A history of mountain biking in Italy

A unique environment,Italy has such wide and varied terrain. The North of the country is very mountainous, with the Alps to the East and the Dolomites to the West. The Alps are characterised by green rolling meadows which climb right up to some of the highest peaks in the world. The Dolomites on the other hand are typically steep and rocky. With this in mind, the style of mountain bike tracks also varies from region to region.

In recent years Alpine mountains, such as Morzine, Les Gets and Avoriaz have become very popular with downhill bikers, the gravity fueled section of our sport. Ski lifts have been adapted for caring bicycles to the top of the hills and the riders race back down again! The ground surface is typically clay based leading to dust in the summer, but unfortunately that means muddy mountain bike trails on the wet days. 

On the other hand, the mountain bike trails in the Dolomite region do not vary as much with weather conditions. The rock and gravel based surface drains well, leaving the tracks usable at all times. It is said that the distance you travel in your mountain bike adventure is not the focus, rather the height you gain! Very steep roads and trails make for amazing summits to the some of the highest peaks in Europe

Somewhere in between the two regions lies Trento. The Trento region is home to the famous Lake Gardaand our beautiful valley, Val di Gresta. It is said that Lake Garda is the cleanest lake in all of Italy. The mountain bike terrain offered here is a perfect mix of Alpine and Dolomite. There are mellow as well as steep climbs, meaning there are also some great descents on offer! A typical mountain bike ride in the Trento region may take in anything from Vineyards to apple groves and monasteries to world war monuments! The views are spectacular, on a clear day one can witness an entire Alpine/Dolomite mountain range rolling out before their eyes. Trento is a very special region, very well visited by cyclists.

The North of Italy is famous for its cycling tradition. Countless riders, adventure bikers and racing champions alike have come from Italy. In commemoration of their great achievements, cycling events are run every weekend without fail! All levels of ability are catered for, from beginner to advanced, road and off road! It’s all in the name of fun, regardless of how long or how far you go, once you’re out on the bike, having fun in the sun, nothing matters!

The mountain bike trails used by All Mountain Experience cross every discipline of cycling. Road, cross country and downhill trails are all within reach of the hotel. Ronzo-Chienis, the local town, is at an elevation of 900 meters above sea level. This is great news for us bikers, as we can always start the day with a descent! The mountain bike trails we use range in elevation form 150 meters at the lake side, right up the refuge at Mt. Stivo, which is at 1900 meters. From here you have a commanding view of the entire lake and surrounding mountain range. And its all down hill from there, perfect single track, natural drops and turns, gravel, dirt and grass... the perfect combination for an awesome days mountain biking!