Bormio and the Stelvio Pass

Distance: 33km

Elevation: 810m D+

Climb(s): Bormio 2000 (2000m)

After arrival at the Funivia Hotel around 1500 we set up the bikes in the excellent bike workshop and head straight out and up to Bormio 2000. The climb starts right beside the hotel and is 8km long at an average of around 8%. So it is always a good test of how the legs are feeling. This is the first climb ticked off your list for the Epic Rides Challenge. 

Distance: 114km

Elevation: 2310m D+

Climb(s): Mortirolo (1856m)

The morning begins with a 25km warm up down the valley towards Grosio. We turn just before the town to head up one of the many routes of the Mortirolo. The way we climb allows excellent views of the valley. Yes, the climb has some very steep stretches, but these are interspersed with flatter sections allowing some recovery before reaching the top. 

After photos we then head southwest along an amazing stretch of road along the top of the mountain for around 10km. The road then descends to the outskirts of Tirano and joins back on the valley road which takes us all the way back up to Bormio. 

Distance: 73km

Elevation: 2020m D+

Climb(s): Monte (1612m), Fumero (1486m), Oga Fort (1750m)

Today is dead end climbs day. Three fantastic quiet climbs ticked off your Epic Rides challenge. We start with the climb to Monte after a 7km warm up out of Bormio. The climb is 5.4km long at an average gradient of 9.1%. Short and steep! 

Once we’ve enjoyed the views of the Bormio valley from the summit we drop down and ride another 10km to the foot of the climb to Fumero. This lovely village sits at 1496m and gives views back over the high valley. 

Our final climb of the day departs from just outside Bormio. After descending from Fumero we spin the bikes back up the valley road to Santa Lucia to climb to Oga Fort. The gradient is steady and there are some great hairpins to winch us up to the WW1 fort and 360 degree views of the surrounding mountains. 

Distance: 100km

Elevation: 3320m D+

Climb(s):  Umbrail (2503m) Stelvio (2758m)

The legs had better be ready! We leave Bormio and almost immediately start climbing on the long road up to the Umbrail pass. Whilst the less “famous” side of the Stelvio, this climb has got everything - forested stretches, rock tunnels, steep pitches, fabulous hairpins, impressive waterfalls, and even a flattish section - all leading you up to the junction to the Umbrail Pass and the road to Switzerland. 

This is quite simply one of the greatest descents you will ever ride. Perfectly engineered, taking you from the barren heights right down to the Mustair valley where we will cross back into Italy. The road takes us around to Prato from where we’ll climb the iconic 48 numbered hairpins of the Stelvio Pass to take us back over into Bormio. Depending on the weather we’ll spend some time at the top of the Stelvio to ensure that you can take in the majesty of this giant climb.

The descent seems to go on forever, transporting you from the snow covered peaks, right back through the alpine meadows and rock tunnels to the welcome sight of the Bormio town sign and our hotel.

Distance: 68km

Elevation: 1800m D+

Climbs: Strada dei Forni (2166m) Torri di Fraele (1945m)

An easier day today, checking off a couple more climbs towards your Epic Rides challenge. We firstly head out east to Santa Caterina and the Strado di Forni climb. The slope is never too steep up to the village (where the Gavia pass also starts), but after leaving the last houses behind the road really kicks up. The last 4km is at almost 10% - but so worth the effort when you reach the refuge at 2176m. The Forni glacier dominates the climb which is also framed by 13 peaks. 

You then head back down the way you came, through Bormio, and begin the climb up to Lago di Cancano. This climb is true hairpin heaven. The easier gradient also allows you to relax a little and take in the views as you switch back and forth up to the Torre di Fraele. Passing through these historic towers you reach the lake of Cancano and its magnificent dams. 

All that’s left is to descend back to the hotel to rest up for your final day. 

Distance: 107km

Elevation: 2970m D+

Climbs: Mortirolo (1856m) Gavia (2618m)

This final day’s ride is on two of the most incredible climbs in the alps. The Mortirolo and Gavia are unlike most of the climbs you will have ever experienced. It is as though the ancient goats tracks have been asphalted, but not widened. The route clings to the hillside, like someone has draped a piece of spaghetti over the mountain. 

There is the choice today of taking the “easier” climb of the Mortirolo (as we did earlier in the week), or what is known as the “bastard” route up the mountain. Both routes end at the same place and you can choose depending on how your legs are feeling on the day. 

The descent down the Mortirolo is on a similar narrow “goat track”, and eventually leads to Ponte di Legno where the Gavia (The Lady of the Peaks) awaits. This final climb of the week is one to savour. It climbs through the larch and pine forests winding back and forth, before breaking out into stunning alpine slopes, with goats, sheep, horses and cows for company. Later the route leaves almost all life behind, and there are only the whistles of the marmottes for company. The climb tops out at 2618m and thankfully the refuge awaits with excellent cakes and coffee. You then descend all the way back to Bormio, 25km of bliss. 

We pack the bikes up this evening and really celebrate the incredible achievements of the week. 

After a final breakfast we will say our goodbyes and you will transfer back to the airport in Bergamo.