Questions and Answers About the Cycling Mecca in the Italian Alps
Picture yourself on your road bike!
Thinking about your next cycling vacation?
You’ve always heard about the Stelvio Pass and are looking for more information. We’ve tried to anticipate some of your questions. Of course, there will be many more, and we’re always here to provide the answers you need.
Get in touch with us!
- Where should I stay if I want to climb the Stelvio?
- What are the other climbs and tours in the region?
- Is it possible to have a guide and a van?
- I would like to rent a high end bicycle in Bormio. Who can I turn to?
- What services for cyclists does gentianella offer?
- Il mio partner non è un ciclista. Cosa potrebbe fare?
- What are the best times to climb the Stevio?
- Where can I continue my vacation?
Of course in Bormio
Where should I stay if I want to climb the Stelvio?
The Stelvio Pass is a dream for every two-wheel enthusiast, and perhaps not everyone knows that three regions converge at the top of the Stelvio.
Lombardy (IT) where we are and where Italian is spoken, Trentino Alto Adige (IT) where the native language is German, and finally Canton Grisons (where Romansh is spoken)
A road starts from each of these three regions and leads you to the pass.
You can therefore sleep at the foot of the Pass in Bormio (Lombardy) Prato allo Stelvio (Alto Adige) or in Santa Maria (CH) or even at the Pass at almost 2800mt!
If your intention is to spend a few days of your vacation cycling then Bormio is an ideal choice. It is not just a ski resort! Bormio is a lively town with ancient origins. Inhabited since Roman times it experienced its greatest development during the Middle Ages. History can be breathed in the small streets of the center, in the picture-postcard views and in the premises of the Kuerc square always packed with cyclists
What are the other climbs and tours in the region?
You are spoiled for choice!
Bormio is located in the center of a crazy cycling region, where the Giro d’Italia and literally thousands of cyclists from all over the world pass through every year! Whichever road you take to get out of our little Alpine town you will be faced with an epic climb. East Santa Caterina >> Gavia Pass West Valdidentro >> Cancano Lakes South Tirano direction >> Mortirolo Pass and Bernina Pass (CH) North >> Livigno direction Foscagno Pass
.
Is it possible to have a guide and a van?
Here are some tips
There are at least two organizations in Bormio that we feel we can recommend for this service. We have been working with them for years and it is always a great pleasure to see happy guests return after each outing! Stelvio Experience by Giacomo Schena and Vago cycling by Mattia Martinelli. Both offer rides with guide and flagship service in tow, including drinks and small snacks.
I would like to rent a high end road bike in Bormio. Who can I turn to?
Carrying your bike with you isn’t always easy. Don’t worry. Even the most demanding will find a bicycle suited to their needs.
BORMIO SKI & BIKE
Official Trek dealer this store is the historic bike rental in Bormio
At Danilo’s you can rent racing bikes, mountain bikes, downhill bikes and electric bikes.
Via Btg. Morbegno, 7 – Bormio
Via Stelvio, 19 – Bormio
www.bormioskibike.com
info@bormioskibike.it
STELVIO EXPERIENCE
An old car workshop has been converted into a rental point and bike cafe, and the celete color of Bianchi bicycles reigns in its garage.
At Giacomo’s you will find road bikes, e-bikes, city bikes and Stelvio beer!
You can also turn to him for guided tours.
Stelvio Experience
via Stelvio, 5 Bormio
info@stelvioexperience.it
CELSINO
Within walking distance of the hotel rents electric and muscle road bikes, mtb e-bikes
For his rental Giacomo has chosen the Merida and Specialized brands
Via Battaglion Morbegno, 1, 23032 Bormio SO
Then there are other small rentals mainly for mtb and e-bike
What services does La Genzianella offer for cyclists?
We really enjoy hosting cyclists.
Although sometimes we don’t understand how you can relax by cycling over 100km we admire you! And we want to put you in the best condition to do it 🙂 At our place you will find a bike room that can accommodate 60 bicycles (video-proveglita and alarmed), small repair corner with all the necessary tools, two bike stand park tools, special brushes and detergent for washing bicycles. If you choose the bike la genzianella package, you will have included washing of your sports clothes every day (delivery by 8 p.m. ready at 7 a.m.!) and a snack in the afternoon when you return from outings. Upon request we can gladly prepare a packed lunch to take with you in the morning. Breakfast is served from 7:30 a.m., but if you plan to climb the peak coppi at dawn you will always find hot coffee and by contacting the front desk well in advance you can enjoy a small breakfast with whatever you prefer! Last but not least two “stretch and let go yoga sessions” every week. The Genzianella is not just a bike hotel. The Nidum SPA, attention to cuisine, and elegant but relaxed atmosphere make our home a perfect retreat for cyclists who want to pamper themselves!
How about the food?
You’re in Italy! What can go wrong? 😉
Well, let’s start from the beginning of the day.
We love to eat breakfast!!!
Our favorite combos?
Freshly toasted rye bread, farmer’s butter and blackberry jam from our garden
Berry musli, mountain yogurt and seed mix
Fresh herb cheese and smoked salmon
Scrambled or fried eggs are freshly prepared or you can cook them yourself in the kettle.
You can also help yourself to coffee with freshly ground beans and fresh Valtellina milk
Load up on energy. At dinner, the encore never fails!
Don’t be shy 🙂
Half board includes five courses
- salads, grilled vegetables and hors d’oeuvres buffet
- a first and a second course to choose from 4 proposals
- selection of cheeses
- unforgettable mini desserts
It is also possible to book on B&B basis and dine a la carte in our restaurant only occasionally. We will be happy to send you the guide to restaurants in the area if you like! Request it now 🍴🍻
My partner is not a cyclist. What could he/she do?
Uh, this question is difficult! There are too many things to do in the summer.
Day 1
A full day passes quickly at QC Terme, between baths in the hot thermal waters in use since Roman times,
a sauna, a massage and a light lunch!
Day 2 Accompanied trekking with our guide in Val Viola, lunch in Caricc. When you return at 4.00 pm you will still have time for a hay ritual
Day 3 A memorable day to spend on the Bernina red train, a UNESCO world heritage site Read more on the dedicated page
Day 4 Walk in the historic center, visit to the Braulio bitter cellars and Yoga session in the hotel at 5.30 pm
Day 5 A day in Livigno! Rent a bicycle and travel 20km along the cycle path at the bottom of the valley. Have lunch on Lake Livigno and enjoy an ice cream from the dairy. In the afternoon you will still have time for duty free shopping in the center of Little Tibet
More ideas! Of course! All you have to do is contact the reception and we will be able to give you many other ideas (the Oga military fort, the botanical garden, excursions in the park, cheese and wine tastings…)
What are the best times to climb the Stevio?
Discover it now!
Perhaps not everyone knows, but the Alpine passes around us are usually closed from the beginning of November to the end of May. The Stelvio pass usually opens around May 24/26, but every year it is different depending on the snow conditions. This year, 2024, it snowed without interruption throughout the spring and the danger of avalanches was maximum resulting in the opening on June 20th. It was an exceptional event that had never occurred in the last 20 years. Of course, a sprinkle of snow on the pass in August is nothing strange 🙂 August is also the holiday month for Italians and therefore with the most intense traffic. Gavia and Mortirolo, on the other hand, are increasingly calm from this point of view. From a meteorological point of view however, we would suggest waiting until the beginning of June and not leaving after the end of September when the days start to get quite cold! Consult the enjoy stelvio national park website to discover all the days on which the passes are closed to traffic and completely dedicated to cyclists
Where can I continue my holidays?
Did you know that there is a cycle path that connects Bormio to Lake Como? It’s called Sentiero Valtellina. You will pedal among the apple orchards and you will be able to admire the Alpine Nebbiolo vineyards that climb the steep slopes of the Rhaetian Alps. Why not stop for a tasting in the cellar?
You will follow the Adda river for 144km until you reach Colico, Lake Como and all its beauties. If you are looking for a specialized guide for the area we can only recommend our friend Pietro from Lake Como cycling tours. He will certainly be able to advise you and organize a TOP stay on the lake. Tremezzo, Bellagio, Como… you are spoiled for choice.
Some cyclists can’t get enough of the climbs!
And so they decide to continue their holidays in the Dolomites. By car you can reach Corvara in about 4 hours. How can you blame him?
If, however, you are in the company of your non cycling partner and you have promised him/her something special together, you can visit Franciacorta, sip the famous bubbles of the region and then continue towards Bergamo and its beautiful upper city (about 3 hours from Bormio). With another hour of travel you will reach Lake Garda or Verona, the city of Romeo and Juliet. The sea is close! Another hour by car and you will be in Venice!
