MTB Tour: Ortisei - Rasciesa - Brogles

You can expect short steep stretches, a wonderful trail descent and, above all, views that will be etched in your memory forever. During the high season there are many hikers on parts of the route so always be safe and considerate! Most of the tour is easy to ride but the optional ascent to the summit of Rasciesa di Fuori requires about 10 minutes of pushing or carrying, Alternatively, you can park your mountain bike at the Resciesa Hut. Conclusion: an all-around rewarding and scenic tour that promises you plenty of variety and panoramic views during your mountain bike holiday in Val Gardena!

If you are coming from the Brenner motorway, take the Klausen/Gröden exit and follow the signs leading to Ortisei. Drive to the Seceda cable car and park in the adjacent paid car park.

Incidentally, there is also a bike rental shop here where you can rent your MTB for the tour if necessary. You can reach the starting point of the tour on foot from Piazza S.Antonio in Ortisei in 5 minutes via the "La Curta" escalators and travelator. Helpful tips: Mountain bike transport is possible via the Seceda cable car.

If you want to spend a longer holiday in Val Gardena, you will find some wonderful accommodations. Furthermore, several bike hotels cater to the special needs of mountain bikers and cycling holidaymakers.

Our mountain bike tour consists of three stages.

From Ortisei to the Resciesa Hut

Our tour starts at the valley station of the Seceda cable car in Ortisei in Val Gardena. In the beginning, it is a bit strenuous as you climb the steep asphalt road of Streda Cuca. But first things first: From the car park, you'll head west and cross the bridge over the Annabach. Next, turn right onto Romstrasse and then left onto the one-way street, on which you have to pedal for a short 30 m until the Streda Cuca begins and climbs to the right in an easterly direction. Always keep an eye on the signs for Resciesa. After two hairpin bends, the Streda Cuca climbs relatively straight and evenly up the mountain. After approximately 200 metres of ascent, you'll reach the bus stop "Martin", where you'll turn left towards the forest (sign MTB Tour 301).

The road becomes narrower here but the path becomes more and more pleasant. Always follow the signs. On a gravel path, you'll pass under the Resciesa cable car. After a short, pleasant stretch, the road climbs another two kilometres up the mountain. You should definitely stop once to take a photo of the view of the Sella Group and the Sassolungo Group.

The trail takes you under the Resciesa cable car twice more. Follow the main path for another kilometre. Then you reach the Resciesa Hut (2,170 m), where you can enjoy a sensational view in the direction of the Sciliar-Catinaccio, the Alpe di Siusi, the Odle Group and many imposing Dolomite peaks during a rest. From the Resciesa Hut, an easy single trail leads westwards to the Holy Cross Chapel or northwards to the summit cross of Rasciesa di Fuori. A detour there is always worthwhile because of the view.

Tip: If you prefer, you can take the edge off the strenuous first part of the tour by taking the Resciesa cable car, on which you can comfortably transport your mountain bike.

Resciesa Hut to the Brogles Hut

After your rest at the Resciesa hut, you'll continue eastwards along the panoramic path, which is sure to delight you. First, descend to the mountain station of the Resciesa cable car (see the webcam installed there) and then you'll climb until you reach the Cason Hut (also known as the Saltner Hut) at 2,111 metres. Then turn left onto the Gardena high trail. Follow the signs to the Brogles Hut and enjoy the view of the Odle Group and Seceda.

At the Brogles saddle, you have the option of descending a rocky path to the Brogles Hut (2,045 m), where you can take an extensive break with good food and a panoramic view of the Dolomites. However, the way back up is quite arduous. Alternatively, you can leave your bike at the Brogles saddle and hike to the Brogles Hut.

From the Brogles Hut, you'll have a spectacular view of the north side of the Odle Group, one of the most popular photo spots in Val Gardena.

Brogles Hut back to Ortisei

The third stage takes you back down into the valley. Do you love trail rides? Then take the four-and-a-half-kilometre-long single trail (trail number 5, mostly S1, very short carrying section) past the Seceda middle station back to Ortisei. However, you will need some skill and endurance on the trail, which leads through woods and across meadows, over stones, roots and steps. The effort is worth it. The wonderful nature and pleasantly shady forest will awaken true happiness.

Tip: If you were so thrilled by the ascent that you want to treat yourself to the panoramic views again, take the same route on the way back as you did on the way there. In the opposite direction, more beautiful sights will surely catch your eye.

Book a professional bike guide and take in the highlights on the tour from Ortisei to the Resciesa Hut and the Brogles Hut. Your guide will make sure that you are also safe on the single trail and will explain interesting facts about nature in the Dolomites along the way.

You can do the tour from Val Gardena to the Resciesa Hut and the Brogles Hut by mountain bike or with an e-MTB. In the local bike rental shops you will find a huge selection of suitable bikes and benefit from the expertise of the trained staff. Rent your e-bike or mountain bike and enjoy a unique tour of the Dolomites.