villages without using a car, for a sustainable and enjoyable experience.

Photo: Alex Moling

A premier cycling destination

Alta Badia stands out as a premier destination for cyclists of all disciplines, offering an extensive network of routes and services that cater to every type of rider. Nestled in the vibrant landscape of the South Tyrolean Dolomites, the area is a playground for mountain bikers, with vast off-road trails immersed in colourful vegetation. Whether you are an enthusiast of enduro, freeride, or touring, the region provides a wealth of tracks of varying difficulty, including the adrenaline-charged Bike Beats Movimënt flow trails, complete with berms and jumps, which are also part of the prestigious Gravity Card network giving access to 30 of Europe’s top bike parks. These trails, accessible by both mountain and e-bike, are situated on the high plateau at 2,000 metres, with lifts facilitating easy bike transport.

Alta Badia also serves as the ideal starting point for the legendary Sellaronda circuit, where lifts allow riders to effortlessly gain altitude and enjoy breathtaking descents on singletracks designed specifically for MTBs, with expert guides recommended for the journey. In recent years, gravel biking has become increasingly popular, allowing riders to leave the tarmac behind and explore scenic gravel paths through forests and alpine meadows at the foot of the UNESCO-listed Dolomites. The area offers numerous gravel routes, including tours past traditional Ladin farmsteads and through the charming village of La Val, mixing asphalt and gravel as they trace lesser-known but captivating tracks beside nature parks like Fanes-Senes-Prags and Puez-Geisler.

Another panoramic route leads from Badia to the Armentara meadows beneath the imposing Heiligkreuz massif. Alta Badia’s bike Friendly ethos is reflected in its comprehensive services – from detailed route maps at tourist offices and personalised guided tours tailored to all ability levels, to partnerships with hotels, bike rentals, repair shops, and cyclist-friendly restaurants and mountain huts. Certified Bike Expert and Bike Friendly establishments provide secure bike storage, repair facilities, laundry service, hearty breakfasts, and energy-boosting afternoon snacks, while lifts enable free bike transport, ensuring a comfortable, seamless cycling experience for all.

So, whether you crave exhilarating climbs, tranquil trails, or the simple joy of cycling amid awe-inspiring peaks, Alta Badia invites you to discover your own path, and pedal into a paradise you will be sure to never forget.