As every year, the time has come to take stock of the situation William Basil, the project's key figure Val di Fassa Bike.
I have followed the rapid evolution of this valley since the beginning, verifying how, in a reality like that of Trentino, tourism is something to be organize in an industrial way, imagining a path of constant growth, made of promotion, infrastructure and quality of experience.
Hi William, 2025 is coming to a close: can we say it was another year of growth?
Yes, we are very happy. It was a positive summer, with a significant increase in trail traffic and a significant increase in tourists from outside Europe.
This confirms that the direction taken – combining international events and collaboration with Trentino Marketing – is producing concrete results.
Numbers are important in today's tourism. Do you use systems to monitor trails?
Yes, we have been using it for several years passage counter positioned at strategic points.
They allow us to understand which trails are most popular, to plan maintenance and to better manage time flows. Furthermore, by analyzing the directions of travel of the sellaronda, we can also optimize the distribution of overnight stays and services.
You were talking about foreign tourists: what kind of visitor comes to Val di Fassa?
He's a tourist experientialHe has good riding technique, but is looking for a complete experience: riding, excursions, typical products, relaxation.
The "one-track" biker who only thinks about pedaling to the point of exhaustion is almost gone: today, the mountain is experienced 360 degrees. This is why a model of integration among all tourism stakeholders is essential.
How has the world of MTB evolved over the years?
He's grown a lot.
Riders are more aware, trail builders are more trained, and resorts have learned to design more sustainably.
At first, we were just a group of guys clearing trails so we could ride. Then, with the arrival of the first races and the support of industry professionals, we understood how important it was. a technical and open approach.
You've gone through the transition from "enthusiast" to professional. How has your work changed?
I still remember the first EWS hosted here: it was a shock.
We had traced lines that we thought were difficult, but the pro riders invented new ones, unthinkable for us.
From there we understood that a trail builder must observe, listen and learn from the way the riders drive.
Today we have a company with 8 employees and we continue to grow.
How has the level of riders changed over time?
He got up a lot.
The professionals are pushing harder and harder, but above all it is the medium level to have grown up: today it is rare to see bikers disheveled or in difficulty.
MTB schools have done an incredible job, training young people to ride properly from a young age.
This means, however, that when we trace a trail, we have to take into account increasingly capable riders, otherwise the route is not very fun and loses its appeal.
And in the e-bike world?
It's the other side of the coin, in fact, if there is a segment that has refined its technical skills, with the evolution of the electric world, many enthusiasts who instead have lower technical and physical skills have approached it, and when designing trails, this segment of the market must also be taken into account.
Looking ahead: what are your plans for the future?
We are working on several fronts.
On one side we are expanding the Bike District and we strengthen the service of bike patrol, on the other hand we push hard on the project experiential of the valley.
Not just trails, but a valley to be experienced in every aspect. We are completing the cycle path from Alba di Canazei to Molina di Fiemme and, in the Canazei-Campitello stretch, we managed to separate pedestrians and bikers.
A first step that we consider strategic for the years to come.
Conclusion
Val di Fassa confirms its position as one of the most dynamic regions in the Alpine panorama.
The results are not random: they are the fruit of programming, passion and competence, the formula that makes this valley a model for modern bike tourism.
