There is certainly no shortage of trail highlights around Olang. Many legendary trails start directly at Kronplatz, which, with its 2,275 metres is the connecting element of the bike region. And it can be reached in no time from Olang: the modern cable car Olang 1+2 takes you uphill in no time - and into the UNESCO World Heritage Dolomites downhill fun! Up here you have an amazing view over the imposing Dolomite peaks and also the sweetest agony of choice: Gassl, the trail legend Herrnsteig, Furcia or rather Piz de Plaies?
There are many trails around the area - each one is amazingly unique and all worth flowing, steep and fast-paced rides. Boredom doesn’t exist here! We'll leave a few of the big ones to the left (and right) and concentrate on "the beast" among the trails, which manages the balancing act quite elegantly and is "everybodys darling" at the same time. And absolute must on your bucket list for the next holiday.
May we respectfully present you: The one and only Gassl Trail ...
The start of the trail is super comfortable - from Mitterolang it's only 3 kilometres to the cable car Olang 1+2 in Gassl - and in about 20 minutes you’re on the summit, ready to start. But appearances are deceptive: the trail is a full-blown beast with its 6.4 kilometres. However, since the route was divided into two sections with foresight, it can definitely be tamed. Because the first, woodless part of the trail, down to the middle station of the cable car, is ideal for beginners and those who are already more ambitious. You are mostly within sight of the cable car and can easily take a break in the middle or simply board the cable car if your strength or concentration starts to flag. With easy jumps and approachable bends, the shapers and trail builders have provided a lot of variety without being too demanding. The only distraction is the absolutely breathtaking panorama all around.
In the second section, however, the Gassl Trail shows us its sometimes quite sharp and biting teeth. From the middle onwards, it becomes more demanding; here, MT-bikers can expect moderately steep terrain through idyllic forest and meadow sections, which become increasingly racy, turn after turn, all the way down to the valley station. Numerous waves and a perfect ground invite you to jump. After the forest sections, the trail becomes flatter again and less undulating - the bends here definitely require some riding technique. If you have the right technique, you will be able to get into the flow even if you are a somewhat advanced beginner. Finally, it's time to "let it rip" again in the steep terrain - once you arrive in the village of Gassl, you will understand from where the trail got its name.
The Spitzhorn Trail is divided into three sections: the first part, which breaks off from the Gassl Trail, is a sequence of very smooth flowing curves, the middle section features jumps and features in an open area with great visibility to the scenic Wallride. The last section runs through the forest, alternating between natural terrain and various wooden footbridges that eventually lead back to the existing trail.
Once you have conquered the beast, you can set the bar a little higher and switch to the legend Herrensteig: The oldest and most famous trail in the region and an absolute must for every trail fan. Fabulous nine kilometres and 1,300 metres of altitude and a lot of flow combined with the fascinating view of the Dolomites await you here.
Real experts will enjoy the two lower trail sections Hans and Franz - even steeper, even rootier and even more technical.
