Dolomites Biking

Meet one of your Backroads Trip Leaders (wearing a Backroads T-shirt) at 11:30 a.m. in front of the main entrance to the Bolzano-Bozen train station in Bolzano, Italy. Please arrive dressed in your biking clothes, and have your rain jacket handy.

After meeting we shuttle into the hills above Bolzano to the village of Auna di Sotto, where we get better acquainted over a picnic lunch featuring delicacies from nearby valleys, including cheeses, honey and apples. Afterward your leaders fit your bike and give a brief talk on biking techniques and safety before you set off on a ride that gives you a taste of things to come this week (translation: hills and tremendous views!). The route follows a scenic bike path alongside the Isarco River and includes a pair of short ups and downs, beginning with a gradual four-mile ascent, followed by a fun, slightly longer downhill. After riding one more wave, you can enjoy a flat section all the way to the charming town of Bressanone, near the Austrian border. Feel free to stop for a refreshing post-ride birra (beer) before continuing to Hotel Goldener Adler, a charming historic hotel with spacious rooms and a picturesque courtyard located near the entrance to old town. Settle in before we gather for an evening reception followed by a delicious inaugural dinner. Lodging: Hotel Goldener Adler

Shuttle to Auna di Sotto: 30 Minutes

Bressanone Route: 26 Miles (2,245’ elevation gain)

Our first full day in the Dolomites takes you into the glorious Val di Funes, in the shadow of the jagged Odle group chain. After a short warm-up, your legs are put to the test on a steep 12-mile climb. Luckily you’ll have amazing views of green meadows (resplendent with wildflowers in the early summer) and the towering Dolomites to distract you from your burning quads. At the top, catch your breath and soak in the splendid scenery before forging ahead. No rest for the weary here: There are a few more ups and downs before you reach Corvara, one of Alta Badia’s most picturesque hamlets. If you want to extend your ride, take a detour into the Fanes Valley. Stretch out your legs and grab a café before heading back the way you came.

Corvara is a popular summer and winter tourist destination, offering a range of indoor and outdoor activities, shopping and restaurants. The Ladin people inhabit this region of South Tyrol, and while the official language spoken here is Ladin, you will notice that all the road signs are trilingual (Italian, German and Ladin). This afternoon there’s time to check out this blissful alpine town, perhaps shopping for Tyrolean items such as wool sweaters and tasty Ladino specialties, including mirtillo (blueberry) preserves, flavored grappa, formaggio nostro (literally translated as "our cheese") and speck (cured and smoked ham). Then make your way to our cozy alpine chalet-turned-hotel, La Perla, situated at the top of the village.

Settle in and enjoy the expansive vistas and unrivaled hospitality at the hotel. In the evening, we’re treated to a tour and tasting in La Perla’s unique wine cellar before sitting down to dinner at La Stüa di Michil, its Michelin starred restaurant. Lodging: Hotel La Perla

Biking Options:

San Martino in Badia Route: 32 Miles* (5,400’ elevation gain)

Corvara Route: 44 Miles (6,720’)

Corvara with Fanes Valley Out-&-Back: 63 Miles (8,320’) 

*with shuttle

You’re in store for a spectacul ar ride today, one that includes famous mountain passes, breathtaking vistas and epic climbs. Whether you challenge yourself by taking on the maximum mileage or you choose a shorter route, you’ll get similar scenic rewards and the sense of satisfacti on that only comes after a demanding exhilarating spin. But if you need a break from your bike, feel free to venture out on foot today—there are several great hiking options available as well.

Part of our biking route follows in the tire tracks of the thousands of cyclists who’ve ridden the Maratonadles Dolomites, the famous annual one-day bike race of the area. (Michil, La Perla’s proprietor, is the organizer.) Note that if you plan to bike either of the two longer routes, you’ll need to get an early start this morning. After leavi ng Corvara take on Passo di Campolongo, good preparation for the series of increasingly difficult passes—including the scenic, nearly six-mile Passo Pordoi with an average 6.9 percent grade—you encounter while circumnavigating the Sella mountain range. (The steep grades are mitigated by several switchbacks, so take heart!) After looping back to Corvara, you’ll have time to wander around town at your leisure and shop for souvenirs, indulge in some spa time (not included in trip price) or take a snooze by the pool.

Early risers who are pedaling the Sella Ronda & Fedaia Loop take on Passo di Fedaia, which stretches out beneath Marmolada Mountain, the highest peak in the Dolomites. Hard-core cyclists push themselves to complete the most intense ride of the trip, the San Pellegrino Route, which adds another 18 miles through the Val di Fassa. On both these longer options, you’ll have climbed six mountain passes before it’s all said and done!

This evening choose from Corvara’s restaurants for dinner on your own. Your leaders are happy to direct you to their favorites. Lodging: Hotel La Perla

If you’re a little beat after yesterday’s ride, you’ll appreciate today’s options, which allow for some downtime this afternoon in Cortina d’Ampezzo. There are still hills to climb, but the gorgeous tableau unfolding around you is just inspiration to pedal that much harder in anticipation of what you’ll see at the next crest. We make a stop along the route to visit with our friend Heidi, a member of the Ladin community, about the distinct language, culture and customs of the Ladin people.

Say goodbye to Corvara as you ride past bright green fields and forests beneath the Santa Croce mountain range, and Ciastel Colz, a 16th-century Gothic-style castle. The ascent to Passo Valparola and Passo Falzarego marks our departure from Ladin country and the Alta Badia. Check out the famous Cinque Torri in the distance before beginning a gradual descent into Cortina, with excellent views all the way. If you’ve got gas left in your tank, take a detour at Passo Falzarego and crank up one of the Dolomites’ most renowned climbs to Passo Giau. At the top, pat yourself on the back and enjoy a beer before heading down to Cortina in the van or enjoy the well earned descent on your bike.

Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy’s answer to Chamonix, Aspen and other world class resort destinations, is known for its excellent winter skiing. (Cortina hosted the 1956 Winter Olympics.) This bustling town of 8,000 is brimming with fashionable stores, restaurants, cafés and historic buildings. Unlike other villages we’ve visited, which have a noticeable Austrian or Ladin influence, Cortina has a distinct Italian feel. If you’re a fan of shoppi ng or people watching, take a passeggiata (stroll ) on Corso Italia, Cortina’s pedestrian only thoroughfare. Or you may want to go straight to our charming hotel and wind down with a drink in the cozy bar before settling into your room. Tonight you can look forward to dinner at Tivoli, a Michelin starred restaurant outside of town. Lodging: Hotel de la Poste

Biking Options:

Cortina Route: 24 Miles (2,560’ elevation gain)

Passo Giau Route: 31 Miles* (5,500’)

Cortina via Passo Giau Route: 42 Miles (5,860’) 

*with shuttle

Feel like hiking instead of going for a spin today? There are some excellent hikes in the area, if your quads need a distraction. For those eager to climb back in the saddle, get your blood pumping right out of the gate with a moderately easy climb to Passo Tre Croci, a low pass through woodland. Then head down to pretty Lago di Misurina, a popular gathering point and picnic spot for locals and tourists alike. Have your camera ready for some classic mountain shots here and at our next stop, Rifugio Auronzo. This vantage point gives us excellent up-close views of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, the three iconic peaks of the Dolomites and one of the best-known mountain formations in the region. If you’re riding the Auronzo Loop, break off before Lago di Misurina for a nice long downhill to the Ansiei River, whi ch you’ll follow for a stretch before buckling down for a few big ascents.

Pedal through sections of the Sesto Dolomites, as well as the Fanes-Senes-Braies nature park, whose lush pastures, mountains, crags and lakes are home to golden eagle, steinbock (antelope), marmots and chamois (alpine goat), among other inhabitants. The ride concludes with a gradual downhill back to Cortina.

Those biking Tre Cime Loop will have time to unwind in Cortina or at the Cristallo this afternoon. At this evening’s farewell dinner, we toast to a memorable and rewarding cycling journey in the Dolomites. Salute! Lodging: Hotel de la Poste

Biking Options:

Tre Cime Loop: 35 Miles (4,180’ elevation gain)

Dobbiaco Route: 50 Miles* (5,400’)

Auronzo Loop: 68 Miles (6,280’)  

*with shuttle