Alta Badia - Where cycling meets the majesty of the Dolomites

This area is a true point of reference for bicycle lovers, where nature blends with a passion for two wheels. Whether you choose a road bike, a mountain bike or an e-bike, here you will find diverse itineraries suitable for every level of preparation. Cycling through these valleys means enjoying an experience that goes beyond sport, among spectacular landscapes, local culture, food and wine traditions, and a growing focus on sustainability. In recent years, Alta Badia has established itself as a preferred destination for the most demanding cyclists. Its strategic location, the wide choice of routes of varying difficulty, and the opportunity to ride on roads that have entered cycling legend make it an unmissable destination. From here it is possible to climb iconic passes such as Pordoi, Sella, Passo Gardena, Fedaia, Valparola, Passo Falzarego and Giau, all the way to the famous Tre Cime di Lavaredo: a true dream for every cyclist.

MARATONA DLES DOLOMITES-ENEL: A DREAM OF PEACE TO SHARE

There were 32,400 applications from 85 nationalities to participate in the 39th edition of the Maratona dles Dolomites-Enel, scheduled for Sunday, July 5. Each year this granfondo attracts cyclists from all over the world and can be considered the queen of all cycling events in Europe. The theme accompanying and characterizing this edition is Pax. “The Maratona is this: thousands of stories meeting and breathing at the same altitude, where the mountain is a symbol of fairness. We are small, but our task is immense: to think about peace, to talk about it and to act: we will do so with pedal strokes. Because peace is an achievable dream, a road we can travel together and along which we can move forward in peace.” reveals Michil Costa, President of the Maratona dles Dolomites-Enel.

The main attraction of the Maratona dles Dolomites-Enel is, as always, the Dolomite passes: Campolongo, Sella, Pordoi, Gardena, Giau, Falzarego and Valparola. The three traffic-free routes remain unchanged: the actual Maratona is 138 km long with 4,230 meters of elevation gain; the Medium course is 106 km with 3,130 meters of elevation gain; and the Sella Ronda course is 55 km with 1,780 meters of elevation gain.

The cyclist’s week in the days leading up to the Maratona dles Dolomites will be revised and expanded, with an even richer and more engaging program. New bike excursions and activities designed for cyclists and their families will be offered. For those who are not among the fortunate participants, there is the opportunity to purchase one of the 200 registrations at a higher price online, with proceeds going to charity, by visiting the website www.maratona.it<http://www.maratona.it> on March 19.

THE HISTORIC MARATONA ROUTES BECOME THE SUPERMARATONA

The mountaineer Hervé Barmasse from Aosta Valley and the Maratona dles Dolomites-Enel have presented the SuperMaratona, a project that combines sporting passion with a commemorative journey, which is essentially an invitation to immerse oneself in the history and culture of the Dolomites through cycling. Hervé, the first to take on this challenge in 2024, tackled all the climbs featured in the 37 editions of the Maratona in a 285-kilometer route with 8,400 meters of elevation gain, crossing 13 Dolomite passes, an integral and magnificent part of cycling history: an unprecedented challenge. Anyone can take on this challenge, conceived above all as a challenge against oneself. At the link maratona.it/supermaratona you can find the elevation profiles and route details to follow.

SELLARONDA BIKE DAY AND DOLOMITES BIKE DAY: THREE DAYS ON TRAFFIC-FREE DOLOMITE PASSES

June and September confirm themselves as two unmissable months for cycling enthusiasts: Alta Badia’s events once again combine spectacular scenery with a focus on sustainability. For three days, the famous Dolomite passes are closed to motorized traffic, offering everyone the opportunity to cycle in total freedom, including those who are not participating in the prestigious Maratona dles Dolomites-Enel. The Bike Days are non-competitive events open to everyone, with no registration required. The routes partly follow the Maratona course and cross some of the most iconic climbs in the Dolomites.

On Saturday, June 6, the traditional Sellaronda Bike Day returns, with the closure to traffic of the passes around the Sella Group. The initiative will also be repeated on September 12. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., cyclists of all levels can tackle the route counterclockwise: 53 kilometers with 1,637 meters of elevation gain, immersed in a unique setting. The official merchandising, available in shops in the valleys involved, is designed by Manuel Bottazzo and produced by Sportful.

On June 20 it is the turn of the Dolomites Bike Day, featuring the Campolongo, Falzarego and Valparola passes, the setting of legendary feats in great cycling. The loop starts from Alta Badia, reaches Arabba and the Livinallongo valley via Campolongo, continues towards Falzarego and Valparola, then passes through San Cassiano, La Villa and Corvara before closing the circuit. The route, closed to traffic from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., measures 51 kilometers with a total elevation gain of 1,370 meters and is recommended counterclockwise.

BIKE GUIDED TOURS: CYCLING TOGETHER IS MORE FUN

For summer 2026, Alta Badia renews its appointment with the Bike Guided Tours, scheduled in June and July with five weekly outings. The calendar offers a series of guided excursions designed to help participants discover some of the most evocative itineraries in the Dolomites. From Monday to Friday, each day is dedicated to a different tour, accompanied by expert local cycling guides, conquering the most iconic passes and places in the area. Among the proposed destinations are the famous Sellaronda, Passo Fedaia and Passo Giau. The participation fee is €40.00. Excursions can be booked at the Alta Badia tourist offices or online on the official website www.altabadia.org<http://www.altabadia.org>.

E-BIKE SHARING: THE DOLOMITES ON TWO WHEELS, WITHOUT EFFORT

With the E-Bike Sharing service, discovering Alta Badia is even easier and more engaging. Pedal assistance makes it possible to easily reach the most evocative panoramic viewpoints in the area and the three parks of the Movimënt area, located at an altitude of 2,000 meters. E-bikes make even the most challenging climbs accessible, offering an experience suitable both for expert cyclists and for those who wish to enjoy the Dolomite landscapes in total relaxation. Bicycles can be collected and returned at the top stations of the Col Alto, Piz La Ila and Piz Sorega lifts. In addition, sports shops and rental points in the valley offer latest-generation models for those who prefer to start directly from the valley floor. A further advantage is the possibility of transporting e-bikes on the lifts, making it easier to move between different locations without using a car, for a sustainable and fun-focused experience.

ALTA BADIA ALL ROAD: THE BIKE BEATS MOVIMËNT ROUTES AND THE SELLARONDA BY MTB

Alta Badia is also the ideal destination for mountain bike enthusiasts, with extensive dirt trails set within vegetation of a thousand colors. For lovers of enduro, freeride and touring, the area offers a wide choice of trails of varying difficulty.

For the more adventurous, adrenaline-loving riders, there are the Bike Beats Movimënt, downhill routes dedicated to two wheels. These are Country Flow circuits, meaning smooth trails with banked turns and jumps of varying difficulty. In addition, Bike Beats Movimënt is part of the Gravity Card circuit, a pass that allows access to 30 of the best parks throughout Europe. Being part of this pool guarantees quality and service. The routes can be ridden by mountain bike or e-bike, on the Alta Badia plateau at 2,000 meters, and are accessible via lifts on which bicycles can be loaded. Alta Badia is also the ideal starting point for the Sellaronda by MTB. The possibility of taking bikes on the lifts allows riders to reach high altitude effortlessly, then tackle breathtaking descents and single trails dedicated to MTB. The tour can be completed clockwise or counterclockwise, and it is recommended to undertake it with an expert mountain bike guide.

EXPLORING ALTA BADIA BY GRAVEL

In recent years, gravel riding has attracted a growing number of enthusiasts, thanks to the opportunity to leave the asphalt and venture onto dirt roads without giving up the riding sensation typical of a road bike. Alta Badia has established itself as an ideal destination for this discipline, with routes winding through forests, pastures and landscapes at the foot of the Dolomites, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The area offers numerous gravel roads perfect for this activity. Among the most evocative itineraries is the route dedicated to discovering traditional Ladin farmhouses and their typical architecture, also suitable for beginners. Those seeking a more challenging route can start from the characteristic village of La Val for a medium-difficulty tour alternating asphalt and dirt along a little-known but highly fascinating itinerary, at the foot of the Fanes-Senes-Braies and Puez-Odle natural parks. Another panoramic proposal leads from Badia to the Armentara meadows, passing at the foot of the imposing Santa Croce massif, for an immersive experience in the heart of the Dolomites.

BIKE FRIENDLY: ALTA BADIA TAILORED TO CYCLISTS

Alta Badia offers a wide Bike Friendly range dedicated to lovers of road cycling, gravel and mountain biking, with services designed to experience the area on two wheels in total comfort. Detailed maps with recommended routes are available at the tourist offices, while specialized guides organize personalized daily tours suitable for different levels of preparation. There are also numerous agreements with accommodation facilities, bike rentals, spare parts shops and technical clothing stores, as well as restaurants and mountain huts equipped to meet cyclists’ needs.

Certified “Bike Expert” and “Bike Friendly” facilities guarantee dedicated services: secure storage with washing and repair area, bike racks, specific maintenance tools, laundry service, a nutritious breakfast and, in the afternoon, energy snacks such as cold dishes or homemade cakes. In addition, the lifts allow the free transport of bicycles, with no additional costs.

CASTELLI AND CICLI PINARELLO, PARTNERS OF EXCELLENCE OF ALTA BADIA

The partnership between Castelli, Alta Badia, and the Maratona dles Dolomites-Enel is a perfect union between three realities that represent the excellence of cycling and the territory in which one of the most challenging and spectacular granfondo races takes place. Castelli is an Italian company founded in 1876, specialising in the production of technical cycling clothing, which stands out for its continuous quest for innovation and quality. The partnership between Castelli, Alta Badia and the Maratona dles Dolomites-Enel is based on shared values such as excellence, passion and care for the territory. Indeed, Castelli is committed to protecting the environment and reducing the environmental impact of its production, while the Maratona dles Dolomites-Enel promotes sustainable management of the event. The Alta Badia cycling jerseys and trousers, designed by graphic designer Manuel Bottazzo, has been produced by Castelli and is available in Alta Badia shops and information offices.

The partnership between Alta Badia and Cicli Pinarello has also been consolidated. The Treviso-based company continues to be at the side of the resort and the Maratona dles Dolomites-Enel, on the strength of a complete sharing of values and objectives. The excellence of two wheels represented by Cicli Pinarello, combined with the quality of the hospitality of a resort like Alta Badia, are a certainty for cycling enthusiasts worldwide.

For further information: Alta Badia Tourist Information Offices – www.altabadia.org<http://www.altabadia.org> – Phone: +39 0471/836176-847037 – Email: info@altabadia.org<mailto:info@altabadia.org>