If you love adventure on two wheels, the 5 Rifugi mountain bike loop is one of the most iconic and thrilling experiences the Dolomites have to offer. A wonderful circular itinerary that connects the Ampezzo Dolomites Nature Park to the Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park, offering breathtaking panoramas, alpine lakes, and the warm hospitality of high-altitude tradition.
The itinerary begins at the Sant’Uberto hairpin bend parking area. You initially climb along the road leading to Malga Ra Stua, then venture onto the gravel road that crosses Campo Croce and the captivating Val Salata, until you reach the first milestone of the day: Rifugio Sennes.
From Sennes, continue on a comfortable and scenic gravel road which, with moderate gradients, leads to Rifugio Fodara Vedla, a small alpine pasture jewel. After a short climb, the exciting descent towards Rifugio Pederù awaits: a series of fun hairpin turns on mixed gravel and concrete surfaces that will take you to the valley floor.
From Rifugio Pederù, you begin to climb again towards the legendary Fanes plateau. Reaching the main junction, turn right for a refreshing stop at Rifugio Lavarella, then take a very short detour to visit the nearby Rifugio Fanes, immersed in an atmosphere of yesteryear.
The final uphill effort will lead you to Passo di Limo and its splendid alpine lake. From here on, it is pure descent and fun heading towards Cortina. You will pass by Rifugio Gran Fanes and ride alongside the spectacular and roaring Fanes Waterfalls. Do not forget a stop at Ponte Alto to admire the dizzying gorge carved by the Rio Fanes.
The descent continues to the green meadows of Pian de Loa. From here, one last short climb will bring you back to the Sant’Uberto starting parking area, closing a perfect and unforgettable loop.
This itinerary offers great satisfaction, especially when tackled with a modern E-MTB (electric mountain bike), which allows you to overcome the elevation gains of Val Salata and Fanes while enjoying only the best of the landscape.
You can book your bike and helmet in advance directly on the website of our partner Snow Service.
Enter the exclusive discount code “ambra” at the time of booking to receive a dedicated rate.
Defined by The Times as the “fancy pants” of Cortina, Ambra Cortina has been a benchmark of style in Alpine hospitality for over twenty years.
Our bold and original vision combines the heritage of early 20th-century architecture with an interior design that masterfully blends Alpine and Ampezzo elements with a contemporary touch. Every detail tells a story, preserving the soul that has defined us since 1920. We invite you to discover a memorable experience, where glamour meets tradition and the beauty of the Dolomites.
