Mountain biking in South Tyrol in spring – when, where and what’s possible?

Ready, set, hit the trails! That's the motto for many mountain bikers and e-mountain bikers who have spent the long winter looking forward to spring temperatures and dry trails. From mid to late March, the wait is finally over: the biking season kicks off in Vinschgau, South of South Tyrol and Merano and Surroundings. Here we answer some of the most common questions about mountain biking in South Tyrol in spring.

How can you predict the start of the biking season so accurately?
It's all down to experience. Thanks to its geographical location, Vinschgau receives very little precipitation, even in winter. On some south-facing slopes, you can actually ride all year round. The south of South Tyrol also enjoys a particularly mild climate, and around Lake Kaltern, you're only about 200 metres above sea level. By early March, winter gradually retreats from Vinschgau, Merano and Environs and the south of South Tyrol, allowing trail maintenance to begin in preparation for the new biking season. As soon as snow conditions permit, the trails are cleared of leaves, branches, rocks and fallen trees.

Can you already ride above 1,600 metres?
Some trails, yes. It all depends on the precipitation and temperatures in February. One thing is certain, though: trails on sunny, south-facing slopes become rideable at higher elevations much earlier than those on north-facing slopes.

Are any hotels open this early in the year?
Yes! Especially in Vinschgau, the south of South Tyrol and Merano and Environs, several BikeHotels welcome cyclists and mountain bikers from as early as mid-March. Find out which hotels open when right here: