Road
Climbs
Road Challenge
MONTE BONDONE
EPIC LOOP
Bondone – Lagolo – Santa Barbara – Cei
The most complete endurance loop in Trentino: 130 km across Monte Bondone, lakes and iconic climbs, starting and finishing in Trento.
An alpine endurance loop connecting Monte Bondone, Valle dei Laghi, Santa Barbara and Lake Cei. Full GPX available on Komoot.
THE SIGNATURE RIDE OF PRESTABICI
The Monte Bondone Epic Loop is the most complete route for those who want to experience a true alpine day on the bike.
Starting from Trento, you tackle the classic climb of Monte Bondone, then descend towards Lagolo and the Valle dei Laghi, before building the pace again towards Santa Barbara. After the technical descent through Val di Gresta and the scenic passage by Lake Cei, the return via Aldeno completes a varied, demanding and panoramic route.
This is a ride that requires energy management, endurance and a steady pace. It’s not just a climb — it’s a complete experience between mountains and lakes.
STRATEGIC POINTS ALONG THE ROUTE
Energy management • Recharge • Scenic views
Viote del Bondone
Panoramic high-altitude point
A perfect break after the first major climb. Ideal for rehydration and getting ready for the descent towards Lagolo.
VALLE DEI LAGHI
Fast rolling section
A fast and open section, often exposed to wind. The perfect place to refuel before the Santa Barbara climb.
LAGO DI CEI
Scenic final section
A beautiful stretch immersed in nature before the descent towards Aldeno. Ideal for a final short break before returning to Trento.
Scenic highlights along the route
What to bring
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Helmet, light gloves, wind vest / rain jacket (weather can change quickly at altitude)
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Light warm layer (arm warmers or a light jacket) for the descent via Garniga
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2 water bottles + snacks/energy bars (long climb)
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Repair kit (inner tube, tire levers, mini pump/CO₂)
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Lights/phone + power bank (useful if using Komoot)
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ID + cash/card for stops along the route
(Optional) Sunscreen: you’ll often ride in direct sun even when it feels cool
WHEN TO GO & HOW TO PREPARE
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Best season: spring to early autumn. In summer, early morning starts are recommended.
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Effort management: the first climb (Monte Bondone) is long → start at a controlled pace, eat and hydrate regularly.
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Second climb (Santa Barbara): plan a proper refuel in Valle dei Laghi before tackling it.
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Mountain weather: conditions on Monte Bondone can change quickly → always keep a wind vest handy.
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Descents: Val di Gresta and the return towards Aldeno → pay attention to road surface and temperature changes.
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Recommended timing: avoid peak midday hours on summer weekends (more traffic and heat).
What to see along the route
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Panorama over Trento: the city opens up beneath you already in the first kilometers of the climb
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Monte Bondone: steady switchbacks with increasingly wide views as you gain altitude
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Lagolo: a natural balcony over the Valle dei Laghi, perfect for a short stop
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Valle dei Laghi: a fast, flowing section through vineyards and lakes
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Santa Barbara: a true climb, more selective as the kilometers start to take their toll
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Val di Gresta: a scenic descent back towards the valley floor
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Lake Cei: a hidden gem, a cool and atmospheric stretch before the final return
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Stories & landscapes
This loop was born from a simple idea: to connect Trento’s most iconic climb, Monte Bondone, with another demanding ascent, Santa Barbara, within a single, complete alpine ride.
What makes it truly special is the constant change of scenery. In just one day, you move through high-altitude switchbacks, quiet valleys, vineyards, forests and lakes, with each section offering a different rhythm and perspective.
It’s a route that rewards control rather than aggression. The challenge is not in a single climb, but in the ability to manage effort, nutrition and focus from start to finish.
By the time you roll back into Trento, the feeling is clear: this is not just a ride, but a full journey through the essence of Trentino.
Service & contacts
Prestabici Workshop – Trento (start/finish point)
Phone support available and on-route assistance on request.
Recommended bikes for this route
© Prestabici Experience — Discover Trentino on two wheels
