Road


Climbs


Alternative Route

MONTE BONDONE

GARNIGA & RETURN

An alternative climb from Garniga to the Viote del Bondone, with a direct return to Trento: quieter, scenic and perfect for a more technical ride.

Monte Bondone variant via Garniga • GPX available on Komoot • Recommended: road bike or gravel bike

Torbole e Lago di Garda
THE ROUTE

THE SCENIC SIDE OF MONTE BONDONE

This variant follows the Garniga side, a quieter and greener stretch leading up to the Viote del Bondone, offering wide views and a steady rhythm. The descent back to Trento completes the ride with a direct and fast return.

It’s the perfect choice for those looking for:

  • an alternative climb to the classic Bondone route,

  • a more technical training ride,

  • a more focused and scenic route compared to longer loops.

 

 

 

KEY FACTS
DISTANCE
~72 km
ELEVATION GAIN
~+1800 m
MAIN CLIMB
Garniga → Viote del Bondone
Less traffic alternative
DIFFICULTY
Challenging
DURATION
4–6 hours
with breaks
RECOMMENDED BIKE
Performance Road Bike
SEASON
April – October
START
Prestabici Trento
FINISH
Prestabici Trento
RECOMMENDED STOPS

STRATEGIC POINTS ALONG THE ROUTE

Garniga Vecchia

The starting point of the alternative climb, surrounded by greenery and with minimal traffic.

Viote del Bondone

An ideal scenic stop for a short break, photos, and refuelling before the descent.

 

Return to Trento

A technical but smooth descent, ideal for maintaining speed and control on paved roads.

Gallery

Scenic highlights along the route

Checklist

What to bring

  • Helmet, light gloves, wind vest / rain jacket (weather can change quickly at altitude)

  • Light warm layer (arm warmers or a light jacket) for the descent via Garniga

  • 2 water bottles + snacks/energy bars (long climb)

  • Repair kit (inner tube, tire levers, mini pump/CO₂)

  • Lights/phone + power bank (useful if using Komoot)

  • ID + cash/card for stops along the route

  • (Optional) Sunscreen: you’ll often ride in direct sun even when it feels cool

 

TIMING & PLANNING

When to go & how to prepare

Best season: spring to early autumn. Morning starts are recommended, especially on weekends.

  • Pacing strategy: the climb from Garniga requires good legs and effective energy management.

  • Mountain weather: often cooler than in the valley → a wind vest is recommended.

  • Descents: pay attention to pace, especially on technical sections towards Trento.

 

POINTS OF INTEREST

What to expect along the route

  • Garniga climb: steady but sustained gradient, ideal for pacing and threshold effort

  • Intermediate forest sections: narrower, low-traffic roads compared to the classic route, generally good surface but watch for changing light and visibility

  • Viote del Bondone (altitude): key refuelling point before the descent, elevation already selective

  • Final panoramic ridge: more exposed section, with possible crosswinds

  • Descent towards Trento: fast and technical, with wide curves alternating with tighter sections → requires good control and clean line choice

 

INSIGHTS

Stories & landscape

The Garniga side represents a more technical and less trafficked alternative for climbing Monte Bondone. Compared to the classic ascent, this route is more contained, with sections through forest and a steady progression that allows for consistent pacing and effective effort management.

The climb reaches the Viote del Bondone, an open and panoramic plateau, before the direct descent back to Trento.

This variant is highly appreciated by local riders for:

  • low traffic

  • consistent gradient

  • generally good road surface

  • a technical yet flowing descent

An ideal option for those looking to approach Monte Bondone in a different way — more focused and less “mainstream”.

 

SUPPORT

Service & contacts

  • Prestabici Workshop – Trento (start & finish location)

Phone support available, with on-route assistance provided upon request.

 

BOOKING

Recommended bikes for this route

Road Bike
The ideal choice for Monte Bondone: performance and pure climbing feeling on an iconic ascent.
Gravel
A comfortable and versatile alternative: perfect if you want more comfort without compromising the ride.
E-Trekking
Comfort option: enjoy the ride at your own pace and take in the views, even without high fitness levels.

© Prestabici Experience — Discover Trentino on two wheels