Vallunga, located northeast of Selva within the Puez-Odle Nature Park, will captivate you with its steep rocky walls on both sides and the Pra da Ri plateau at the end of the valley. This tranquil variation of the Vallunga mountain bike tour is ideal for families or beginners looking to challenge themselves, as it doesn't reach the higher altitudes but ends shortly after the valley entrance. The route follows lightly trafficked secondary roads and gravel and forest trails, requiring no special technical expertise. Starting from the Selva Tourist Association, head towards the Dantercepies valley station, where you'll descend, rather than ascend, towards the parking area at the valley entrance, which offers rest stops.
Alpe di Siusi Hut Tour - Duration 3 hours 10 minutes, 1620 meters of elevation gain"A name, a guarantee": Seiser Alm, the largest plateau in Europe, invites you to embark on a long journey with breathtaking Dolomite panoramas that you can admire from the saddle of your mountain bike or, with greater care, by stopping at one of the many huts along the way, known for their unique atmosphere and delicious gastronomic delights. From a physical fitness perspective, this tour is challenging but technically manageable, making it suitable for well-trained cyclists.
Counter-Clockwise Sellaronda - Duration 4 hours, 2232 meters of elevation gainThe reverse route of the Sellaronda, more challenging in terms of both technical and physical demands, follows a counter-clockwise path around the imposing Sella Group. It offers fascinating and unexpected experiences, different from the clockwise direction. Three cable cars (instead of five) reduce the vertical meters to be covered by mountain bike, and the remaining approximately 1,300 meters can be easily overcome by well-trained cyclists. Only a few steep passages beneath the City of Rocks are reserved for the most daring. Even in this direction, the Sellaronda couldn't provide more descents or more enchanting panoramas in a single day!
Clockwise Sellaronda - Duration 4 hours, 2340 meters of elevation gainFinally, in summer, mountain bike enthusiasts can complete the tour of the impressive Sella massif in a single day, a destination that has fascinated skiers worldwide for decades. Thanks to five cable cars, the nearly 4,000 meters of elevation gain, otherwise to be climbed, are reduced to 800 meters.
Val Duron - Duration 3 hours, 1825 meters of elevation gainThis tour, one of the most scenic in the region, introduces you to the unspoiled Duron Valley, which stretches along the southern slopes of Plattkofel/Sassopiatto, marking the transition to the Rosengarten Group, whose peaks here reach almost 3,000 meters.
Beneath the Odle Peaks - Duration 2 hours 30 minutes, 16790 meters of elevation gainThe tour through the Puez-Odle Nature Park is one of the most enticing proposals in Val Gardena for mountain bike enthusiasts. The panoramic trail from Resciesa Hut to the Santa Croce Chapel will reward you for the nearly 1,000 meters of elevation gain from Ortisei, but the best is yet to come. In the second part of the tour, you'll ride incredible paths at the foot of the Odle Group, which rise steeply to the sky, providing an ideal backdrop for a photo, along with the impressive rock formation of Pieralongia. A long descent takes you back to Val Gardena, where the wonderful High Route from Insom, passing through the Church of San Giacomo to Val d'Anna, completes your unforgettable mountain biking adventure.
Passo Sella and City of Rocks - Duration 1 hour 30 minutes, 805 meters of elevation gainPasso Sella, with its breathtaking views of the Dolomites and the rocky ruins of the City of Rocks at the base of Sassolungo, magically attracts the attention of skiers, hikers, and cyclists. Those who have experienced Val Gardena under their own power savor this experience intensely. The ascent to the upper part of the tour, just before the City of Rocks, offers unforgettable moments, although it's a bit steep. The trail that passes through it, up to Comici Hut, features fun sections below the imposing Sassolungo. Comici Hut is an idyllic place for a break, catering to every gourmet's wishes. The long and varied descent back to Selva completes this short but exciting tour.
Comici Hut Tour - Duration 5 hoursPure panorama in the heart of the Dolomites. This versatile mountain bike tour extends from Val Gardena to Alpe di Siusi, reaching Comici Hut, which enjoys a wonderful location. Shortly after starting from Ortisei, the route includes a short but steep climb to Oltretorrente, followed by gentle ups and downs through the forest to Bulla. You'll then ascend steadily, though rather steeply, to Alpe di Siusi on a traffic-free road. The short descent leads to Saltria, and then you'll proceed peacefully on gravel roads toward Sasso Lungo. Passing under towering rock walls, the tour takes you to Comici Hut, overcoming some steep ramps (with brief walking sections). The extraordinary views of the Sella Group and the Puez Group quickly make you forget the demanding ascent. A stop at the well-known hut, loved by food enthusiasts, is a must. Crossing the City of Rocks, you'll reach Passo Sella, where the descent to Val Gardena begins. Initially a flow trail, it later transitions to gravel and asphalt, leading to Selva di Val Gardena and Santa Cristina, the end of the tour.
Panoramic MTB Tour on Alpe di Siusi - Duration 3 hoursFor those more interested in enjoying nature than tackling challenging trails, the panoramic tour on Europe's largest plateau, Alpe di Siusi, is sure to delight. The MTB tour starts in S. Cristina and proceeds to Ortisei. Alpe di Siusi is reached by cable car, offering extraordinary views of the most famous Dolomite peaks along the way, including Sasso Lungo, Sasso Piatto, and the Sella and Sciliar Massifs. The route continues towards Saltria and Monte Pana, passing through forests and alpine meadows, all in the shadow of the towering Sasso Lungo. Eventually, you'll reach Selva di Val Gardena and Santa Cristina, concluding the tour.
Visit the Selva Mountain Bike School website for more tour options