How hard is the Monte Velo tour?

It's an intermediate ride: about 45 km with about 1350 m of climbing, so a real mountain effort even on an e-bike — not a beginner route. The climb itself is on a steady gravel road; the descent is your choice, from an easy scenic paved road to technical trails.

Do I need an e-bike for Monte Velo?

An e-bike is recommended. With about 1350 m of climbing it's a long ascent, and an e-bike makes the day much more enjoyable for most riders. It's all rideable on an e-bike.

Where does the Monte Velo tour start?

The loop is based out of Bolognano, but we set the exact meeting point to suit you — whether you're in Arco, Torbole or Riva del Garda, or collecting a rental nearby. Just let us know where you'll be.

Can less experienced riders join?

Yes, with the right expectations. The climb is demanding but on a non-technical gravel road, and the standard descent is an easy, scenic paved road — so the day is achievable for a reasonably fit rider on an e-bike. The technical trail descents are optional and only for those who want them.

Monte Velo · Classic Climb, Choice of Descents — MTB Tour around Lake Garda

A legendary Garda climb with a descent for every rider

Monte Velo · Classic Climb, Choice of Descents at a glance

Difficulty: Intermediate
Duration: Up to 6 hours
Total distance: 45 km
Elevation gain: 1350 m
Price: €160 per tour — one flat price for 1 to 6 riders sharing the same guide.
E-bike rental: €45 hardtail / €65 full-suspension per person, helmet included.
Start point: Riva del Garda, Torbole or Arco.

Not sure which bike? How to choose →

The feeling of Monte Velo · Classic Climb, Choice of Descents

A legendary Garda climb with a descent for every rider

About the Monte Velo · Classic Climb, Choice of Descents tour

Monte Velo is one of the great climbs of the Garda Trentino — a long, steady ascent on the western flanks of the Monte Stivo massif, with wide views over the lake and the Sarca valley.

This is a private guided ride built around that climb, with one big advantage: you choose how you come down.

The loop is based out of Bolognano, and we set the exact meeting point to suit you — whether you're staying in Arco, Torbole or Riva del Garda, or picking up a rental nearby.

From the valley the route climbs on a quiet gravel and forest road through the woods on the eastern side of the mountain. About two thirds of the way up we stop at Malga Zanga, a mountain hut where you can rest, eat and drink, and take in the view down the valley before the final push.

From there we continue to Passo Santa Barbara, the high point of the day at around 1170 m, with open views across the Alto Garda.

Then comes the choice of descents. The classic option is the scenic paved switchback road down Monte Velo — beautiful, flowing and safe, with very little traffic, perfect if you came for the views and the riding without the technical risk. For riders who want more, there's a large selection of trails of varying difficulty, and we pick the line that matches your level.

With about 1350 m of climbing over 45 km, this is a full mountain day and a real effort — but it's all rideable on an e-bike, which is what this tour is built around. The reward is one of Garda's classic ascents, a proper hut stop, and a descent chosen for exactly the kind of rider you are.

Who this ride is for

For riders who want a real mountain climb and to choose how they come down.

Route highlights on Monte Velo · Classic Climb, Choice of Descents

Climb the classic Monte Velo to Passo Santa Barbara
Rest stop at Malga Zanga with valley views
Choice of descents — scenic paved road or technical trails
Matched to your level, e-bike friendly

Good to know before you ride Monte Velo · Classic Climb, Choice of Descents

E-bike recommended — it's a long climb.
About 1350 m of climbing — a serious effort even on an e-bike. Not a beginner ride.

What to bring

Helmet (mandatory)
Sturdy shoes
Water bottle (2L minimum — long climb)
Light windbreaker — exposed sections
Small backpack for essentials
Sunscreen & sunglasses
Energy bars or snacks
Gloves
Fully charged phone — you'll want photos!
Good mood 😊

Frequently asked about Monte Velo · Classic Climb, Choice of Descents

How hard is the Monte Velo tour?: It's an intermediate ride: about 45 km with about 1350 m of climbing, so a real mountain effort even on an e-bike — not a beginner route. The climb itself is on a steady gravel road; the descent is your choice, from an easy scenic paved road to technical trails.
Do I need an e-bike for Monte Velo?: An e-bike is recommended. With about 1350 m of climbing it's a long ascent, and an e-bike makes the day much more enjoyable for most riders. It's all rideable on an e-bike.
Where does the Monte Velo tour start?: The loop is based out of Bolognano, but we set the exact meeting point to suit you — whether you're in Arco, Torbole or Riva del Garda, or collecting a rental nearby. Just let us know where you'll be.
Can less experienced riders join?: Yes, with the right expectations. The climb is demanding but on a non-technical gravel road, and the standard descent is an easy, scenic paved road — so the day is achievable for a reasonably fit rider on an e-bike. The technical trail descents are optional and only for those who want them.

What riders say about Monte Velo · Classic Climb, Choice of Descents

Verified on Google Business Profile.

I contacted Lex via his website to book a Mountainbike Tour near Garda lake, eventually for Monte Velo (4-5h). I have not done this before and he helped me with picking the right gear, route and all the necessary preparation (also responding to my dozen questions via mail in a quick manner). Lex knows his stuff and introduced me to the basic techniques of Mountainbiking, making sure I feel secure and comfortable while trying to show me around interesting spots along the way. I had a great time with him and would 100% do it again!
— Benjamin, Germany · 2026-07-05 · ★★★★★

Book Monte Velo · Classic Climb, Choice of Descents: WhatsApp +39 388 571 8535 · info@mtb-tour.it · Tour page: https://mtb-tour.it/tours/monte-velo.html

Your guide: Aleksei (Lex) Shatilov — meet the guide and see credentials →

Mountainbike-Tour am Gardasee — Monte Velo · Classic Climb, Choice of Descents. A legendary Garda climb with a descent for every rider Private MTB-Tour mit lokalem Guide ab Riva del Garda, Torbole oder Arco. Schwierigkeit: Intermediate · 45 km · 1350 m Höhenmeter. Buchung: +39 388 571 8535 (WhatsApp).