The Italian Alps and Dolomites are full of amazing climbs that need to be on your bucket list of rides to complete in your lifetime.
Passo dello Stelvio, Passo di Gavia, Passo Giau, Passo Falzarego, Valparola & Sella Ronda, which includes the passes of Campolongo, Pordoi, Sella & Gardena, should all make the cut.
Our most recent tour took in all of these iconic climbs and more, and what a magical week it was with a strong group of riders who completed every climb and every km. It takes pre tour training and preparation, and a strong mental and physical effort on tour to successfully tick these climbs off the bucket list, and this group’s commitment to achieving the challenge set was admirable. Chapeau to our ride group.
The Italian Alps & Bormio
For the Alps component of our tour, we were based in the beautiful medieval village of Bormio, also a major ski and hot springs destination, and the home of Braulio, the mountain elixir that aids digestion; a must have when here. From Bormio, you are able to start your ride and take on the climbs of Stelvio, Gavia, Mortirolo, Cancano, Livigno and Bormio 2000.
It is a landscape that is characterised by valleys, ravines and grey rounded rock, with patches of snow at their peaks. The average percentage of climbs in this region range between Stelvio at 7.5 % for 26km and Mortirolo at 11.4% for just under 12km, so if you’re keen to ride in this part of the world, you need to prepare before you depart and have your climbing legs with you.
The many hairpin corners of Passo dello Stelvio.
The top of Passo Gavia and the thrilling and spectacular descent of Gavia to Ponte di Legno.
The Dolomites & Alta Badia
Alta Badia is in South Tyrol and is Italy’s northern most province. It is also at the very heart and centre of the Dolomiti region and every direction you turn, there is a vista that leaves you speechless with its magnificence and absolute beauty. If you head east, you can take on Passo Giau, Falzarego and Valparola, or head a little further and there is Tre Cime. Going south, there’s Passo Campolongo and Fedaia, and the Marmolada Glacier. Heading west and following the sun, you have the beautiful Gardena and Passo Sella, and finally if you ride north, there is Passo dello Erbe and Passo Furcia and Kronplatz.
This is a region that has to been seen to be believed, and to be able to ride here is a gift that will be forever be etched in your memory. We never tire of visiting the Dolomites, both on and off the bike. It’s a place that excites and calms you at the same time.
The rugged landscape and pure magic of Sellla Ronda.
The ascent of Passo Pordoi and the late season wild flowers.
Passo Giau, our absolute favourite and a visual feast.
Passo Furcia and the 14% pinch on the way to the top.
Hiking to Soothe the Soul
Spectacular hikes and incredible scenery are at the heart of our non riding partner program in the Italian Alps and Dolomites, and this year we were especially spoilt with the most stunning array of late season wildflowers along every path we walked.
The abundance of colour, together with the flowing natural springs and plentiful waterfalls, and the soft bird song and chiming cow bells, made our hikes in nature soothing for the soul.
The breathtaking and quintessential landscape of the Dolomites.
If you are wanting a riding challenge and an Italian mountain experience of a lifetime, join us in 2025 on our Stelvio & Dolomites tour. For more details click here
