Shakedown Ride - Local Loop to check out your bike's health and to acclimatise to our new surroundings

Torri di Fraele

(8.8 km | 600m elevation | 6.8% avg gradient)

Often called the “Mini Stelvio” for its 18 stunning switchbacks, Torri di Fraele is a breathtaking yet accessible climb just outside Bormio. The road winds through a dramatic rock face, offering panoramic views of the valley below. Near the top, you'll pass through two ancient stone towers—the Torri di Fraele, once part of a medieval fortress guarding the region.

The ride doesn’t stop at the towers; beyond them, a spectacular gravel road leads to the Lago di Cancano, a pristine alpine lake surrounded by towering peaks. It’s a climb that balances beauty with a rewarding challenge.

Bormio 2000

(9.5 km | 730m elevation | 7.5% avg gradient)

A local favorite, Bormio 2000 is a steady but demanding climb to the famous ski station above town. The road is wide and smooth, offering stunning views of Bormio and the surrounding mountains. The final kilometers steepen slightly, making for a strong finish at the resort, where you can enjoy a well-earned espresso with a spectacular alpine backdrop.

Both climbs are perfect for warming up the legs or for a rewarding ride on a rest day—challenging yet not brutal, with unforgettable scenery. 🚴‍♂️⛰️

Passo dello Stelvio (2,757m) is the ultimate challenge for cyclists, a legendary climb with breathtaking scenery, relentless switchbacks, and a deep history in the Giro d’Italia. Riding all three sides in one epic day is a bucket-list achievement, pushing both body and mind to the limit. Choose one or if you are up for the challenge, all three sides in one day.

Climb 1. The Bormio Side

⛰️ Climb Length: 21.5 km | 🗻 Summit Elevation: 1,533m | ⚡ Avg Gradient: 7.1%

Starting from Bormio, the ascent winds through tunnels, waterfalls, and alpine meadows. The road carves its way up through 40 hairpins, offering stunning views of the Ortler Alps. The famous Braunschweig Curve signals the final stretch before reaching the summit.

Climb 2. The Prato Allo Stelvio Side

⛰️ Climb Length: 24.3 km | 🗻 Summit Elevation: 1,808m | ⚡ Avg Gradient: 7.4%

Perhaps the most iconic, this climb features 48 numbered switchbacks, each offering a sense of progress. The lower slopes are gentle, but the final 10 km are relentless, testing endurance and mental strength as you climb into the high alpine terrain.

Climb 3. The Swiss Side from Santa Maria

⛰️ Climb Length: 13.4 km | 🗻 Summit Elevation: 1,091m | ⚡ Avg Gradient: 8.1%

The steepest of the three, this ascent from Val Müstair, Switzerland, is a hidden gem. The climb kicks up immediately and remains challenging throughout, twisting through rugged landscapes before merging with the Bormio side for the final push.

Three Sides, One Day – The Ultimate Stelvio Challenge

Riding all three sides in a single day means over 59 km of climbing and 4,400m of elevation gain, making this one of the most grueling yet rewarding feats in cycling. The combination of dramatic landscapes, history, and the pure challenge of Stelvio makes this an unforgettable experience. 🚴‍♂️🔥

Passo del Mortirolo

(12.4 km | 1,300m elevation | 10.5% avg gradient)

Feared and revered, Mortirolo is one of the hardest climbs in professional cycling. Starting from Mazzo di Valtellina, the road kicks up immediately, offering no respite. With relentless double-digit gradients, narrow forested switchbacks, and an eerie silence, this climb is as much a mental battle as a physical one.

The infamous Pantani Monument at 8 km marks a moment of inspiration, commemorating Marco Pantani’s legendary 1994 attack in the Giro d’Italia. The final stretch remains brutally steep, rewarding riders with a sense of pure accomplishment at the summit.

Passo Gavia

(17.3 km | 1,363m elevation | 8% avg gradient)

A high-altitude masterpiece, Passo Gavia (2,621m) is a stunning yet challenging ascent. From Ponte di Legno, the road climbs steadily through alpine meadows before narrowing into a dramatic, exposed section with sheer drops and breathtaking views.

The higher you go, the wilder it becomes—expect unpredictable weather, lingering snow walls, and an eerie, desolate beauty. The final push past Lago Bianco leads to the summit, where history and raw nature collide. Gavia is a true test of endurance and a must-ride for those seeking cycling’s greatest adventures. 🚴‍♂️⛰️🔥

Passo del Bernina

(33.5 km | 1,877m elevation | 7.5% avg gradient)

Straddling the border between Italy and Switzerland, Passo del Bernina (2,328m) is a high-altitude masterpiece. Starting from Tirano, the road climbs steadily, passing alpine villages, glacial rivers, and the famous Bernina Express railway—Europe’s highest railway line. The final stretch opens up to stunning views of the Morteratsch Glacier before reaching the summit, where the Lago Bianco and towering peaks create an unforgettable backdrop.

Passo Forcola di Livigno

(6.7 km | 442m elevation | 6.6% avg gradient)

A lesser-known but beautiful climb, Passo Forcola di Livigno (2,315m) connects Switzerland to Italy’s famous tax-free cycling haven, Livigno. Often tackled after Bernina, this short but scenic ascent offers stunning high-alpine views and rolling terrain before descending into Livigno’s picturesque valley.

Passo Eira

(4.5 km | 278m elevation | 6.2% avg gradient)

A gentle climb out of Livigno, Passo Eira (2,208m) is an underrated ascent that leads to some of the best riding in the region. With smooth tarmac and expansive valley views, it’s a perfect warm-up before tackling the next big climb.

Passo Foscagno

(15.5 km | 933m elevation | 6% avg gradient)

A long, steady climb that connects Livigno to Bormio, Passo Foscagno (2,291m) offers a mix of switchbacks, alpine meadows, and panoramic views. The climb’s steady gradient makes it an enjoyable yet challenging ascent, often used in major cycling tours. The summit features a customs checkpoint, marking the exit from Livigno’s tax-free zone, before a thrilling descent back into the heart of Valtellina.

The Ultimate Alpine Loop

Tackling all four of these climbs in a single ride delivers over 2,500m of elevation, breathtaking scenery, and a true sense of adventure—an unforgettable experience in the high Alps. 🚴‍♂️🏔️

Rest day or enjoy the challenging Valle Spluga & Alpe Motta

(10 km | 850m elevation | 8.5% avg gradient)

Tucked away in the remote Valle Spluga, the climb to Alpe Motta (1,720m) is a stunning yet lesser-known ascent that rewards riders with breathtaking alpine landscapes and a peaceful, car-free experience.

Starting from Campodolcino, the road winds up through dense forests before emerging into an open valley with dramatic mountain views. The final stretch is steep and relentless, but the panoramic summit overlooking the Spluga Pass and Swiss Alps makes every pedal stroke worthwhile.

This climb was featured in the 2021 Giro d’Italia, where it served as the race’s final mountain showdown—proof of its demanding nature and spectacular beauty.

A Perfect Rest Day Alternative

For those looking to take it easy, Valle Spluga offers scenic, rolling terrain and access to charming mountain villages, making it a perfect option for an active rest day without the intensity of the high passes. 🚴‍♂️🏔️

Passo del Maloja

(32.5 km | 1,485m elevation | 4.4% avg gradient)

One of the most scenic and unique climbs in the Alps, Passo del Maloja (1,815m) connects the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland with the breathtaking Engadin Valley. Unlike the typical hairpin-filled ascents of the Dolomites, Maloja’s climb from Chiavenna is long and steady, gradually gaining altitude along lush valleys and alpine lakes.

The final kilometers, however, deliver a dramatic twist—a spectacular series of hairpins stacked tightly against the mountain—making for an unforgettable climb and an exhilarating descent. The summit welcomes you with stunning views of Lake Sils and the high alpine plateau leading toward St. Moritz.

Berninapass

(23 km | 1,828m elevation | 7.5% avg gradient)

A true high-mountain classic, Berninapass (2,328m) is one of Switzerland’s most beautiful and rewarding climbs. The ascent from Pontresina offers a steady but challenging gradient, climbing through wide-open alpine landscapes with snow-capped peaks dominating the horizon.

A highlight of the climb is riding alongside the Bernina Express railway, the highest rail crossing in Europe, with red carriages weaving through the mountains. The summit, flanked by the Morteratsch Glacier and Lago Bianco, is one of the most breathtaking locations in the Alps.

A Ride Through Two Countries

Combining Passo del Maloja and Berninapass in a single ride delivers an epic cross-border journey through Italy and Switzerland, blending stunning scenery, smooth roads, and two legendary Alpine passes in one unforgettable cycling adventure. 🚴‍♂️🏔️

Passo dello Spluga

(30.2 km | 1,780m elevation | 6.9% avg gradient)

Straddling the border between Italy and Switzerland, Passo dello Spluga (2,115m) is a hidden gem that delivers one of the most breathtaking and remote rides in the Alps.

Starting from Chiavenna, the climb unfolds in two distinct sections. The lower slopes meander through a deep valley, where towering rock walls and lush greenery create a dramatic atmosphere. Midway up, the road narrows, revealing a stunning series of stacked hairpins, reminiscent of a forgotten era of mountain travel.

The final stretch, after crossing into Switzerland, features high-alpine landscapes and an eerie, moon-like plateau before reaching the summit. The descent into the Swiss side—toward Splügen—offers fast, sweeping turns and breathtaking views of the Rheinwald Valley.

A Pure Alpine Experience

With little traffic, historic roads, and unforgettable switchbacks, Passo dello Spluga / Splügenpass is a must-ride for those seeking a challenging but rewarding climb far from the crowds. 🚴‍♂️🏔️

Transfer day - Welcome to Bellagio

Nestled at the tip of a promontory jutting into Lake Como, Bellagio boasts unparalleled shoreline and Alpine views. Add in boutique-lined cobblestone streets, Italian villas, and fragrant gardens, and it’s no secret why Bellagio is known as the Pearl of Lake Como.
Bellagio might be the most iconic destination on Lake Como. The picturesque village is home to scenic cobbled lanes and stairways lined with charming boutiques, gelato shops, cafes and restaurants – Salita Serbelloni is the most famous passageway. Bellagio is small enough to visit as a day trip, but its location between the lake’s two branches make it the ideal home base for exploring the surrounding region.
or
Take a beautiful leisurely bike ride down to the City of Como along the shores of the stunning Lago di Como.

Madonna di Ghisallo

(10.6 km | 552m elevation | 5.2% avg gradient)

A sacred place for cyclists, Madonna di Ghisallo (754m) is more than just a climb—it’s a pilgrimage. Starting from Bellagio, the road winds its way through charming villages and rolling hills before steepening in the final kilometers.

At the summit stands the Madonna di Ghisallo Chapel, dedicated to cyclists and filled with legendary memorabilia from the sport’s greatest champions. Adjacent to the chapel, the Cycling Museum showcases historic bikes, jerseys, and artifacts, making this a must-visit stop for any rider.

Colma di Sormano

(5.3 km | 487m elevation | 9.2% avg gradient)

For those seeking an extra challenge, Colma di Sormano (1,124m) offers a relentless climb through dense forests, leading to a stunning panoramic viewpoint over Lake Como.

For the truly brave, the infamous Muro di Sormano (1.9 km | 17% avg gradient) is an optional detour—a brutally steep wall of tarmac where legends have suffered.

Lombardy’s Cycling Heartbeat

Combining these climbs delivers an unforgettable mix of history, scenery, and pure cycling passion, making it a perfect way to cap off an Italian cycling adventure. 🚴‍♂️🇮🇹

A half-loop around the shimmering heart of Lake Como, where road and water dance in perfect harmony. Departing from Bellagio, the jewel perched delicately on the peninsula, we ride westward, tracing the lake’s sinuous edge as the morning light turns its surface to molten glass.

 The road to Como clings tightly to the shoreline, weaving through elegant towns and timeworn villages. Grand villas peek through wrought-iron gates, their gardens tumbling toward the water in bursts of lavender and olive. Fishermen wave from docks. Church bells echo across the bay. Every turn offers a new vista — mountains rising in silent majesty above the blue, reflections rippling like silk.

In Como, the lake’s southern tip hums with life. We pass under sycamores, beside bustling cafés and sailboats bobbing in the harbor, before turning eastward. Here, the tone shifts — the road grows quieter, more rural, with soft rollers that trace the foot of the Grigna mountains. The lake narrows, stretching into the eastern branch toward Lecco, and the breeze picks up, carrying with it the scent of pine, stone, and summer air.

 Lecco greets us with a wide, glassy inlet and mountain walls that press close — dramatic, raw, and
beautiful. We pause here, not just to refuel, but to soak in the hush of this place, where time seems to slow.

The final stretch northward completes the arc, gently lifting us back toward Bellagio, nestled between the arms of the lake like a closing note in a perfect refrain. The loop may be partial, but the experience feels
whole — a full immersion in beauty, culture, and the rhythmic pleasure of the road.

Today is not defined by gradients or heroics, but by its grace. A ride of pure pleasure — where every village is a painting, every breeze a whisper, and every kilometre a love letter from the lake itself.🚴‍♂️🇮🇹