The Kronplatz rises above the Ennberg Valley at an altitude of 2,275. Where once emperors were crowned according to the Fanes saga, today the industry’s most innovative products are put through their paces by the Design & Innovation Award testing team.
When you stand on the massive peak plateau of the Kronplatz or in one of the surrounding valleys, it’s hard not to feel humbled by the majestic, awe-inspiring mountains of the Dolomites, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But the more time you spend in this idyllic region with its dramatic landscape, varied trails and picturesque forests, the more you feel at home.
Beyond being a popular winter sport destination for tourists from all over the world, Kronplatz is well suited for summer riding holidays, with four gondola lifts running at full capacity to transport hikers and mountain bikers to the summit plateau. Once you step out of the gondola, you’ll be spoiled with perfect trails and, as in our case, excellent test conditions. And that’s why, for the fifth year in a row, the jury of the Design & Innovation Award chose the Kronplatz region to test, examine and discuss the products down to the smallest detail. No effort was spared!
Kronplatz offers a suitable trail for every rider and riding style. With its two variants dubbed ‘Hans’ and ‘Franz’, the Herrnsteig is the most challenging and demanding trail in the region. Dropping 1,300 metres in its 8 km route, it mercilessly reveals the weaknesses and strengths of the bikes and components. Made up of many different and varied sections, the Herrnsteig compresses all possible imaginable scenarios in one trail and thus provides the optimal conditions to push the bikes, components and riders to their limits. Fast root carpets follow challenging rock gardens. Tight switchbacks lead to steep chutes, nasty drops and jumps. If the equipment makes it to the bottom of the Herrnsteig in one piece, it will handle most of the world’s toughest trails. But the testing sessions are also tough on the riders, who spend long days in the saddle putting the materials through the wringer – and sometimes even get back to the hotel with a bruise or two.
If a new product makes it to the bottom of the Herrsteig in one piece, it will handle most of the toughest trails in the world.
But not all entries were designed to withstand the abuse of uncompromising trails such as the Herrnsteig. That’s what makes the Kronplatz the ideal testing-ground: thanks to a varied trail network, with trails dropping into the valley from the plateau on three of the four mountain faces, it offers the ideal conditions for in-depth testing of countless products. On man-made flow trails and natural singletracks, you can explore the numerous downhill variations, where the focus is clearly on trail fun. On the Crazy Bunny Trail, brave riders can clock up airmiles towards their captain’s licence, before winding through the 124 turns of the Furcia Trail without spinning the cranks even once. The flat Gassl Trail takes you to Olang in relaxed fashion and is therefore a good option for beginners.
If you don’t want to use one of the four gondola lifts and prefer to reach the summit solely with the power of your legs, you can test your fitness on one of the countless forest paths around the Kronplatz. The extra effort will be rewarded with a magnificent view as soon as you break through the tree line. And if you reach the summit without running out of breath, you’ll understand where the Kronplatz gets its name from: it’s the place where winners are crowned.
From beginners to pros, everyone finds their magic at the Kronplatz. A varied trail network offers the ideal conditions for the Design & Innovation Award testing team and everyone who wants to have fun on their bike, whether they’re riding DH or CX. On the large plateau with breathtaking 360° views, you can top up your adrenaline levels or simply chill-out and enjoy the views. If you’re looking for your next bike adventure, the Kronplatz is the right place.
Words: Photos: Valentin Rühl