Downhill descent from Monte Altissimo
This tour is for mountain bikers who are looking for adventure but don't want a steep climb. The ride to the summit can be comfortably achieved with the modern cable car of Malcesine in just ten minutes. Particularly impressive is the second part of the cable car ride. The cabin rotates as it ascends, offering a spectacular panorama and gives you the feeling of flying. Once you’ve arrived at the top of the mountain though, you still have to ride up to the peak of Monte Altissimo before you can start the descent.
Mountain bikers first follow a dirt road down to the Rifugio Graziani. The climb to Monte Altissimo at 2,079 meters altitude begins here. There are fantastic views over the area and Lake Garda up to the main Alpine ridge. A variety of rare plants grow on Monte Baldo. It is a Nunatak, an isolated peak of rock projecting above a surface of inland ice or snow providing a significant refuge for many plants and animals. It is often used as a launch pad for paragliders due to its easy accessibility by cable car.
You can take a break during the summer months in the Rifugio Altissimo. Outside the season though, it is advisable to inquire about the opening hours. After a break and refreshments, you then start on the legendary path 601 to Nago-Torbole, on which 2,656 vertical meters are covered. The first part is quite steep, which is why a solid mountain bike is recommended. From Monte Varagna, take the road heading north. Close to the "Malga Zures," it then continues on the path "exSeicentouno" to Busatte, (downhill equipment is necessary here). From here you can reach Torbole via an asphalt road.
In the picturesque port city, which is also considered the centre of windsurfing, it's wonderful to stroll, pause, marvel, eat ice cream, drink coffee or eat a serious snack. From here we return to Malcesine. The route runs along the main road to Navene, the Gardesana Orientale, from Navene there is a bike path to Malcesine.
The tour is not easy thanks to the steep descents, but at reduced speed, it's feasible for beginners. Both a good mountain bike and a confident feeling in the saddle are required.
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