Cima Canfedin e Paganella

A challenging hike on the Paganella Plateau, starting from Andalo. We descend along the beautiful bike path (S1) until we reach the final section of the Secret Trail (S4), which takes us right to the shore of Lake Molveno. We’ll follow a section of the trail along the lake’s left shore, then cross the paved road and begin climbing up a dirt road with some concrete sections. The first few kilometers are really tough, with steep grades that are rideable if you’re in good shape. As we climb, the gradient eases but remains challenging throughout.

You’ll reach Dosson, the top station of the ski lifts, where the trail levels out and you’ll need to watch out for the many tourists with children in tow. We continue climbing on a pleasant dirt road to Passo San Giacomo, where the views open up to include the Brenta Dolomites—if they aren’t hidden by clouds. With one final push, we reach Cima Canfedin at 2,034 meters, with beautiful views of the Val d’Adige below.

We retrace our steps for a few hundred linear meters to take the traverse (S3 with S4 sections) that connects to the dirt road leading to Cima Paganella. We pass the Sant’Antonio Pass and the reservoir used for snowmaking and reach Cima Paganella at 2,120 meters via very steep concrete ramps. After a well-deserved break at the mountain hut, we’re ready to descend into the valley using the Bike Park trails. We start with the Interstellar trail (S2), characterized by a rocky surface with tight turns and boardwalks. Next is the Supernatural trail (S2), which flows a bit more smoothly than the previous one. We continue on the Hustle & Flow trail (S1), which is much more relaxed than the previous ones. We finish with the Willy Wonka trail (S1), a spectacular mix of berms, boardwalks, bumps, and jumps.

I’ll say it again: the climbs, if done on a mountain bike—as we did—are really tough. If you don’t want to pedal but just want to have fun, take the lifts!

For more details, check out the photo report.