Bikepark Lavarone: Downhill Mountain Biking in Italy

Downhill mountain biking is one of those things that I sit around and daydream about. It gives me such a thrill and adrenaline rush, unlike any other hobby of ours. The adrenaline that flows through my veins each time I accomplish a downhill track at full speed in the woods is unspeakable. I didn’t expect to have a chance to hit any trails before we moved away from Italy, because the season usually starts so late in June. But when I saw that Bikepark Lavarone was having its season opener at the beginning of June, I knew it was the perfect time for us to go!

Bikepark Lavarone is awesome because it’s located less than an hour and a half from our home in Vicenza, Italy. We could easily have done a day trip, but seeing as how we had a 3-day weekend, we chose a short getaway. Below you’ll find all the information about the Bikepark, rentals, paths, & more!

There was so much excitement in the air leading up to the day of the season opener. We watched from our hotel balcony at Caminetto Mountain Resort as the bikepark workers pressure washed the lifts, hung the GoPro and Lavarone flags, and set out all the picnic tables for the next day. They worked until almost dark getting the place ready for the crowd of people they were to expect.

Bikepark Lavarone, Rum Runner, Downhill Mountain Biking

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Equipment Rentals & Costs

Saturday morning, opening day, we were so ready to get going. The lifts don’t begin operating until 10am, but the rental shop, Test One, opens at 9am. They have everything from gear and clothing to shoes and rentals. The prices are accurate on their website here. We rented the NORCO Aurum with 27.5” wheels and 200/200 mm travel. For the bike rental, protection & helmet for a whole day, the cost is 70€. For a half day, the cost is 40€. We brought our own helmets and padding, but they have excellent protection gear.

We grabbed a cappuccino at Seven Se, the bar/restaurant right beside the lift, and waited for the lifts to open at 10. Tickets for a full day cost 21€. I had never taken a bike up on a chairlift before, so I was anxious to see how that would work. Turns out, it’s super easy! They hang the bike onto the back of the chairlift with an “s” type metal hook and the lift workers do it all for you – putting the bike up and taking it down. All you have to do is get on the next chair lift! The downside to the chairlift is that it takes about 9 minutes to get to the top.

Paths

There are 4 routes at Bikepark Lavarone – 1 blue (easy), 1 red (medium), and 2 black (advanced). We started our day on the blue route – Rum Runner. It was a sweet trail with switchbacks, jumps (but could be avoided), tables, and tons of wooden bridges. We worked our way down from 5 minutes to about 3.5 minutes from start to finish on the Rum Runner! It wasn’t until after lunch and a few drinks that I gained up enough courage to try the red route, Mojito. This one had lots of roots, rocks, jumps (some with chicken lines to pass), wooden structures, and steep drop-offs. It was an awesome run, but one I could only handle a few times.

We had an awesome day at the Bikepark, and really loved the atmosphere and the friendly workers. It was kind of like one big hang out spot for everyone who loved biking. It was also super convenient that we had booked our hotel right next door and could pop over and check on the dogs or take a break when the lifts closed for an hour for lunch. We had a great setup.

Restaurant at the top of lift

Click below to see the YouTube video of trail Rum Runner if the above does not play: https://youtu.be/uKzxsTBQ168

Where to Stay

If you’re in the area and a fan of downhill mountain biking, or are thinking about trying it out, Bikepark Lavarone is a great place to spend a day! If you’re looking for somewhere to stay for the weekend, use the search results below to help find a hotel near the bikepark, or click here for booking.com!

Booking.com