Alpine Pass Challenge
Conquer the iconic alpine passes of Stelvio and Gavia
Enjoy a warm-up ride through the beautiful Laghi di Cancano
Stay in cozy accommodations and indulge in delicious local cuisine
Extend your trip by one more day and tackle the notoriously tough Mortirolo Pass
Itinerary
Upon arriving in Bormio, you’ll set out on a warm-up ride to Laghi di Cancano. This picturesque route will activate your legs for the following days and prepare you for the climbs ahead.
30km, 750m elevation gain
Hotel in Bormio
Today’s challenge is the legendary Stelvio Pass, a climb that every serious cyclist must experience at least once in their lifetime. With its stunning views and challenging gradients, this climb is a true test of your endurance, but the reward of reaching the top and taking in the incredible panoramic views is worth every ounce of effort. After a well-deserved break, descend back to Bormio and spend your evening relaxing.
43km, 1540m elevation gain
Hotel in Bormio
Prepare yourself for an invigorating ascent up Passo Gavia, which presents a real test of endurance. The climb boasts magnificent panoramas of the encircling mountains and valleys, and once you have reached the peak, make sure to take a moment to relish in the surrounding magnificence before embarking on the descent back down to Bormio.
50km, 1430m elevation gain
Hotel in Bormio
As your beautiful cycling escapade in the Dolomites draws to a close, pause for a moment to remember the remarkable sights of this beautiful Italian mountain range. It is time to bid farewell to the demanding ascents, staggering panoramas, and winding roads of the Italian landscape.
For those who are up for an extra challenge, extend your trip by one more day and tackle the infamous Mortirolo Pass. Known as one of the toughest climbs in Europe, this ascent offers a true test of your cycling abilities. With gradients reaching up to 18%, you’ll need to dig deep to conquer this climb, but the sense of achievement at the top is unparalleled.
Not enough? Why not spend a few more days here! Extend your holidays with a pre- or post-holiday extension. Accommodation, sightseeing, and activities can be arranged. Add as many extra days to your holiday as you wish.
Not enough? Why not spend a few more days here! Extend your holidays with a pre- or post-holiday extension. Accommodation, sightseeing, and activities can be arranged. Add as many extra days to your holiday as you wish.
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Self guided
Included in price
Optional Extras
Everything You Need to Know Before Your Trip to Italy
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Description
Welcome to the ultimate cycling adventure in the heart of the Italian Alps! Begin your journey by arriving in the charming town of Bormio, where you’ll have the option to cycle a warm-up tour called Laghi di Cancano, covering 30 kilometers and 750 meters of elevation. This is the perfect way to get your legs warmed up before the real challenge begins.
Get ready to conquer the most famous climb in the Dolomites – the Stelvio Pass. With its stunning views and challenging gradients, this 2,757-meter climb is the second-highest pass in the Alps and is a must-do for any serious cyclist.
Next, it’s time to take on the Passo Gavia – another epic climb that will test your limits and reward you with breathtaking views after you gain 1363 altitude meters over the course of 17.3 kilometers.
And if you’re up for an extra challenge, you can choose to extend your trip by one more day and tackle the Mortirolo Pass, known as one of the toughest climbs in Europe.
Throughout your journey, you’ll have the chance to experience the local culture and cuisine, stay in cozy accommodations, and enjoy delicious meals. And with our professional guidance, you can focus on the ride and leave the logistics to us.
Map
Average weather forecast
JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | JUL | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
High (°F) | 43 | 48 | 57 | 63 | 72 | 79 | 84 | 82 | 75 | 64 | 52 | 43 |
Low (°F) | 30 | 32 | 39 | 45 | 54 | 59 | 64 | 64 | 57 | 48 | 39 | 32 |
Rain (in) | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | JUL | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
High (°C) | 6 | 9 | 14 | 17 | 22 | 26 | 29 | 28 | 24 | 18 | 11 | 6 |
Low (°C) | -1 | 0 | 4 | 7 | 12 | 15 | 18 | 18 | 14 | 9 | 4 | 0 |
Rain (mm) | 59 | 49 | 65 | 75 | 95 | 67 | 66 | 89 | 93 | 122 | 76 | 61 |
Start planning today!
Things to know
Our priority is to find the ideal accommodation that suits your needs. We collaborate with several lodging providers that meet our criteria, but please note that availability can be limited, particularly during peak seasons. Furthermore, we can tailor your holiday to align with your preferences and budget, and are committed to finding a more suitable alternative that matches your taste.
Our tours are categorized into three difficulty levels: leisurely, moderate, and challenging. Although each may include both easier and more demanding days, our rating system reflects the average difficulty level for a typical day.
Leisurely tours take place primarily on flat, paved cycling paths, asphalt roads, or easy gravel tracks, and they are suitable for all fitness levels.
Moderate tours may include some uphill climbs or technically more demanding terrain, but they are manageable for individuals of average fitness.
Challenging tours entail either long distances and numerous climbs or technical terrain, possibly featuring downhill sections requiring proficiency with a mountain bike.
Our tours can be adapted to any bike type, whether road, gravel, or mountain bike. We are in constant communication with you to find the optimal conditions for your cycling holidays in Italy.
The most versatile option is a gravel bike, even if you are coming on a road cycling holiday. It does not really affect your road performance while allowing you to take some scenic backroads that can be in a slightly worse state than the main ones. A gravel bike is usually more comfortable as well.
If you are not bringing your own bike and equipment, we can certainly arrange that for you. We have a wide selection of bikes at our disposal and we will choose the ones that best fit your tour. All we need from you is your usual bike size and any other relevant information or preferences so we can make sure you will be comfortable throughout your trip.
The availability of food options in Italy depends on the extent of your dietary restrictions. While it is relatively easy to find vegetarian dishes, locating vegan meals can be challenging, particularly in smaller towns and rural areas. Additionally, the traditional lunch stops we make may have limited ability to accommodate special requests beyond their standard menu. We recommend considering this when planning your meals.
To ensure availability, we advise booking your tour as early as possible. Our tours typically pass through highly popular tourist destinations where lodging options are restricted. Many of these desirable locations become fully booked for the summer season well in advance, often filling up by spring.