Forcella di Laces

The Laces Fork divides the Ultimo valley from the Venosta valley. The ascent, from Merano, is long and challenging, pedaling up to Lake Quaira at 2200 meters, then the last 300 are a push with a section of bike backpacking. In return, the high mountain environment is spectacular.

At the top, at an elevation of 2520, in addition to the view of the Alps bordering Austria, we can admire a true work of art, what remains of Europe's highest irrigation canal, used in past centuries to bring water 2000 meters lower, as the Vinschgau Valley is, and always has been, the driest in South Tyrol, with more than 300 days of sunshine a year and little precipitation.

And just as the water descended 2000 meters, our descent is long, very long! And also very challenging, first a beautiful high mountain trail but with sections to be done on foot, then the Barbarossa Trail, always beautiful, ending with the Roatbrunn Trail, which used to be easier, but now is so rocky that it's a real kick in the pants at the end, assuming you can make it to the bottom!

In short, for those in the know there is fun to be had, for others you have to have good shoes! Back on the bike path (or train) to Merano.