New Gondola Incoming: Passo Tonale Bike Park Hits "Pause" for Major 2026 Upgrade

The mountain biking season in Val di Sole is officially shifting into gear, but riders heading to the Trentino side of Passo Tonale will find a "Closed" sign on the trails this summer. The Pontedilegno-Tonale Bike Park has announced it will suspend operations for the summer 2026 season to facilitate a massive infrastructure overhaul: the replacement of the veteran Valbiolo chairlift with a state-of-the-art gondola.

The project is the cornerstone of a strategic development plan aimed at elevating the Tonale Pass as a premier year-round outdoor destination. While the temporary closure is a hurdle for "gravity" enthusiasts this year, officials promise the new lift will significantly improve accessibility, comfort, and the overall quality of the experience for both the summer bike season and the winter ski season.

A Vision for the Future

The decision to close the park was not taken lightly, but the technical demands of installing a modern gondola necessitated clear access to the Valbiolo line.

"Our goal is to constantly improve services for our customers," explained Davide Panizza, President of the Pontedilegno-Tonale Consortium. "This year we're asking bikers for a little patience, and we're sure that next year they'll appreciate the new facility, designed specifically to offer a better experience to all the athletes who visit our destination."

Where to Ride This Summer

While the Trentino-side park is dormant, the surrounding region remains very much active. Bikers still have several high-quality options within the Pontedilegno-Tonale and Val di Sole "Bikeland" network:

• Lombardy Side Still Spinning: The gravity trails in Ponte di Legno and Temù remain open throughout the season.

• The Connecting Trail: The scenic trail connecting Passo Tonale to Ponte di Legno remains open, providing a vital link for those looking for a long-distance descent.

• Family Access: The Kids Parks at both Passo Tonale and Ponte di Legno are fully operational, ensuring younger riders can still develop their skills on age-appropriate terrain.

• World Championship Fever in Val di Sole

The closure of the Tonale park comes during a historic year for the valley. Just down the road in Commezzadura, the Val di Sole Bike Park is preparing to take center stage on the world map.

From August 26 to 30, 2026, the region will host the UCI Mountain Bike World Championships. The event is expected to draw thousands of fans and the world’s elite athletes to the legendary "Black Snake" track.

The competitive energy is already palpable; just this past weekend (May 9-10), the Italian women’s national cross-country team concluded a high-altitude training camp on the Commezzadura trails, marking the unofficial kickoff to a blockbuster summer of cycling in Trentino.