Holidays in the Dolomites Region Kronplatz

The Kronplatz Bike Park is anything but ordinary. Instead of sketching trails on a drawing board, we went right into the forest and used whatever we found: Steep slope? Steep trail. Plenty of space? Perfect for jumps. Roots all over the place? Well, we’re in a forest, so there will be roots. In places where dredging was allowed, we put our excavators to work. And wherever it wasn’t, well, we didn’t. The result: At Kronplatz, there’s no copy-paste – each trail tells its own story. 

And the trail names are quite unique, too: Franz and Hans are already legendary. They’ve been a household name in the community for years. But their successors are by no means inferior to them and have long been among the favourites of countless TrailTrophy and Alpine Enduro Series participants.

18 trails await you: 1 easy-moderate, 3 moderate, 10 moderate-difficult and 2 difficult.

With a total of 5 lifts and cable-cars (Kronplatz 2000 lift, Olang 1+2 lift, Ried lift, Ruis lift and Piz de Plaies lift) up and running all summer, our mountain bikers are spoilt for choice – that’s more than most places in the Alps can say for themselves. And with the exception of the Piz de Plaies lift, they all lead right to the peak at 2,272 m above sea-level, complete with jaw-dropping 360° views.

The Korer trail - a handcrafted trail master work in the valley area, which is not directly accessible by the lift. It requires full concentration, driving skills and above all, experience, and belongs to the best that mountain bikers can take under their wheels at Kronplatz.

Length: 900 m
Difficulty: Difficult

The Andreas Trail - a hand-made trail masterpiece in the valley area which is not directly accessible by lift. It requires full concentration, riding skills and above all experience! This Trail belongs to the best what skilled freeriders can find at Kronplatz.

Length: 900 m
Difficulty: Difficult

Starting point: Center of Valdaora di Mezzo/Mitterolang Finish point: Passo Furcia/Furkelpass Altitude difference: 728 m Lenght: 10,2 km

#franzthetrail

Franz is awesome and a bit reminiscent of Little Canada. Together with Hans, it is among the first completely hand-built trails at Kronplatz and absolutely not suited for newbies. And quite frankly, some of its sections will even make most pros break a sweat. Today, Franz is one of the coolest trails at Kronplatz – and a MTB dream come true for many riders. Where to find it? It branches off from the Herrnsteig trail a little above the Herzlalm inn.

Length: 978 m

Difference in altitude: 207 m

Level: difficult

New in summer 2022 in the Bike Park Kronplatz is the "Dragon Trail": the trail, over 2 kilometers long, winds along the hillside from the summit to the middle station of the Olang 1+2 lift. The highlight is definitely crossing the Dragon's Head and the Dragon's Tail, where you have a beautiful panorama of the surrounding Dolomites at the same time.

The Gassl Trail winds down the eastern face of the mountain from the middle station Olang 1+2 lift over countless bends all the way down to Casola-Gassl. Although it’s chock-full of easy jumps and low-banked curves, its ever-changing route layout won’t distract you from appreciating the stunning panoramic views. In June 2024, it was made more challenging by adding new elements

Families in particular will feel at home on the gentle slopes of the Speikboden ski area in the Tauferer Ahrntal valley, where about half of the wide pistes are classified as easy. The Family fun park offers fun for young and old and the snow park gives freestylers the chance to practice their latest tricks. Long carving turns are best enjoyed next to the Sonnklar lift. The ski area’s cable cars will take you up to 2,400 m above sea level, where you can enjoy the scenery of the surrounding three thousand metre peaks either from the viewing tower or on one of the many marked snowshoe hiking trails. An overnight stay in an igloo is one of the romantic highlights of the snow-secure Speikboden ski area. Family fun is not in short supply thanks to the two toboggan runs. At ten and eight km, they are the longest toboggan runs in South Tyrol.

„View over the Valle di Anterselva/Antholzertal“

Nice tour of medium lenght passing the southern woods of Valdaora/Olang in order to arrive at the beautifully situated Alp Angerer, where bikers can enjoy a restorative stop with an amazing view.

Leisure points: Angerer Alm

The route initially leads along the cycle path out of the valley, past the football pitch in Niederrasen and under the Puster Valley road to Oberolang. At this point, we change to the Puster Valley cycle path and then cycle past the impressive Olang reservoir lake before reaching the village of Welsberg in just a few kilometres. Once you are there, you will be able to explore the idyllic village, where numerous restaurants and bars invite you to take a short break before the return journey. Welsberg is also ideal for a short shopping trip and for families with children there is plenty to discover at Prenninger Park.

We start this moderately difficult tour at the sports field in Antholz-Niedertal and initially cycle out of the valley on the gravel path. We pass the Rasner-Möser biotope and the route then leads out of the valley, past the football pitch in Niederrasen and under the Puster Valley road. The route continues to Oberolang and then joins the Puster Valley cycle path. Continuing in the direction of Welsberg, the forest path first takes us past the Olang reservoir lake and once we have passed Welsberg, it is not far to Niederdorf. At the end of the village, we reach the Kurpark, where a barbecue area and large playground invite us to linger for a while.

Easy route on quiet side roads through woods, meadows and fields. The whole track is tarmacked and therefore also suitable for touring and racing bikes.

 

 

 

Fantastic circular tour of Piz de Plaies including a downhill run from the hamlet Gran Jú to Piccolino with stunning views. Using the revolving cable car Pedagá the tour is not too strenuous.

 

 

This challenging route starts in Rasen and first leads into the Antholzertal valley. The cycle path leads to Antholz Mittertal, after which you cycle the last stretch to Lake Antholz on the road. From there, the steep ascent to the Staller Sattel border crossing to Austria begins (Important! Temporary one-way traffic regulation with traffic light: from South Tyrol to Austria every hour from the 30th to the 45th minute; from Austria to South Tyrol every hour from the full hour to the 15th minute). There are huts on both sides of the mountain pass where you can take a short break and enjoy the breathtaking panorama. On the Austrian side, the route then descends again through the Defereggen Valley through the rugged mountain landscape to our destination, the village of St. Jakob.

„Back and forth on the Mitterberg“

Short but not very easy route across the woods in the south of Valdaora/Olang, well-known as a good stretch for training. As both ways are interesting to do, you can find signing in both directions.

This circular tour around South Tyrol's number one ski resort, the Kronplatz, can be started from any of the villages surrounding the mountain and can be ridden in both directions, clockwise and counterclockwise. It takes the ardent cyclist past many idyllic villages and through the beautiful nature of the Puster and Gader Valley. A special highlight is the ascent to the 1,789 m high Furkel Pass, which offers an incomparable panorama of the valley below. Along the route, there are numerous opportunities to take a break and indulge in local delicacies in an alpine hut or at a bar or restaurant in the villages.

"Are you searching a change to cycling? The true bike adventure begins by mountain biking in the Anterselva Valley! "

Both children and adults will enjoy the new MTB area behind the fish pond in Anterselva di Sotto. 3 downhill tracks with different degrees of difficulty and a pumptrack for children awaits you.

 

Family-friendly route to Pieve di Marebbe with the pilgrimage church that is visible from afar and popular with visitors. The route is fully tarmacked and therefore also easily managed with ordinary touring cycles.

 

 

 

Very long circular tour through the magical Fanes area with its stunning landscape. Impressive rock formations, untouched nature and unique animals and plants characterise this nature reserve. Note! Very steep stretch for pushing or carrying bikes down to Capanna Alpina.

 

 

Partite dal centro di San Vigilio. Seguite la strada per Pieve di Marebbe in salita fino al Passo
Furcia (bivio subito dopo l’abitato di Corte). Subito dopo l‘Hotel Jú Furcia svoltate a destra e
seguite la strada nel bosco con il segnavia n. 1 che, passando per Rara e La Miara, vi riporta
a San Vigilio.

On beautiful woodland paths with sensational views of the surrounding mountains up to Passo delle Erbe and on to Rifugio Munt de Fornela at the foot of the majestic Monte Putia massif.

 

From Niederrasen, we first cycle along the cycle path out of the valley to the historic bridge. From there, we continue to Neunhäusern,, where we turn off onto the Pustertal cycle path. We then follow it until we reach Bruneck. After leaving the town behind us, we first reach St. Lorenzen. Here you will find the Mansio Sebatum Archaeological Museum, which is dedicated entirely to the Iron Age and especially the Roman period in the region. As the route continues, we pass the villages of Ehrenburg, Kiens, St. Sigmund and Vintl, each of which is always worth a detour in its own right, until we reach our destination in Mühlbach. For your return journey, you also have the possibility to take the train with bike transport back to Olang.

The route initially leads out of the valley, past the football field in Niederrasen and under the Pustertal road. It continues to Oberolang, where you join the Pustertal cycle path. We first cycle past the beautiful Olang reservoir and then pass through the idyllic towns of Welsberg, Niederdorf, and Toblach, until we reach our destination, Innichen, the last major town before the Austrian border. Once there, there are numerous attractions to discover, such as the Acquafun water park, the DoloMythos natural history museum, and the Haunold mountain with its summer toboggan run. Furthermore, the famous Drau cycle path (44 km) leads from Innichen to Lienz in Austria. Innichen also offers a wide selection of bars and restaurants for your culinary needs. For the return journey, you can also take the train from Innichen back to Olang.

The masterpiece

First opened in 2018, this hand-made trail in the lower part of Kronplatz branches off from the Andreas trail after the first few bends. Compared to Andreas, Alex requires a bit more pedalling and an active, anticipatory riding style. The trail is a true masterpiece and mountain bikers far and wide love it: The feedback at the 2018 TrailTrophy was quite simply overwhelming.

Level: medium to difficult

The Brunico|Bruneck to Fortezza|Franzensfeste leg is rich in cultural and historical treasures that make the route unique. The settlements, fortresses, and historical monuments from Roman times through the Middle Ages line the bike path along the Rienza|Rienz, offering interesting insights into the history of the valley.

This leg of the Pustertal|Val Pusteria bike route is also hilly, as it forms the connecting point between the Central Val Pusteria and the Isarco|Eisack Valley. From Brunico, it continues in the direction of S. Lorenzo|St. Lorenzen to the former Roman road station, Mansio Sebatum. Excavations and a museum offer the opportunity to learn more about the Romans in the Pustertal. The petting zoo at Wildberg Manor is a pleasant change of pace for both young and old and not to forget the Castel Sonnenburg. Things continue on quietly through landscapes of forests and meadows toward Casteldarne|Ehrenburg (Castel Ehrenburg) and Chienes|Kiens. Those who enjoy cheese will be in for a treat at the Gatscher farmhouse cheese dairy. The trip then proceeds to S. Sigismondo|St. Sigmund and Vandoies|Vintl. At Lodenwelt, which is located there, the adventure museum devoted to the subject of loden felt can be visited, as can an animal reserve and the fine Capriz cheese dairy. Those who enjoy the finer things in life certainly won’t come up short along this route! After passing Vandoies, the bicycle trail passes by the Rio Molino|Mühlbach Gap, a former valley and road block from the twelfth century, continuing on to Rio Molino. At this point, it is possible to return by train. But for all those who have some energy and motivation left, continuing on to visit the fortress in Fortezza is certainly worthwhile.

Possible variations along the route:

• Val Badia Bike Route from Brunico to San Vigilio or to San Martin – 23 or 24 km (14.5 or 15 miles)
  Getting to know the Ladin culture and language.
• Valli di Tures and Aurina|Tauferer Ahrntal Bike Route from Brunico via Campo Tures|Sand in Taufers to S. Giacomo|St. Jakob – 36 km (22 miles)
  On two wheels through the realm of more than seventy three thousand meter (ten thousand foot) peaks.
• Bike Route Brennero-Bolzano from Fortezza|Franzensfeste toward Brennero|Brenner (45 km/28 miles) or in the direction of Bolzano|Bozen (43 km/27 miles).

This leg San Candido|Innichen - Lienz is simultaneously the third leg of the Pustertal|Val Pusteria Bike Route and the first leg of the Drava-Drau Bicycle Route which leads from Dobbiaco|Toblach (the source of the Drava) to Maribor in Slovenia. As the name suggests, the wide, secured bike path runs along the Drava River and is paved with a slight descent for nearly the entire route.  For this reason, this leg is especially popular with families with children and bicyclists who may not be in peak condition. The railway route which runs parallel to the bike route makes it possible to plan a trip very individually. And because the bike path receives sufficient use, the infrastructure of services and care is well developed along the route, leaving no wish unfulfilled for bicyclists.

The bike path passes many small villages in East Tyrol, the largest of which is Sillian. That is the location of the beloved Wichtelpark. Lienz, the City of the Dolomites, as it calls itself, has a great deal to offer and can look back on a long history. The settlement, which had been founded back by the Illyrians, was continued by the Romans and developed into the Roman city of Aguntum. 

The Kronplatz mountain is especially popular with demanding skiers and snowboarders. While the young practice new tricks in the two snow parks, the brave plunge down the notorious 'Silvester' or 'Hernegg' black slopes to Riscone/Reischach, where the après-ski bars fill up in the evenings. In the kids’ parks and ski schools, guests learn to parallel turn on the flatter slopes. Thanks to modern lifts, Bruneck’s local mountain with over 100 km of slopes is accessible from three sides. The 'Piculin' lift even offers access to the 'Sellaronda ski circuit', and the Ski Pustertal Express transports excited skiers to the Three Peaks Dolomites ski resort in Hochpustertal. The Plan de Corones area is an especially spacious, sunny plateau with a 360° panorama of the surrounding mountain landscape. Here, a true architectural highlight awaits discovery: at the Messner Mountain Museum 'MMM Corones”, designed by star architect Zaha Hadid, mountaineering legend Reinhold Messner puts guests into dialogue with the world’s north faces, the supreme discipline of mountaineering.

Excursion on level and slightly rising paths into the breathtaking Val di Marebbe, framed by the silhouette of rugged, steep mountains. The destination is the unique head of the valley where the Pederü inn offers refreshments.

 

 

The Herrnsteig trail's little brother too is packed with flow and curves. But while it's nowhere near as wild and bumpy, its 124 bends and turns between the top of Mount Kronplatz and Passo Furcia make it at least equally winding and dizzying. To get back up to the top, simply hop on the Ruis cable car at Passo Furcia. The big challenge on this trail is to master it without pedalling and with as little use of the brakes as possible. It is ideal for medium-advanced and pro bikers who wish to get to most out of an active riding style.

Start in the centre of San Vigilio and take the provincial road to Pieve di Marebbe, pass the Passo Furcia and arrive to Valdaora. In the centre of Valdaora di Mezzo turn left on the tarmacked cycle path. Pass Castel Lamberto to reach Riscone. Continue on the provincial road as far as Santo Stefano and San Lorenzo. Before San Lorenzo, take the underpass and follow the road to San Martin (municipality of San Lorenzo) and Sares. Lastly, return to San Vigilio via Pieve di Marebbe along a beautiful scenic and very quiet road.