Val di Fiemme and Val di Cembra: 3 gravel tours in the region of the 2026 Winter Olympics
Author: Peter Schlickenrieder
It's just after seven in the morning when we get on our e-gravel bikes in Cavalese. The air is still fresh, a cool breeze of mountain meadows and spruce resin hangs over the valley, while the first rays of sunlight bathe the roofs of the small town in a golden glow. Three days, three tours and one discovery lie ahead of us: how sporting history, everyday alpine life and vinophile culture in Val di Fiemme and Val di Cembra interweave to create an experience that goes far beyond pure exercise.
Olympic heritage and quiet paths
Our first stage takes us from Cavalese down to Tesero. The Lago di Tesero cross-country stadium, surrounded by wooded slopes, is considered the beating heart of Nordic skiing in Italy.
Three Nordic World Ski Championships have been held here; the stadium will make Olympic history again in 2026. We roll along the edge of the tracks on our e-gravel bikes, pass small wooden bridges, hear the roar of the Avisio and see construction cranes and workers renewing the stands and utility buildings. My friend and head of organisation for the Nordic competitions at the Olympics, Pietro de Godenz, explains how important the sustainable redesign is: photovoltaics, resource-saving floor coverings, new water channels for snowmaking. "We want to show that tradition and innovation go hand in hand here," he says.
It is impressive how modest and at the same time visionary these projects are. Pietro is exactly the right man for the job. In his main job, he has been responsible for the mountain railways in the valley for decades, making him one of the pioneers of sustainable skiing and, incidentally, one of the originators and enablers of what are probably the most famous and extreme cross-country skiing events in the World Cup circuit.
With the so-called Final Climb, which runs in the opposite direction to alpine skiing uphill to Alpe Cermis, i.e. the ski slope from the bottom to the top. During the Tour de Ski at the beginning of January, the athletes have to tackle this final stage. Back on the bike, we soon face the first steep ramps between vineyards. Thanks to the gentle assistance of our new e-gravel bikes, we master the climbs without much effort.
We are thrilled, especially because you can't tell that the bikes have a small, lightweight electric drive. Our tour continues along small farm tracks towards Predazzo. Here the ski jumps suddenly loom up in front of us - like launch ramps into the sky. Both ski jumps are being modernised for the Olympics. From the platform above the ski jumps, we enjoy a spectacular view: the wide Fiemme Valley, framed by the Dolomites, the lush green of the meadows and the grey ribbon of the road on which we have come. Silence reigns up here, interrupted only by the whistling of the wind and the distant hammering of the building site. A quick espresso stop in a café in Predazzo below the construction site revitalises our senses before we tackle the steep ascent to Passo Feudo right next to the ski jumping facility.
Once again, we are delighted with the e-support, which makes the effort bearable. Full pros can work up a sweat here, but those who find the ascent too strenuous, even with an e-bike, can also take the mountain railway to the Pampeago/Latemar ski area. The view from Passo Feudo over the Latemar Dolomites to the Brenta Dolomites near Madonna di Campiglio is breathtaking. The following descent back to Cavalese is very moderate and leads along the slope past numerous beautiful mountain huts in the Pampeago ski area, which literally invite you to stop for a bite to eat. The 2026 Olympic Games are already casting their shadow in Val di Fiemme. The Nordic competitions will take place on the ski jumps in Predazzo and in the cross-country stadium in Lago di Tesero, less than 10 kilometres away. Hotels are being renovated, shops are redesigning their signs with a multilingual offer. The region awaits the world - with pride, but without arrogance.
In the late afternoon, we drive back to Cavalese and treat ourselves to an aperitivo on the piazza. A glass of Müller-Thurgau from the Val di Cembra tingles on the tongue, the light citrus notes harmonise with the clear mountain air. A small foretaste of our next tours into the neighbouring Val di Cembra to the south. On the trail of wine, we want to discover this completely different side of Olympia and this fascinating region. With a view of the surrounding peaks glowing red in the evening light, we end the day in the historic centre of Cavalese.
Vineyards and red rocks in the Val di Cembra
The next morning, a transfer takes us to the Val di Cembra, another world just a few kilometres away. The valley is narrower, steeper and warmer. Vineyards stretch up the slopes in terraces, supported by centuries-old dry stone walls. Müller-Thurgau thrives here on particularly mineral soils, as do Chardonnay, Pinot Nero and the autochthonous Vernatsch. We start in the village of Cembra and head southwards to Lisignago.
The route is lined with vineyards that are already in full splendour. On the left, the porphyry rock rises red-brown into the sky, on the right, the view glides over vines, villages and orchards. It goes uphill and downhill. Once again, we are glad for the electric assistance of our bikes on the sometimes steep ramps and rough ground. In Verla di Giovo, we stop at the small Cantina Villa Cornile. The winemaker gives us a tour of the cellar, tells us about the special soil structure of the Cembra, the acidity and elegance of the wines and how proud she is to be back at the Müller-Thurgau fair in July.
Of course we taste: a fresh, sparkling Müller-Thurgau Riserva, plus a Pinot Nero that delights with spicy cherry notes. The wines are named after the winemaker's daughters. We then continue on to Giovo and up to a panoramic point at Masen di Giovo. Once at the top, we look back down into the valley: endless rows of vines, small villages. The Dolomites, covered in snow almost all year round, tower in the background like a painted backdrop.
After another stop at Lago Santo (sacred lake), we descend quite steeply on tarmac to our starting point in Cembra. As we load up the bikes, we are still savouring the homemade canederli with mountain cheese and spinach and the Chardonnay Riserva. Tired but energised by the beauty and tranquillity of this small, underrated valley, we return to the hotel in Cavalese.
A gravel panorama tour between different worlds
On the third day of our Dolomites trip, we want to connect the two valleys. We set off early on the long tour in Cavalese and cycle towards Molina di Fiemme. From there, an old cart track winds its way up into the woods, past abandoned mountain pastures and lonely farmsteads. The bikes roll easily on the gravelled surface, the motor provides gentle support.
At the top, at the Trudner Horn Alm, we enjoy the view of the entire Val di Fiemme, the Lagorai chain behind us, while the slopes fall away into the Val di Cembra in front of us. gically produced wine that can only be purchased directly from the Barone, the royal successor. A visit to the historic wine cellar can easily be combined with a stay at the castle. After a light snack, we continue on to the earth pyramids, a geological formation made of clay and porphyry blocks that rise up into the sky like natural works of art. We then return to the Val di Fiemme.
This time on a flat to slightly ascending route. We leave the vineyards and apple orchards behind us and plunge back into the wooded valley section until the Cembra Valley flows into the Val di Fiemme. The Latemar Dolomites, the Lagorai mountain range and the Pale di San Martino mountains at the end of the valley rise up in front of us. We stop again and again to take photos, savour the culinary delights and simply let our gaze wander over the nearby and distant mountains.
Freedom, grounding and closeness
Three days full of exercise, enjoyment, nature and history lie behind us. In the evening on the hotel terrace, with a view of the lights of Cavalese, we reflect on the last few days. The Olympic sports venues are more than just venues - they are symbols of the pioneering spirit of these valleys. The wines are more than a means of enjoyment - they are an expression of centuries of culture and hard labour on steep slopes. And the bike? It is the ideal vehicle to connect these two worlds. It gives freedom, grounding and closeness. In vino veritas - there is truth in wine. But life lies in movement.
The 3 e-gravel bike tours between Val di Fiemme and Val di Cembra
The GPX data for the three gravel bike tours in Trentino can be downloaded here for a fee:
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Tour 1: Fiemme - Predazzo - Passo Feudo
30 km, 1280 m elevation gain (alternatively mountain railway support), surface: approx. 40 % gravel road, 25 % cycle path, and 30 % road, 5 % single trail
From Cavalese on a tarmac road to Lago di Tesero to the cross-country stadium of the 2026 Olympic Games. Continue on the cycle path towards Predazzo and approx. 2 km towards Moena to the ski jumps. Directly opposite the Olympic ski jumping facility, the gravel track climbs the entire 1280 metres in altitude to Passo Feudo, first at a leisurely pace and then increasingly steeply. Alternatively, the Pampeago/Latemar mountain railway can be used to cover the metres in altitude. Once at the top, you can enjoy the view of the Latemar and the Brenta Dolomites in the distance.
Tour 2: Cembra - Lago Santo - Cantina Villa Corniole
42 km, 1550 m elevation gain, surface: approx. 30 % gravel road, 20 % cycle path, 10 % farm tracks, 40 % road, 5 % single trails
We start in the village of Cembra, initially on tarmac, heavily undulating vineyard paths to the village of Verla di Giovo. Here it is worth stopping for a wine tasting and a snack at a small winery, the Cantina Villa Corniole. Continue on easy gravel roads through the vineyards up to the highest panoramic point at 1,255 metres near Masen di Giovo. An enjoyable stop at the mountain hut above Lago Santo rounds off the tour. After a rapid descent, you return to the starting point in Cembra.
Car park for shuttle: Campo Calcio Val di Cembra ASD - Cembra (free car park at the football pitch)
Tour 3: Fiemme - Cembra - Cantina Barone a prato
88 km, 2500 m elevation gain, surface: approx. 35 % gravel road, 35 % road, 10 % cycle path, 15 % farm tracks, 5 % single trails
This tour connects both valleys, the Val di Fiemme and the Val di Cembra. From Cavalese in Val di Fiemme, the route heads downhill to Molina di Fiemme. The Cembra Valley branches off here. Continue towards Altrei to the highest point Monte Paludi (1520 m) and Monte dell' Orso (1576 m). Always along the ridge between the Cembra Valley and the large Adige Valley. Continue along the ridge in partly dense forest to the Rifugio Potzmauer, which, like Lago Santo, invites you to take a break.
After a long descent on tarmac, you cycle through the village of Cembra and to the lowest point of the tour on the bridge over the Aviso river. From here it's a short but steep climb to the Barone a Prato winery, where organic wine is grown. Insider tip! Further stops are the earth pyramids, formations of clay and porphyry blocks in the village of Segonzano. On the way back to Cavalese, we mostly use the main road and leave the vineyards and apple orchards behind us. Towards the end of the tour, we return to the alpine region of Val di Fiemme.
Tips and information for gravel tours in Trentino
Journey
Car: Motorway A22 (Autostrada del Brennero), ABA "San Michele all'Adige" or "Trento Nord" and continue in the direction of Cavalese/Val di Fiemme.
Public: By train via Innsbruck to Trento. Continue by bus directly to Cavalese. The bus journey takes about an hour, depending on the connection, and the buses run regularly.
Maps
Compass no. 079 Val di Fiemme Compass no. 075 Altopiano di Pine Tabacco no. 014 Val di Fiemme, Lagorai - Latemar
General
- visitfiemme.it
- visittrentino.info/en
Wine tasting and refreshment tips
Cantina Villa CornioleValle di Cembra, Via al Gréc', 23, 38030 Giovo TN, Italy Tel.: +39 0461 695067, villacorniole.com
Albergo Rifugio Lago SantoLocalità Lago Santo, 1, 38034 Cembra TN, Italy, Tel.: +39 0461 527141
Cantina Barone a PratoFrazione Piazzo, 44, 38047 Segonzano TN, Italy Tel.: +39 347 759 3662,
baroneaprato.com
Trattoria Bar AlpinoFr. Stedro, 12, 38047 Segonzano (TN), Tel.: +39(0461)686100
Baita Passo FeudoLocalita' Passo Feudo, 38037 Predazzo TN, Italy, Tel.: +39 347 991 9582, baitapassofeudo.com
Grappa Distillery PilzerVia Portegnago 5, 38030 Faver TN, Italy, Tel.: +39 0461 683326
pilzer.it
Caseificio Sociale Predazzo e Moena (cheese dairy with restaurant)Via Nazionale, 38030 Ziano di Fiemme TN, Italy, Tel.: +39 0462 503170
Worth seeing
Earth pyramids of SegonzanoThey were formed 50,000 years ago by the erosive force of the Alvisio glaciers and the subsequent decomposition of the rocks.
dolomiti.it/en/nature-parks-and-nature/the-earth-pyramids-of-segonzano
Information on the 2026 Winter Olympics Milano-Cortina
Tickets and information:
- milanocortina2026.olympics.com/en
- fiemmeworldcup.com/wintergames-2026
