Everything you need to know before your tour or camp. Didn't find what you're looking for? Get in touch.
1. Eligibility & Requirements
We use the Singletrail Scale (S0–S5). Our tours are mostly between S1 and S3. Each tour in the weekly programme shows the difficulty level.
S1 Roots and small rocks, moderate gradient, occasional easy technical features. S2 Larger obstacles, more technical, tight corners, steps. S3 Switchbacks, rocky sections — concentration is essential.
If you're unsure, give us a call and we'll find the right tour together.
Our classic day tours cover between 600 and 1,400 metres of elevation gain and 25 to 45 km. You should have good base fitness to spend several hours in the saddle and handle longer climbs comfortably.
High-alpine tours (Piz Umbrail, Bocchetta di Forcola) demand more: solid fitness, good bike handling, sure-footedness and in places a head for heights.
If you're confident on the bike, know how to brake properly and have ridden on gravel or easy trails before: yes. If you've never ridden off-road, we recommend a bike skills course or a very easy introductory tour first. Talk to us — we'll give you an honest assessment.
Yes, almost all our tours work equally well on e-MTB and regular mountain bikes. Day tours are mostly offered as mixed groups. Camps are run separately for mountain bikers and e-mountain bikers.
Typically between 4 and 7 participants (max. 7 per guide). We deliberately keep groups small so the tour can be tailored to the group's level and no one has to wait or rush.
2. Bike & Equipment
Yes. We are a tour operator, not a rental service. Bring your own well-maintained MTB or e-MTB. If you're travelling without a bike, we can put you in touch with local rental shops: Papin Sport/Spondinig, Bikeman/Schlanders, Sport Tenne/Mals.
For 90% of our tours we recommend a trail or all-mountain full suspension with 130 to 160 mm of travel, strong brakes and well-treaded tyres. Hardtails work on flowing trails, but on high-alpine lines (S2–S3) a full suspension has clear advantages. For e-MTB: a battery capacity of at least 600 Wh is sensible, depending on elevation gain and body weight.
Rule of thumb: per 100 Wh of battery you can manage roughly 200 to 300 metres of elevation gain in mixed assist mode. For our tours with 1,000 to 1,500 metres of climbing, a fully charged 600–700 Wh battery is usually sufficient. On long days we recommend a range extender or spare battery. Always arrive at the meeting point with a fully charged battery.
Essential Helmet, bike in technically sound condition, enough water, snacks, rain jacket.
Strongly recommended Inner tube matching your tyre size, multi-tool, pump or CO₂ cartridge, knee and elbow pads for demanding tours, sun protection.
If available Brake pads, spare derailleur hanger for your bike, first-aid kit.
Eugen is trained in basic repairs as part of his guiding qualifications (certified bike mechanics). We carry tools for standard breakdowns (flats, chain issues). For more serious mechanical problems we'll find a safe way to get you back.
3. Booking, Payment & Cancellation
Directly online through our booking system on the relevant tour or camp page. Choose your date, enter your details and confirm the conditions. Confirmation arrives by email.
Day tours: by 6 pm the day before at the latest. Camps: the earlier the better — places are limited. In high season (July/August) we recommend booking at least four weeks ahead.
Online at the time of booking by credit card or through the payment methods available in the booking system: credit card, Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Google Pay, Apple Pay.
Camps Free cancellation up to 7 days before the camp. 7 to 2 days before: 50% of the camp fee. 48 hours before or no-show: full price. In cases of documented illness or accident we'll find a fair solution.
Day tours Free cancellation until 6 pm the day before. Later cancellations or no-shows are charged at 100% of the participation fee. If the organiser cancels (e.g. bad weather or safety reasons) a full refund is issued.
If we cancel a tour due to storms, lightning or other safety-relevant conditions, you'll receive a full refund or can rebook for another date. We often ride in light rain — that's rarely a concern in the Vinschgau anyway.
Our day tours run from a single participant.
4. Day Tour: On-Site
The meeting point is at the Nationalparkhaus Aquaprad in Prad am Stilfserjoch. You'll receive the exact address and time by email after booking.
Start usually at 9:00, return between 15:00 and 17:00 depending on the tour. Exact times are listed on the tour detail page.
Day tours from the weekly programme cost between €30 and €45. Included: certified guide, tour briefing and all trail information. Not included: bike, lift costs, food and drink, insurance.
No problem. We stop at suitable points and adjust the pace. If there's a significant speed difference we have plans B, C and D ready. No one gets left behind.
On many tours, yes. Stopping at a mountain hut or alp is part of the Vinschgau experience. Bring enough cash — card machines often don't work up in the mountains. Food and drink costs are not included in the tour price. Always bring basic supplies, especially in shoulder season when huts may be closed.
5. Camps: Multi-Day Tours
Three days of guided tours at a similar level of difficulty, small group, accommodation at a partner property in Prad am Stilfserjoch. We start day one with a tour to calibrate the group and build up over the following days. Full details are in the camp descriptions.
Three days of guiding, tour briefings, trail logistics. Not included Accommodation, food and drink, bike, travel, lift costs, shuttle costs. We'll recommend partner accommodation and help you coordinate.
Camps are designed as a unit because the tours build on each other. In exceptional cases it can be arranged — get in touch.
Intermediate to advanced level. You should be confident on S2 trails and able to ride 1,000+ metres of elevation gain on three consecutive days. The exact profile for each camp is on the camp detail page.
A maximum of 7 participants per guide.
6. Region, Travel & Safety
Our season runs from early April to late October. Best conditions: April/May (fresh trails, spring flowers), September (stable weather, quieter) and October (golden light, cooler days). High-alpine tours such as Piz Umbrail or Bocchetta di Forcola are only snow-free from mid-June.
Car Via the Reschenpass road from the north, or via Merano/Bolzano from the south. Free parking in Prad within walking distance of the meeting point.
Train The Vinschgau railway to Spondinig-Prad, then 15 minutes by bike. Bikes can be taken on the train.
Airport Innsbruck (1.5 h), Bolzano (1.5 h), Verona (3 h), Milan-Bergamo (3.5 h).
We work with local bike-friendly hotels and guesthouses. Ask us for recommendations.
Yes. Personal accident and liability insurance is required for participation. We also recommend a travel and mountain rescue policy (e.g. AlpinClub, ÖAMTC, ADAC, Yellow Jersey) that covers helicopter rescue if needed. Italian authorities charge for rescue operations.
Not all of them. The national park has clear regulations about which paths are open to mountain bikes. We know the current rules in detail (Eugen spent 20 years as a park ranger in the national park) and only ride legal routes. You don't need to worry about this.
Our guides are first-aid trained and carry a first-aid kit. For serious injuries we call mountain rescue (emergency number 112 in Italy). Your insurance covers the subsequent costs.
Yes, from age 14 accompanied by a parent or a formally authorised adult companion. For children under 14 we offer private family tours by arrangement.
