6 snow-free outdoor activities you can do in winter
Did you know that you can go hiking, climbing and mountain biking even in winter?
What would you say to a mountain biking tour? How about a hike in the woods or even crag climbing? You would probably think it had to wait until next spring, when the snow has melted and the mild temperatures have returned. But what if we told you that you could do all this even in winter?
After all, Trentino has a wide variety of areas with different landscapes, altitudes, and especially climates. The Garda area, for example, enjoys a year-round Mediterranean climate, which means cool summers and mild winters: ideal for outdoor activities even in December and January. Or, there is the Valsugana lakes area, which lets you go on beautiful walks without needing snowshoes or crampons.
Here are some ideas for some outdoor activities, off season!
A low-altitude hike
In the Lake Garda area there are many excursions that you can do even in winter: one of these is the medium-difficulty loop trail that stretches from Massone up through the Ir Valley to the Pezol Belvedere. From here the view includes most of the lake and the villages of Arco, Torbole and Riva del Garda, divided by Monte Brione. The trial has excellent exposure to the sun despite mainly running through woods, thus making it perfect even in the colder months.
Crag climbing
If you love climbing, the Garda area also allows you to enjoy the sport in winter! In the Valle della Sarca and Valle dei Laghi, for example, you can continue climbing the sunny rocks even between one year and another.
How about a ride on a mountain bike?
Still in the Lake Garda area, even in winter you can enjoy a bike ride. In this case we recommend a circular tour near Arco that is characterized by its short length, few meters of altitude difference and the beauty of the landscape.
Or do you prefer road bike?
If you prefer the road to the dirt, we recommend this itinerary accessible to everyone, which allows you to explore the area of Lake Cavedine. A flat, short, pleasant tour, mostly on a cycle path and an opportunity to observe up close the vastness of the Marocche di Dro Nature Reserve.
A walk by the lake
Let’s move from the Garda area to Valsugana, where we find the Levico and Caldonazzo lakes. Among the many walks you can enjoy in this area, we recommend the Fishermen’s Trail, along the banks of Lake Levico. It is an easy walk lasting about one hour, which you can do even in the cold months.
Explore the artworks at Arte Sella
The last suggestion, also in Valsugana (Val di Sella to be precise) does not have much to do with sport, but we feel we should include it anyway, as it is a highly worthwhile experience. Arte Sella is an open-air art gallery where you can browse land-art works by artists from all over the world. The whole route takes about an hour and a half.
