The Dolomites need no introduction. Towering limestone giants, winding alpine roads, and forested trails that vanish into the clouds—the dream of any outdoor enthusiast. This part of the world is also the dramatic stage for one of the most promising new events on the bikepacking calendar: Sneak Peaks.
As the second edition of Sneak Peaks approaches, a sense of anticipation grows within the community. Starting in the first week of September, the event will lead riders into the raw, untouched wilderness of northern Italy, offering a carefully designed route that winds through some of the most astonishing and demanding terrain Europe has to offer.
A fair bit of elevation gain
The start and finish line of the event organized by Orbit360 is tucked into the grassy banks of Ahoi Minigolf, an odd but charming social hub in Bolzano. From there, riders can choose to embark on three routes: Entree (490 km with 17,000 m of elevation gain), Classic (780 km with 28,000 m of elevation gain), and Adventure (1,100 km with 40,000 m of elevation gain). There’s no time limit. No podium. Just you, your bike, and the Dolomites.
Each route takes you deeper into the mountains, each more remote and demanding than the previous one. The Adventure itinerary in particular features countless highlights but at a cost: 40,000 meters of elevation gain and 12 alpine checkpoints scattered across high mountain passes. It’s not for the faint of heart—but then again, neither are the others.
Thankfully, for those less obsessed with marginal gains, there’s the Party Pace Patrol. These rider-led groups will guide those taking on the Entree or Classic routes, keeping spirits high and pedals turning. “We’re leaving behind the rigid unsupported guidelines. Instead, we encourage you to forge connections, build meaningful friendships and push boundaries to another level,” states the event manifesto.
Linking refuges
The checkpoints themselves are a defining feature of the event. Set in traditional alpine Rifugi, they serve up more than just a stamp in your brevet card. They offer warm food, shelter from sudden storms, and a reminder that, despite the solitude of the ride, there are places where to meet fellow participants and share your experience until then.
Perhaps the biggest pre-ride debate centers around one decision: gravel bike or mountain bike? On paper, a gravel rig seems ideal—faster on smoother sections and efficient on long climbs. But the Dolomites are no place for assumptions. There’s real singletrack here, rock gardens, and descents that can punish even the most capable setups. A mountain bike might be the smarter choice for control and comfort, if you can handle the slower pace. We still haven’t made up our minds.
Getting ready for September
Last year’s inaugural edition was a baptism by storm. Unpredictable weather covered the already demanding tracks in snow. It was a challenge, no doubt, but also a clear statement of what this event is about: resilience, self-reliance, and the purest form of adventure.
This year, we’re hoping for more forgiving skies, though we know better than to expect comfort in the high mountains. That’s not why we come. We come for the push into the unknown, for the moments of solitude above the treeline, for the camaraderie found under a tarp during a thunderstorm, and for the stories that can only be written once you have gone through rough moments.
Sneak Peaks is an invitation to explore the edge of your limits in a place where nature still dictates the rules. And whether you tackle it on a mountain bike or a road bike, one thing is certain: the Dolomites will leave their mark on you. There are two weeks left to register, and it would be great to share some kilometers of this epic adventure with you.
