With extensive natural landscapes, breath-taking summits and spectacular valleys as well as ancient traditions and a cultural heritage that is conserved in time, we welcome you to Carnia! Rich not only in nature but also in history, art and traditions, Carnia is a mountainous area North West of the Friuli Venezia Giulia region and offers various opportunities for you to explore throughout the year.
There are few places like Carnia if you wish to experience the beauty of mountain biking. It is no coincidence that its valleys are very popular with mountain bikers who appreciate the dense network of paths and trails, the pleasant summer climate and numerous, welcoming farmhouses offering refreshments and located both at high altitudes and lower down the mountain.
Day Itinerary
-
Travel to Villa Santina and meet up in the hotel Albergo Ristorante Al Fogolar, which is recommended by our local guide, in the early evening with the guides and the rest of the group for a traditional aperitif: Prosecco and nibbles. The guides will take you through the plans for the week and ensure you have all the necessary kit. Stay overnight in Villa Santina
-
The first day will be an opportunity to warm-up and a perfect chance to check your kit and bikes. We will ride along the fantastic ring of Casera Chiampaman or Casera Avrint in the municipality of Verzegnis. Travelling over splendid mule tracks immersed in centuries-old beech woods. We will then return to spend the evening in the same place as the night before.
Duration: 4/5 hours
-
We will depart in the morning following the cycle path that will take us to Ovaro, with a few detours on roads without traffic we will reach Rigolato to go up to Givigliana, Collina and the Marinelli Refuge in the Carnic Alps. Night in the Refuge.
Duration: 6/7 hours
-
We will begin with a beautiful descent to the village of Timau, famous for the history of the Great War and the Carnic Bearers. After a well-deserved coffee break, we will ascend the Malga Pramosio, where we will spend the night.
In the afternoon we will do an easy excursion (also possible using our mountain bikes) to the splendid Avostanis lake.
Duration: 5/6 hours
-
This morning we will descend returning to Cleulis, where along the ancient Roman road we will reach the town of Cercivento and Sutrio, the city of wood.
We will ascend to Ravasceltto a famous tourist destination for the overnights stay.Duration: 5/6 hours
-
With the cable car we will ascend to the legendary Kaiser Zoncolan famous for several arrivals from the Tour of Italy. From here we will start a fantastic ridge ride towards Malga Agareit.
We will then descend to Val di Lauco and along dirt roads ride to Villa Santina. Night in the hotel.Duration: 6/7 hours
-
In the morning we will ascend with public transport or a taxi to the village of Sauris di Sotto. We will have a short break where you will have the chance to taste the famous Sauris ham and then we will depart for the fantastic tour of the Malghe. We will arrive at Malga Losa to descend to Val Degano. After a well-deserved break, we will transfer to Tolmezzo / Villa Santina along dirt roads and some easy paths. Night at the hotel.
Duration: 7 hours
-
Departure after breakfast.
The price includes:
7 nights HB accommodation in a mix of a mountain huts and hotels
Mountain Guide's fees and expenses
Local transfers
The price does not include:
Airport transfers
Lunches and drinks
Uplift costs
Mountain Bike rental
We are proud to offer all of our returning customers a £50 discount.
BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE
Your Financial Protection
ATOL
£2.50 per person of the cost of any air package is paid to the Civil Aviation Authority to provide ATOL Protection to you. This means the money paid for these arrangements is fully protected. Our ATOL number is ATOL 2911. For more information see our booking terms and conditions.
ABTOT
ABTOT provides protection for your booking as set out in Holiday Information.
Ski Club Winter Arrangements limited (trading as Mountain Tracks)
Registered in England No. 2099115. VAT No. GB 461 5692 34
We accept the following payment methods
This is an extensive list of the recommended clothing and equipment you will need if you are coming to one of our Mountain Bike trips
During the tour you will be staying most nights in catered high mountain huts and will need to carry all the equipment and clothing you require for the duration of the tour. The huts are comfortable but basic with limited facilities.
Any clothing or other items not required on the tour can be left in a travel bag in a hotel. You will need to carry a rucksack with anything you may need for three consecutive nights.
We recommend keeping the weight of your pack as light as possible. If you are new to alpine multi-day MTB touring, try taking your pack out on a trail before the tour to see how it feels. You quickly realise the benefit of ‘riding light’.
If you are uncertain or need further information, don't hesitate to contact us.
-
MTB - Equipment
Mountainbike
MTB bike can be hired locally in one of the rental shops. We do not include a bicycle hire in the holiday price, simply because of various sizes, technology and preferences each one of you have. There is a range of regular MTB bikes or e-Bikes that can be hired.
We recommend e-Bikes - rental cost is slightly higher than regular MTB bicycle however, it will pay off on ascent! You can switch an electric motor off if you want to challenge yourself.
RucksackFor MTB day tour you will need a relatively small rucksack. You might get away with a smaller pack if you are an experienced cyclist and know what to pack. Most people will find a 20-30 litre pack is a good size for touring.
Clothing
-
Long cycling jersey (also useful in the evenings)
-
Short cycling suit (jersey and shorts)
-
Good wicking and comfy base layer
-
Light trousers for the evening
-
Long waterproof trousers
-
Waterproof jacket
-
Socks for the evening
-
Cycling socks
-
Cycling shoes - quick release system compatible
-
Flip flops for the evening
-
Gloves
-
Buff/bandana
Miscellaneous
-
Sunglasses
-
Sun cream
-
Helmet (compulsory)
-
Knee protectors
-
Small towel (quick drying is recommended)
-
Small toiletries bag
-
Small first aid kit
-
Dolomites
Renowned as one of the worlds most stunningly beautiful mountain ranges, the Dolomites offers dramatic ski touring to match. This tour includes many of the best descents in the area - long runs down remote valleys, dominated by the towering limestone cliffs that characterise the region.
This area is historically important as it was the front line between the Italian and Austro-Hungarian forces during the First World War. Evidence of this conflict can be seen on our journey in the form of tunnels, trenches and fortifications.
-
Insurance
It is a condition of booking that you are insured for your chosen activity and the cover must include medical expenses, personal accident, personal liability, third party risks and rescue (including helicopter rescue). You are strongly advised also to take out cover against cancellation and curtailment.
For UK residents Ski Club Travel Insurance may be a suitable option.
For more details and to purchase a policy online visit http://www.skiclubinsurance.co.uk/
If you need assistance arranging your personal insurance please let us know.
-
Travel to Tolmezzo / Villa Santina
The most convenient airport is Marco Polo in Venice, from where the transfer time to Tolmezzo / Villa Santina by road is just around 2 hours. There are regular bus/train services.
We may arrange a shared airport transfer from Marco Polo airport departing at 3.30pm.
-
Guide Information
This trip will be guided by our Italian IFMGA guide - Gianni, who is licensed to lead MTB tours and knows the area well.
Location
Gallery
View Gallery
Travel Website Development