The 5 best classic Transalp crossings by mountain bike

Dreamy passes on classic North-South MTB routes from Germany to Italy

What actually makes a Transalp? The journey is the destination—and that journey consists of multiple stages, each crossing different routes and mountain passes. This is exactly where it’s decided whether an Alpine crossing is “good” or truly unforgettable. Long climbs, hike-a-bike sections, spectacular scenery and, above all, the descents—this is what real Transalp experiences are made of.

Here are five of the best classic crossings you should definitely include in a Transalp at some point. Including a little insider tip you shouldn’t overlook.

1. Fimber Pass – Trail variety and high-alpine vibes

Region: Silvretta / Samnaun Group
Elevation: 2,608 m
Vertical gain: approx. 700–1,400 m (depending on the variant and lift use)
Difficulty: mostly S2, partly high-alpine with loose ground

The Fimber Pass is one of the most varied crossings out there. The classic route starts from Ischgl via the Heidelberger Hut—a solid, but fairly traditional option. It gets much more exciting with lift support in Ischgl and then variants via Salaaser Kopf and Fuorcla Val Gronda. Here you’ll find dream singletracks that lead straight into high-alpine terrain.

The descent towards the Engadin is long, alpine, and demands focus—exactly what you expect from a Transalp.

Bonus: The famous suspension bridge trail further down offers a varied extension for good trail riders (S3 sections).

2. Madritschjoch – the highest classic crossing of the Eastern Alps

Region: Ortler Group
Elevation: 3,123 m
Vertical gain: approx. 800 m from the cable car top station
Difficulty: lots of S2 but also S3 and S4 sections; uphill, most people will need to push

The Madritschjoch is one of the highest rideable crossings in the Alps. However, ‘rideable’ is relative; the ascent in particular is extremely steep, and most people have to push here. But this gives you more time to enjoy the fantastic panorama with Königsspitze and Ortler. The descent starts immediately with a short S3-S4 section but then quickly becomes easier again. However, there are always sections in the S3 range with individual S4 spots. So, if you want to ride 100%, you need very good technique, partly to protect your equipment (derailleur) and partly because you should not risk a fall in this high-alpine region. Between the key sections, however, it is super flowy, and most of the descent is in the S2 range. The Madritschjoch is an absolute must-do for every Alpine crosser and also offers endless flowy trails in the lower part of the descent when riding down into the Vinschgau valley.

In summary: The descent is demanding and technical, not for beginners, but an absolute highlight for experienced bikers. The Madritschjoch is also the highest point of our E-Enduro Transalp.

3. Pfunderer Joch – The Transalp classic

Region: Zillertal Alps
Elevation: 2,568 m
Vertical gain: approx. 1,300 m
Difficulty: S2–S3

The Pfunderer Joch is probably THE classic Transalp crossing. It is the most logical and elegant connection between the Zillertal Alps, coming from the Pfitscher Joch or the Brenner mountains, and the Dolomites. The ascent from the secluded Pfitschertal is long and beautiful, with a great uphill trail in the upper part. The descent has everything from super flow to some hairpin bends. If the crossing was too easy for you, you can continue over the Eisbruggjoch (S4) shortly before the village of Pfunds. (An overnight stay at the Gampielalm is highly recommended). Most, however, ride from here to Bruneck and continue over the Kronplatz into the Dolomites.

4. Montozzo Scharte – Flow and history

Region: Ortler Group / Tonale
Elevation: 2,613 m
Vertical gain: approx. 900–1,200 m
Difficulty: S2

The Montozzo Scharte is a classic often bypassed via Passo Tonale. Historic military roads from World War I meet flowy trails here, offering a perfect blend of riding fun and alpine scenery. You wind your way from the cheese-making village of Case di Viso on an old military road up to Rifugio Bozzi. From there, you push for 20 minutes to the saddle. The descent to the deep blue Lago Pian Palù is an absolute scenic and trail highlight. It starts super fast in the S1 range at the top and then leads over varied technical S2+ sections down to the lakeshore.

Ideal as a connecting pass from the Ortler region to the Brenta and significantly smoother to ride than many high-alpine crossings, this pass is an integral part of our Classic Transalp.

5. Similaun Hut – The extreme classic

Region: Ötztal Alps
Elevation: approx. 3,000 m
Vertical gain: approx. 1,300 m from Vent
Difficulty: S3–S4, extremely alpine

The crossing via the Similaunhütte is not for the faint of heart, but with the impressive panorama of the Ötztal glacier world and the challenging trails, it’s a dream tour for experienced bikers. Up to the Martin Busch Hütte, it’s a gravel path, and from there, it continues on a trail. For strong (or motorized) bikers, almost everything is rideable. From the highest point, the Similaunhütte, you descend almost continuously for 300 vertical meters in the S4 range. For most, this is a pushing section. After that, however, the hard part is over, and there’s still plenty of S2 trail before you have to decide whether to ride down into the Vinschgau valley or ascend again to the Eisjöchl (our tip).

Anyone who rides over here is a true Transalp Adventure Biker.

Bonus tip: Valbella – Secluded and underestimated

Region: Engadin / Sesvenna Group
Elevation: approx. 2,600 m
Vertical gain: approx. 1,000–1,300 m
Difficulty: S2

Valbella is the insider tip among Transalp crossings. Less known, significantly quieter, and with incredibly beautiful trails. The connection between Passo Costainas and Ofenpass offers everything you could wish for: nature, solitude, and super flowy sections. A 5-star trail that is easily overlooked.

Perfect for anyone who wants to do the best variations of the classics.

Conclusion: The perfect Transalp is the right combination

Each of these crossings has its own character—from flowy to extremely alpine. The art of a great Transalp is combining them smartly and tailoring them to your own level.

👉 If you don’t want to plan the Transalp yourself or you’re looking for a perfectly tailored route, you’ll find all the info on our Alpencross tours here:
Transalp tours & Alpine crossings by mountain bike

🚵‍♂️ How to get the most out of your Alpine adventure.