What is the Asiago Loop?
The Asiago Loop is a roughly 200-kilometer bikepacking route that provides the opportunity for riders to traverse the most famous areas of the Asiago plateau using a mix of mule tracks from the great war, singletrack trails, forested gravel, and pastoral doubletrack roads.
The route begins and ends in the village of Asiago, the principal town of the area, which is located in the center of the plateau. The loop is comprised of two main sections: the northern area is characterized by karst phenomena and higher altitudes; and the southern area is more forested but full of nice views of the flatland and malghe, the region’s alpine pastures and farmland.
Is the Asiago Loop for Gravel?
As always, it depends! The Asiago Loop is not a technical route but it does contain rough sections. There is a longer hike-a-bike section for reaching the top of Monte Ortigara, but it’s definitely worth it. We recommend riding the loop with a hardtail Mtb but also a Monstercross is all right. Nevertheless, some of our friends rode it with a gravel bike with wide tyres with no problem. It always depends on the rider at the end!
When should I ride it?
The best season to ride the loop is in late spring or early autumn when there is really no one around. Pay attention that a lot of refugios and malgas are closed in this period. And also check the weather as it can make everything harder. Of course, riding it in summer is a good choice too. Usually, the snow in the upper part is too much to enjoy the loop till May.
What about wild camping?
Wild camping is not allowed in the entire Asiago Plateau area. If you must bivy for a night, pitch after sunset, leave before sunrise, and absolutely #leavenotrace. Stay clear of protected and delicate areas, especially near monuments. There are two camping areas not so far off the route: one in Roana (Camping Riviera) and one in Ekar (Camping Ekar).
A reasonable alternative to camping is the refugios along the way. Unfortunately, they are almost all in the northern section of the loop. They offer basic accommodation and traditional meals but require some planning ahead as they are often closed. It’s always better to call them for more information. Don’t trust their websites as they are not always updated.
What about food and water supplies?
Being in a karstic plateau, there’s really no water around and you’ll probably need to stop in refugios/bars or malgas to find/buy some. There are a lot of places to stop for some food along the way, just pay attention that from Rifugio Barricata (if it’s closed, from Rifugio Valmaron) to Malga Larici there is no place to eat or to drink anything. You will only find supermarkets in Roana and Asiago.
If you want to eat local and traditional food you should definitely go to a Malga. There are plenty of them along the way but not all are always open and some of them are not open to the public at all.