Italy

2) Cimone

Monte Cimone is situated in the heart of the Appinino Modenese on the Emilia Romagna and Tuscany border.  There are 2 towns based on the side of Cimone that are linked to the network of MTB trails via the ski lifts. 

Sestola's main tourism comes from the winter season, although being a short winter season, in recent years this has led to the extended summer season.  Montecreto is a little more hidden, being nestled by beech and fir woods it feels a little more cut off than Sestola.  The ski lift in Montecreto is slightly out of town but this is not a problem as the fantastic singletrack(s) bring you back to the lift.

Nearest airport: Bologna (1 hour)

What does Monte Cimone have to offer?

Cross Country	Beginner & Intermediate
Downhill	Intermediate
Freeride	Beginner & Intermediate
Cable Car	-
Gondola	-
Chairlift	YES
Connected to	Shuttle bus from Pian del Falco to Passo de Lupo

The whole of Monte Cimone is littered with trails to ride and by using the lifts and shuttles you are able to cover a large area relatively easily by connecting up trails.    Cross Country bike riders however can explore a much greater area descending down to Fanano or Riolunto. Don't miss the annual Funky Day which marks the opening of the lifts for the season offering free foot and drink for everyone, (usually the first weekend in June). 

DOWNHILL
Riders on Downhill bikes are really restricted to the area directly above Sestola and Montecreto up to Pian Cavallaro where the cable car stops. There are two Downhill tracks in Sestola which run underneath the main lift.  These are where they hold a round of the National Series each year.  The old track, which was used up until 2004, is barely ridden now but is still good fun to ride.  It is tight and quite steep and will have your discs glowing on the turns.  Expect arm pump by the time you reach the bottom.  The newer course is all natural and takes a slightly more meandering path down the hill, traversing the ski piste a few times with more technical rooty sections with a few rocks thrown in under the trees either side of the piste.  The courses are quite short with a fast time being around 2 minutes.

FREERIDE
The area is lacking in man made northhore style sections or jumps to test more experienced riders.

CROSS-COUNTRY
There are several Cross Country loops which are marked on the trail map.  There is enough variety to satisfy everyone from beginner to expert.  The length and altitude gain of each lop is indicated on the map, making it easier to choose a trail suitable for your fitness level.  Technically the Cross Country is suitable for all ability levels with sections that will be a challenge for beginners and yet experts can still have a load of fun on.

Good access to trails directly from the lower lifts in Sestola and Montecreto with excellent singletrack suitable for all ability levels.  The Cross Country trails cover a wide variety of terrain, from open sections on higher slopes to tight singletrack in the wooded areas lower down. 

Summer Lifts Open	W/E only in June, July & September, everyday in August
Lift Opening Times	09.00 - 12.30 & 14:00 - 16:45 (always check)
Lift Prices	Day pass 19 € (includes use of shuttle bus)

 
Remember that the main lifts shut for lunch so go up to the highest slopes on the last lift for a long downhill.

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Website: mtbappennino.it