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Val di Fassa MTB: the balance of a historic 2024

2024 proved to be a crucial year for Val di Fassa, which hosted the Enduro World Championship for the first time, consolidating its leading role in the world of off-road mountain biking and further strengthening Italy as a venue for internationally prestigious events.


We had the opportunity to speak with William Basilico, who told us how this event was the culmination of years of work and commitment by the Val di Fassa team.


Hi William, this 2024 has been a special year for enduro and for Val di Fassa. What is your opinion?

W: “Yes, I would say that it was year zero for enduro and a deserved recognition for our work. Val di Fassa represented the best of Italian organization and hospitality, demonstrating our ability to manage high-level events.”

How important was it to focus on events of this caliber to promote Val di Fassa?

W: “This year we have seen a 20% increase compared to the previous season, a sign of how much enthusiasts appreciate our product. Val di Fassa has a wilder and less 'tamed' nature compared to other bike parks with more fluid lines; therefore, major events such as the world championship help us to reach our specific audience.”

How important was it to focus on events of this caliber to promote Val di Fassa?

W: ” It certainly plays in our favor to be located in an area with a very strong tourist vocation. The Dolomites are known throughout the world, so from a certain point of view it was easier. However, this does not mean that the path was all downhill.

When years ago Enrico Guala had painted Val di Fassa as a destination outside the known destinations in the MTB panorama there was a certain dismay, but then we understood that he was right and that it was necessary to set up a serious and structured project.

Perhaps because ours is a mature and consolidated tourist land, at the beginning we had some resistance and before earning the trust of the local institutions we were put to the test. At the beginning we bet on ourselves and on our project in the first person.

But now even the institutions have understood the importance of the MTB product in the local tourist offer”

How would you describe your audience?

W: “Most of our visitors come from Switzerland, Germany and Austria. Recently, we have also started to collaborate with international tour operators, expanding our range of action.”

You have been working in this sector for many years, how has the two-wheeled tourism proposal changed over time.

When we started there were few truly structured realities and we still talked about bike parks and downhill as the most widespread format. Over time there has been a notable evolution, the consolidation of all mountain and enduro and the birth of the electric world have broadened the horizons. Added to this is the growing professionalism of tourist destinations. Even the most important ones have started to think about the Bike system, with structures and an offer that speaks to everyone, from DH to long Marathon tours. The concept of Bike park has generally been replaced by that of area, which encompasses different types of products.

So if I understand correctly it is no longer enough to arm yourself with a shovel and pickaxe and a lot of good will.

Yes, exactly. The public has become more demanding, the trails must be correctly designed, well managed and usable. Therefore, more and more professionalism is required from those involved in design and management.

Besides trails, what else is important for a bike destination?

W: “We need adequate infrastructure and services. For example, this year we introduced the Bike Patrol: a person who monitors the trails ensures compliance with the rules and, if necessary, manages first aid. It was a much-appreciated innovation and we plan to extend this service next year.”


Val di Fassa confirms itself as one of the most prestigious destinations for MTB in Italy, thanks to a long-term vision that combines international level events with innovative services and constant attention to the quality of the experience offered to bikers.



Written by

[email protected] Mountain bike travel editor and expert. Chiropractor and personal trainer, for years following some of the strongest national interpreters of enduro mtb.

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