Ol Simal - Lago d’Avert – Direct

This route offers a more direct version of the descent from Ol Simal, designed for those who want to tackle one of the most technically interesting and challenging trails in the area while avoiding the enormous distance and approximately 2,200 m of elevation gain of the variant that passes by the Brunone Mountain Hut. It should be made clear right away that “shorter” does not mean easy. The climb remains extremely physically demanding, with a great deal of portage, while the descent reaches S5 difficulty over long stretches. The advantage of this route is simply that it takes you to Ol Simal in the most direct way possible. The disadvantage is equally clear: it is no longer a true loop route. This version is not recommended for E-MTBs, but it is not as impossible as the other one.

Direct Ascent from Valbondione

You start from Valbondione, at about 850 m, beginning the long climb toward Ol Simal. According to the maps, the first part seems to allow for a fair amount of pedaling up to an elevation of about 1,300 m. So we’re potentially looking at about 450 m of climb that can be pedaled, although gradients and actual trail conditions may significantly reduce this figure. From 1,300 m onward, however, you’ll need to completely shift your mindset. The destination is around 2,650 m: this leaves roughly 1,350 m of elevation gain to cover over alpine terrain, with a significant amount of bike-carrying to be expected. It’s still a notable difference compared to the full route from Fiume Nero via the Brunone Hut, where practically the entire ascent becomes a very long day of carrying your bike. This variant eliminates much of the distance and heads directly toward the upper part of the mountain.

Toward Ol Simal

As you gain elevation, the terrain becomes progressively more alpine, and the rideability disappears almost completely. From this point on, the goal should no longer be to constantly search for a few meters to ride: it’s better to find a steady rhythm, secure the bike firmly on your shoulders, and consider carrying it an integral part of the ride. It’s still a massive climb, though. Even on the shorter route, we’re potentially looking at over 1,300 m of elevation gain carried on your shoulders, so you’ll need significant physical conditioning and, above all, plenty of experience carrying your MTB for several hours. Once you finally reach the Ol Simal area, the nature of the day changes completely. After so much climbing on foot, one of the most unique descents in the area begins.

The first 300 meters: alpine freeride

The first section is probably the most spectacular part of the entire route. The first 300 meters or so of elevation gain traverse open terrain—almost like a natural high-mountain freeride—where there’s often no single mandatory line. Amid rocks, ledges, and natural terrain, you can navigate the descent by choosing the route best suited to your skill level. At any given point, you can often opt for a relatively simple route or move a few meters to tackle a significantly more complex line. It’s a very free and creative ride, but it remains alpine terrain: you must carefully assess what lies ahead and not confuse the freedom of line choice with the absence of danger.

Toward Lake Avert S5

Continuing toward Lake Avert, the route takes on a more defined character but remains extremely technical. The difficulty of the upper section can be considered predominantly S5, with some S4 sections. These are not just a couple of isolated obstacles: the difficulty level remains high for a significant portion of the descent. Steep slopes, rocks, ledges, and alpine terrain require excellent technique and, above all, the ability to quickly assess when a section is within your capabilities and when it’s better to dismount. There are also some exposed sections. The route continues in this manner until you reach Lake Avert.

From Lake Avert S3/S4

From the lake, the technical difficulty drops significantly. The descent continues at roughly S3/S4 difficulty, finally allowing for a more continuous ride compared to the upper section. The terrain remains technical and distinctly mountainous, but it becomes possible to string together more turns and sections without having to constantly stop to figure out the line. You continue descending until you reach the ENEL lift area.

Descent from the ENEL facilities S4/S5

Here, the difficulty level rises again. The first section is very steep, with a difficulty generally at full S4 and some sections reaching S5 again. It requires excellent bike control and the ability to handle steep slopes. As you descend toward an elevation of 1,400–1,500 m, the trail gradually levels out, and the ride becomes more continuous and smooth. The day’s greatest challenges are now behind you.

Stalle Redorta and the Final Section

You then continue toward Stalle Redorta. Unfortunately, the final section is the least interesting part of the entire route. As of 2026, the trail is not particularly well-maintained, and the trail conditions make the ride less smooth and less enjoyable compared to the quality of the upper section. After a descent of this caliber, it inevitably leaves a slightly bitter aftertaste, although conditions could naturally change with any future cleaning and maintenance work.

In Summary

This variant was created with a specific goal in mind: to reach Ol Simal directly, avoiding the lengthy detour through Fiume Nero and the Brunone Refuge. Starting from Valbondione at around 850 m and reaching approximately 2,650 m, the elevation gain remains around 1,800 m. The key difference may lie in the first section: based on the maps, it seems possible to ride up to about 1,300 m in elevation, theoretically reducing the portage to about 1,350 m of elevation gain. This is still a massive amount of elevation gain and should by no means be interpreted as an easy route. The advantage is that all the effort is concentrated on the most direct possible access to the descent, avoiding the extremely long route of the Brunone variant. Once you reach Ol Simal, the reward is remarkable: the first 300 meters are almost like alpine freeriding, followed by a long upper section rated S5, a passage by Lago d’Avert, an S3/S4 section, and a new S4/S5 section on the descent from the ENEL lifts. It remains an extreme route, intended exclusively for very experienced riders, but it likely represents the most practical solution for those primarily interested in the Ol Simal descent and who want to minimize the amount of portage required to reach it.

Technical Specifications

• Trail Style: All-Mountain / Extreme / Alpine Adventure
• MTB: Only very experienced riders
• E-MTB: Manageable (if you’re not daunted by all that elevation gain while pedaling)
• Elevation gain: Approximately 1,800 m D+
• Rideable uphill: Potentially up to about 1,300 m in elevation
• Estimated portage: Up to about 1,350 m D+
• Ascent difficulty: Extreme
• Descent difficulty: S4/S5, with long S5 sections
• Exposure: Present in several sections
• Trail conditions: Dry conditions strongly recommended
• Trail conditions: As of 2026

Note: The rideability of the direct ascent from Valbondione is based on map data and must be verified on the ground. The figure of approximately 1,350 m of elevation gain requiring the bike to be carried is therefore an estimate, not a guaranteed value.