The arrival of the Winter season does not put an end to the desire to discover the wonders of nature through an adventure on two wheels: pedalling on snow can be an experience which offers a different perspective on scenery with unique characteristics. There are locations which, thanks to their particular positioning, are ideal for a cycling itinerary on snow, notably Lapland, the Aspen Snowmass and the Dolomites.
Faced with challenging climatic conditions, with low temperatures and states of ground of varying characteristics, an appropriate level of technical preparation and the use of suitable equipment will allow you to benefit fully from your journey and to complete it with the greatest degree of safety.
How do you find the most beautiful and best-organised locations?
A good number of sites provide rentals of bicycles which are technically suitable to take on this experience, as well as the assistance of expert guides. It is also possible to go it alone, by seeking out an itinerary in anywhere covered by snow, for which there are any number of opportunities, but you should always be extremely prudent: when temperatures fall below zero, if you are not prepared for them and ready with the correct equipment, you can quickly find yourself in serious difficulty, and help might not be immediately available.
It is a very good idea to entrust yourself to the local operators who offer guided excursions, which are ideal not just for reasons of safety but also to discover the best cycle routes, not least because you then do not need to worry about navigation. In any event, before you leave you should check out the level of difficulty of the itinerary and the meteorological conditions there, in order to avoid any problems.
Lapland (Finland)
There are some perfect places in Sweden, in Norway and in Finland. This is where you can find Rovaniemi, close to the Arctic Polar Circle, best known as the “official home of Santa Claus”. Lapland can offer you breathtaking snow-covered landscapes, ice-bound lakes and – with a little good fortune – the spectacle of the aurora borealis. It is an ideal starting point for the trails which run alongside the ice-covered Ounasjoki river and in the forest of Ounasvaara.
The best time to go is in Winter, from December until March, since the terrain is compact, which is perfect for cycling, and the scenery is extraordinary, with soft snow everywhere. However, you need to take into account the fact that temperatures there can fall below -20°C, and therefore it is important to dress appropriately. In Spring, from March to April, the conditions are ideal: the climate is more clement, the days are longer, the temperatures are less chilly (around -5/ + 5°C) and there is still plenty of snow. It is advisable to avoid the periods of Summer and Autumn (from May until November), since the thaw transforms the snow into slush, making journeys difficult and less pleasant.
Aspen Snowmass (Colorado, USA)
This well-known skiing destination is recommended for its dry and compact snow and for its spectacular views over the Rocky Mountains. Snowmass Village offers a vast network of trails with varying levels of difficulty and length. The shortest and most accessible ones leave directly from the village, and are perfect for beginners or for quick outings; the Rim Trail, on the other hand, is a challenging commitment, destined for expert cyclists, but is a panoramic trail with unmissable views.
The best time of year is Winter, which in Colorado typically provides sunny days. From December to February the snow is fresh, the itineraries well-travelled, and the Winter temperatures guarantee an ideal compact terrain. A very good time too is from March until early April, which is ideal for avoiding the intense cold: the days are longer and the temperatures more clement, but the snow is still abundant.
The worst period starts at the end of April: the snow starts to thaw, the trails become muddy, and the local amenities start to prepare for the Summer season, when it is certainly pleasant for cycling, but without the snow.
The Dolomites (Italy)
The Dolomites are famous throughout the world for their Alpine landscapes, with spectacular dawn and sunset views of snow-covered mountain tops, for the welcome of their amenities, hotels, and refuges, and for the services provided, both touristic and sporting. The most renowned spots can be found in the valleys of the Alta Badia, of Val Gardena and of the Alpe di Siusi.
Amongst the numerous localities we can draw your attention to one in particular, famous among cyclists throughout the world because it is part of the Maratona delle Dolomiti, the marathon dedicated to road-racing bikes: the Sella Ronda.
For mountain bikes specifically there is the Sella Ronda MTB Tour, a network of numerous cycle paths for every level, from an easy promenade to much more technical trails. During Winter many of these are covered in snow and accessible by fat bike, and go through forests and spectacular little valleys surrounded by mountain peaks.
Among the other world-famous localities you can find Cortina d'Ampezzo, the departure point for the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, and the Alpe di Siusi, with its high-level plateau perfect for more restful cycling, affording extensive views over the Dolomites.
The best period for cycling on the snow ranges from December until March, with temperatures which ensure a compact base under your wheels. From March until the beginning of April the temperatures are more clement, the snow is still present and the days are getting longer: this is the ideal time to enjoy the sunshine and itineraries which are less crowded.
