MTB Tour: Val Gardena - Alpe di Siusi

A trip to the Alpe di Siusi is one of the highlights of any holiday in the Dolomites. Where toboggan slopes and moderate pistes provide unadulterated family skiing fun in winter, colourful meadows and cosy huts attract hikers and cyclists to Europe's largest high Alpine pasture in summer. The tour described here (signposting 213) takes you from Val Gardena to the Alpe di Siusi. The mountain bike tour is moderately difficult and requires a fair amount of technical ability. If you would like to save yourself the climb or simply make it easier, you can also tackle the MTB tour on an e-MTB.

Val Gardena in the Dolomites can be reached by car via the A22 Brenner motorway, which you exit at the Chiusa-Val Gardena exit. After about 15 kilometres or a 20-minute drive, you will reach Ortisei. It is also possible to get here by bus; the bus stop is just a 5-minute walk from the valley station of the Ortisei-Alpe di Siusi cable car.

You can park your car in the paid lot directly at the valley station, which offers 240 parking spaces. Particularly practical: you can hire mountain bikes and e-MTBs directly at the valley station from the Bamby Ski & Bike Hire. In addition to this hire shop, there are many other bike hire shops in Val Gardena.

The Alpe di Siusi cable car is open from mid-May to the beginning of November and bikes can be taken on board for an additional charge.

Look forward to numerous refreshment stops, forest roads, trails and alpine meadows. There are several charging stations along the way for those travelling with an e-mountain bike. You can follow signposting 213 for the tour. It is 35.8 kilometres long in total and takes around four and a half hours to complete, depending on your pace. The route can be divided into three varied stages.

Stage 1: Ortisei to Compaccio

The starting point of your tour is the valley station of the Alpe di Siusi cable car in Ortisei in Val Gardena. The cable car takes you comfortably up to the mountain station, where you can enjoy a restorative espresso before the day's exertions. The first mountain panorama awaits you here with a view of the Sassolungo and Sasso Piatto, which is one of the most beautiful photo spots in Val Gardena. Now it's finally time to get on your bike: ride from the mountain station along the gentle gravel and tarmac path to Compaccio. Take a break at the Sporthotel Sonne or the cosy Baita Sanon for culinary refreshments.

Stage 2: Compaccio, Rifugio Molignon, Saltria

The second stage of your tour takes you from Compaccio to the Rifugio Molignon. While the first part of the section, the Jochstraße, is asphalted, you follow gravel Trail No. 7 from the Hotel Goldknopf until you reach the Rifugio Molignon at an altitude of 2,054 metres. You have now completed about half of your tour and can take a long break with a clear conscience. The family-run hut is steeped in history and is located in the heart of the Sciliar-Catinaccio Nature Park and offers you culinary specialities from the region and South Tyrolean hospitality.

Every break has an end, which is why you now take Trail No. 8 steeply downhill towards Saltria. The destination of the second stage is the Tirler Hut, situated at an altitude of 1,170 metres. The Tirler Alp is also a wonderful place to rest and enjoy a healthy meal with a marvellous view.

Stage 3: Saltria, Selva, Ortisei

The last stage of your MTB tour takes you from Saltria back to Ortisei in Val Gardena. From Saltria, head towards Cunfinböden along the forest road below the Sassolungo to Monte Pana. From the Monte Pana car park, follow the asphalt road leading down to S. Cristina for about 500 metres, but turn right before the first left turn to Cesa Montes to follow the trail to La Selva road. Stay on the road until you reach Selva or take a break along the way at the Pozzamanigoni FISE Horse-riding School, where you can enjoy delicious cakes and coffee if you wish. From Selva, stay on the cycle path to Ortisei – the start and end point of this fantastic tour.

Whether you are travelling through the Dolomites by mountain bike for the first time or want to get to know the region's most adventurous trails – with a bike guide by your side, you'll be safe in the mountains and discover places that would otherwise remain hidden to non-locals. Find your bike guide for unforgettable bike tours in the UNESCO World Heritage Dolomites.

There are several bike hire shops in Val Gardena where you can rent modern mountain bikes, racing bikes, children's bikes and e-bikes for your tour or your entire holiday in Val Gardena. Here you will also find helmets and everything else you need for your bike trip and can get help with repairs and tips in an emergency.

Experience an unforgettable mountain bike holiday in Val Gardena, one of the top biking areas in the Dolomites. Our selected bike hotels provide professional care, guided tours and special services for bikers. Perfect for everyone who wants to combine sports, nature, and comfort.