Jof di Sompdogna

At the end of Val Saisera near Tarvisio, an adventurous all-mountain tour with a partly selective trail descent in the middle of the Julian Alps awaits.

Description

The mountain bike tour begins in Val Saisera, near Valbruna, a valley that has been upgraded for tourism by the Giro d'Italia. From there, the route heads south on asphalt, past the former military area of the Polveriera, and then steadily uphill on a military road on gravel to the Rifugio Fratelli Grego. Breathtaking views are already offered here, which you can rarely enjoy during an uphill.

After a short descent from the Rifugio, a crisp counter-climb follows up to Sella Somdogna. At the saddle itself, the bike is pushed or carried south along the ridge to the summit of Jof di Sompdogna on Sentiero 610. Most of the uphill is easy to manage, only the last few meters just before the military positions are more challenging.

From the summit, there is a breathtaking panorama over the Val Dogna, the Val Saisera and southwards to the Jof di Montasio and Cima di Terrarossa. The subsequent trail descent is challenging and sometimes very exposed, with difficulties between S2 and S3 in the upper section. Below the rock faces, the trail crosses Sentieri 610 and 652, which ride to Bivacco Barlo e Giani Stuparich. This high-level trail is characterized by a few counter-climbs and downhill sequences, most of which are rated S2.

A particularly challenging section follows, where the bike sometimes has to be pushed off, here difficulties of S3 to S4 are to be expected. You then reach a crossroads where hiking trails 611 and 639 fork. Sentiero 639, which is a little bumpy at the start and partly runs alongside a stream bed, can be diverted after heavy rain or extreme events, as streams can become blocked in the limestone. The path then becomes easier and finally runs to the valley floor with difficulties between S1 and S2.

The tour ends with a short gravel transfer at Malga Saisera and rides back to the starting point on the valley paths with difficulty S2. This tour in the Julian Alps is typical of Friuli and offers a highlight for anyone who is prepared to carry their bike for a short time on a downhill. Especially in spring, you shouldn't underestimate the remnants of snow north of Jof di Montasio.

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