Spectrum: There are many bike regions in the Alps - but only a few offer such a successful mix of trails, infrastructure, great accommodation and weather security as the region on the Reschen Pass, around Nauders and Lake Reschen. We visited at the end of the season.
The Venosta Valley in South Tyrol has earned its reputation as a bike Eldorado in recent years thanks to an excellent infrastructure, beautiful and well-kept trails and, last but not least, an active local community. During holiday periods, on bridging days - even on regular weekends, bikers, especially from southern Germany, flock to the region, which is known for its dry and warm climate, to spend a few nice days on the bike.
In most cases, however, when two-wheel enthusiasts speak of Vinschgau, their thoughts revolve around the green valley between Monte Sole and Nördersberg, around the paths and paths around Latsch and Schlanders. Many meters higher up, not far from the majestic Ortler massif, there is another region that is still unjustly overshadowed by the Vinschgau Valley: the Reschenpass. Here, too, the common biker will find everything their heart desires: a well-marked and well-maintained network of trails, paths and lifts and breathtaking views. Appropriate accommodation is also included, where you can rest your sore legs after a hard day on the bike.
Here, for example, you can download a free trail map
Visiting the Aktiv Hotel Edelweiss in Reschen am See
We were guests in one of these accommodations for a few days at the beginning of October - in the Aktiv Hotel Edelweiss directly in Reschen am See. The family-run hotel, in which bikers have been welcome guests for over 20 years, is located in the immediate vicinity of the exit of the notorious bunker trail. "It's my passion, in a way I've turned my hobby into a job," says Reini, who has been in charge of the hotel since 1998 together with his wife Petra. We sit by the warming fireplace in the hotel bar area.
The in-house wine cellar is also located here behind a glass wall. "Besides biking, wine is my second hobby." explains Reini before talking about the mineral taste of a German Riesling with a twinkle in his eye. There is so much joy and enthusiasm in his voice that even I, as a self-confessed wine philistine, am beginning to take an interest in the subject. I recognize that sparkle, that enthusiasm, when the conversation turns to the subject of bicycles. “When my wife and I took over the hotel, we thought long and hard about which direction we should go. It quickly became clear that the bike should be an integral part of the concept," chats Reini out of the sewing box.
You can feel in every pore of the hotel that Reini, the hotelier, head chef, bicycle mechanic and bike guide, is all in one person at the Edelweiss and is passionate about bicycles. Various trail maps and other information material are available directly at the reception, and there is also a very well-stocked rental fleet of bikes from BH Bikes and Bold. But that's not all; Guests can rent helmets, protectors, shoes and much more. This means that even complete newcomers can easily get a taste of the sport with high-quality equipment in one of the most beautiful biking regions in the Alps. There are no excuses for bad weather either: dirt suits can also be hired.
With unmistakable pride in her voice, Reini talks about the region and the local trails. “I like that everything is so natural here. It's rooty as hell, but there's still something for everyone." Most trails can be reached either via the excellently developed and signposted network of paths or via the lifts, where bikers are also welcome. But of course: With the e-bike boom, many former lift riders are now using the gravel paths up. “Of course we can feel the enthusiasm for e-bikes in the hotel. More and more visitors come to bike, either bring their own e-bike or borrow one from us," reports Reini.
Next to the actual hotel building there is an inconspicuous barn - not only do guests have room here, but also the hotel's rental fleet. You will also find tools here for all conceivable repair or maintenance tasks.
BH Bikes Test Days at Lake Reschen – test fleet and panoramic tour
The small space between the bicycle garage and the hotel building is used for events at regular intervals. Here, too, bicycles and bikers are the main focus during the summer season. So there was a testival of during our stay BH Bikes from Spain instead: The hotel's rental bikes from BH Bikes were joined by a significantly larger test fleet directly from the manufacturer. Of course, e-bikes and e-MTBs were also the focus here, but one or the other MTB without a motor and racing bikes could also be hired for a short or longer test ride.
Regular hotel guests could take part in the BH Bikes Test Days – as the event was officially called – or the participation package had already been booked through the hotel in advance. Here Reini works closely with BH Bikes. "It is important to me that people can talk to each other and that the lines of communication are short," says the hotelier about the cooperation with BH Bikes. You know each other, the interaction is familiar, friendly. "When I was looking for a partner for the hotel, I deliberately didn't want to have an anonymous large corporation. I'm overjoyed that BH works so well."
As part of the event, Reini also invited us to his self-made panorama tour. High into the peaks of the surrounding mountains, including beautiful views and fantastic trails. One of the guides was “the boss” himself. After passing the tree line, a few delicate white flakes adorned the edge of the path again and again before the snow deepened a little and forced us to dismount from time to time. Thanks to the very good local knowledge, the tour was rescheduled without further ado, which did not detract from its beauty. Back at the hotel, all the passengers were busy recovering from the wet and cold tour and warming up a bit, while Reini exchanged the bike outfit for a chef's hat and took care of our evening menu in the kitchen.