The jagged peaks of the Dolomites tower high in South Tyrol's Val d'Ega. In this fascinating mountain world with glittering mountain lakes, imposing mountain ranges, lush alpine meadows and numerous natural and gravel trails, there are countless trails and unique bike events that make mountain bikers happy.
By Sabrina Bromann
The mountain bike hotel Marica is managed by the Eisath-Auer family. It is located in the village of Eggen, nestled between the imposing dolomite towers of Latemar and Rosengarten. Both Carola and husband Manfred and son Gabriel are certified bike guides. Head guide Manfred is trail-loving and ensures sweaty tours. His wife Carola loves panoramic tours, knows every idyllic spot and the exciting story to go with it. Gabriel, on the other hand, likes to take on extreme cases. However, all three have one thing in common: they are passionate mountain bikers and like to pass this on to their guests.
Around the Latemar
The mountain bike tour around the Latemar mountain range is one of those tours that should be on every mountain biker's bucket list. It is a medium-difficulty loop that perfectly combines scenic highlights and trail fun. Right at the beginning of this tour, the longest climb of the route is already on the program. Up to the Karer Pass first of all about 800 meters of altitude must be mastered. For Carola, Manfred and Gabriel, this serves as a good warm-up exercise. Other, somewhat less trained mountain bikers, however, like to break a sweat. The unique panorama up there at the Karer Pass, which sits between Latemar and Rosengarten and separates these two mountain massifs from each other, however, quickly makes you forget the exertions. The breathtaking beauty of the Dolomites is omnipresent there. Finally, from the Karer Pass follows a descent to Moena in the Fassa Valley. However, the same descent can also be completed uphill, namely if you come from the east and head towards Bolzano. Here at this point the knowledge of the MTB guides is definitely an advantage. Those who are not so well versed might think that the whole descent has to be done on the gravel road. But Carola, Manfred and Gabriel, for example, know the technically more demanding and far more interesting variants. The principle that guides not only ensure the safety of guests, but also provide riding fun and trail action, thus proves true.
Once you arrive in Moena, you can enjoy a cappuccino in the town square as a reward. From there, the route continues along the valley cycle path to Predazzo. On the way up to Passo Feudo, however, another crisp 1,100 meters of altitude must be mastered. Thanks to the help of the Latemar cable car and the Gardonè chairlift, however, this ascent becomes an extremely comfortable affair without breaking a sweat. It is important to note that the cable car in Predazzo is closed for lunch from 12:45 to 14:30 - this is Italy! So it's best to reach it before that. Before continuing with the chairlift to the top of the tour, it is best to stop at the Baita Gardonè. There, the specialties of South Tyrolean cuisine await you. At an altitude of 1,700 meters, a dumpling Tris tastes even better. In addition, there are the fantastic views that can be enjoyed from the magnificent terrace "The Mountain Riviera". Later, at Passo Feudo, an even better panorama awaits you. To the north, the rock faces of the Latemar rise directly. To the west are Schwarzhorn and Weißhorn, to the south Monte Agnello, and to the east the Lagorai chain stands out. Simply fantastic. From there finally follows a long descent back to the Val d'Ega. First there is a brisk start on the ski slope, then a wonderful trail that leads to the Zischgalm. After a varied mix of alpine paths, gravel roads, trails and short sections on the asphalt road, you reach the Hotel Marica in Eggen again. The loop around the Latemar is a really worthwhile tour amidst the striking rock faces of the Dolomites. Thanks to the lift support, it is also feasible for hobby bikers and beginners. With an e-bike it even becomes a pleasure. With the guides from Hotel Marica you can also be sure to find the optimal downhill variant. So no one is overwhelmed and can enjoy the tour to the fullest.
Carezza Trail
Also an absolute must if you are on a biking vacation in Val d'Ega is the Carezza Trail. It is the "signature trail" of the region. This means that it is the real flagship in terms of MTB trails in the region. It is the favorite of the locals. They usually know it better than the back of their hand. And it has already made a name for itself beyond the country's borders. The start is at the valley station of the mountain railroad in Welschnofen. Together with the mountain bike, it takes you up to the Frommer Alm. There you will not only find the entrance to the trail, but also a whole training park. The Bike Park Carezza is equipped with four drops at different heights, pump track for young and old, Rockgarden and Northshores to refine the balance, hairpin turns to train the cornering technique, as well as jumpline and steep wall curves. The park is a really super way to hone your technique before venturing into the Carezza Trail. This is classified as easy to intermediate, but if you're a total beginner, you might not want to jump in completely untrained after all.
Once you've warmed up, you can finally get going. The entrance to the Carezza Trail immediately presents you with the agony of choice: big or small drop? Once you have decided, pure joy follows on the way over hairpin bends and meadows. The trail continues to meander along a stream and through the Niger Valley to Welschnofen. Many small doubles and neatly prepared jumps and drops await you along the way. Once you've reached the end of the trail, you've covered 4.4 kilometers and around 500 meters in altitude.
Rosadira Bike
"Rosadira" describes that moment in Val d'Ega when the setting sun makes the rock faces of the Dolomites glow. Nowhere better than here can you marvel at the mountain tops shimmering in red. The organizers of the Rosadira Bike Festival, which will take place in 2019 from June 13 to 16, are well aware of this.
At the Rosadira Bike everything is under the sign of the two wheels for four days. There are riding technique workshops, guided bike tours between Catinaccio and Latemar. The tours are led by locals. On gourmet tours, single trail tours or even e-mountain bike tours, they also tell you interesting facts about the region. And there is plenty of that in Val d'Ega. There are many legends about the Karersee, Rosengarten and Latemar. At the workshops you get good tips from the guides of the TrailXperience riding technique school. In combination with one of the guided tours you will surely notice one or the other progress. There will also be exhibitors on the festival grounds who will make the latest bike products available for you to try out.
But also the supporting program delights the biker heart. A live unplugged concert awaits you at the Karersee. In addition, there is the "Rosengarden on Fire Night" and a picnic in a dreamlike setting on Sunday. Always in view: the breathtaking rock formations of Rosengarten and Latemar.
The Eggental region in the Dolomites really has a lot to offer. Breathtaking panoramas, trails, parks and events that bring your skills to the next level. And when you're out and about with locals like Carola, Manfred and Gabriel Eisath-Auer from Bike Hotel Marica, your next vacation is guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience.
Region
Nestled between the Latemar and Catinaccio mountain ranges of the South Tyrolean Dolomites, you will find enchanting mountain villages and a wild nature that invites you to go biking.
The region is 360 km from Zurich, 300 km from Munich and 140 km from Innsbruck.
Bike Events
Rosadira Bike Festival
from 13 - 16 June 2019
Bike hotels of the region
Hotel Marica
Village 30, I-39050 Eggen
South Tyrol - Italy
T. +39 0471 615 720
[email protected]
www.hotelmarica.it
Bike & Ski Hotel Diana
Lake Karsee Road 94
I-39056 Nova Levante
Tel. +39 0471 613160
[email protected]
www.diana-hotel.it
Bike & Kinderhotel Maria
Obereggen 12
I-39050 Nova Ponente
Tel. +39 0471 615772
[email protected]
www.hotel-maria.it
More biker regions & hotels at Mountain Bike Holidays at www.bike-holidays.com
Addresses
Eggental Tourism Cooperative
Dolomitenstr. 4
39056 Nova Levante
Phone: +39 0471619 500
[email protected]
www.eggental.com
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