The Stelvio Escape - July 2024
The Stelvio Escape - July 2024
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Bigger, Higher and Longer for 2024
In 2023 Our Stelvio Escape was over a long weekend, which was amazing, but it meant there wasn't enough time to ride more of Bormio's nearby incredible climbs. So in 2024, we're making the Stelvio Escape into a 6 day, 6 night trip like all our other BoC Escapes. More climbs, more rides, more adventures.
The Passo dello Stelvio is perhaps Europe's most famous cycling climb. Our Stelvio Escape is designed to let you experience every side of the Stelvio, so you can truly say you've conquered Italy's most epic ascent.
But this trip is about much more than just the Stelvio. You'll also ride over one of the toughest climbs in Europe, the punishing Passo di Mortirolo, as well as the Passo di Gavia, Passo Foscagno, Ofenpass, and Torri di Fraele to Lago di Cancao, and more quiet, hidden climbs not many know about.
Ride with the Band of Climbers team, fully supported by ride guides, with van support, local knowledge, and more to support each ride.
Stay in The Perfect Hotel
The Stelvio Escape includes a 6 night stay at Hotel Funivia in Bormio. The Funivia is a cycling-focused hotel which is in the perfect location for our Escape.
Your place on the Stelvio Escape includes daily breakfasts and three course dinners at Hotel Funivia, plus a daily laundry service, use of the hotels incredible bike storage facilities, tool areas and wash areas. A post-ride snack is also offered by the hotel on return from each ride.
Stelvio Escape Itinerary
The itinerary of the Stelvio Escape is as follows (although it is subject to change based on weather conditions. We may ride the routes on different days to get the best weather)
Day 1 : Arrival + Bormio 2000
Distance : 30km : Elevation 700m
After arriving at Hotel Funivia, we'll help you build your bikes, and head out for an easy warm-up spin up to Bormio 2000, a steady climb to help us spin the legs after travelling all morning.
Day 2 : Passo Foscagno, Ofenpass & Umbrail Pass (Swiss Side of Stelvio)
Distance : 100km : Elevation 2900m
Today we get our first taste of the Stelvio. We ride out of Italy, into Switzerland over Passo Foscagno, and back into Italy via the Swiss side of the Stelvio. This is a ride of two halves, and two countries.
The first half of the ride takes us over the 23km Passo Foscagno, into Livigno, a favourite training destination for Matthieu Van de Poel and many pro teams.
As we cruise to the end of the stunning Lago di Livigno, we stop to take a short ride in the support vehicle through the car only Munt la Schera Tunnel. Cycling is banned through the tunnel, so this route is only possible due to our support.
Part 2 of the ride takes us from the tunnel, now in Switzerland, over the Swiss Ofenpass, to Santa Maria Val Mustair, at the foot of the Passo Umbrail.
The Umbrail Pass is the often forgotten 3rd side of the Stelvio, and it really shouldn't be, because it's an incredible climb in itself. Once we reach the summit, we enter Italy once again, and get our first taste of the Stelvio, as we descend back down to Bormio, for dinner.
Day 3 : Passo di Mortirolo + Passo di Gavia
Distance : 111km : Elevation 3100m
A big day today, as we take on one of the toughest climbs in all of Europe, the Passo di Mortirolo. We roll out of Bormio, and face a steady mostly downhill ride to Grosio, at the foot of the feared Mortirolo.
The climb ahead is over 11km long, at over 11%. It's all on narrow, tight roads through forests, so the only reward is reaching the summit, via Marco Pantani's mural on the climb for some distraction from the pain.
After the Mortirolo, we descend down to meet the Passo di Gavia. One of Europe's most stunning and remote climbs. Both of these climbs have become legend with the Giro d'Italia, and after riding them, you'll see why.
Day 4 : The Rest Day -
Forni & Lago di Cancano
After two big days, today we recover, on a shorter, easier but beautiful day of riding on quiet climbs. First up is Forni which only the locals know about. A dead end, it's the perfect climb to stay away from the crowds. After returning back to Bormio, we then ride the stunning Torri di Fraele, to Lago di Cancano. A stunning pair of lakes at the summit await us.
Distance : 55km : Elevation 1500m
Day 5 : The Double Stelvio
Distance : 101km : Elevation 3200m
The Queen Stage, and the day we've been waiting for. The Double Stelvio. Today we leave Bormio and immediately hit the lower slopes of the Passo dello Stelvio, from its southern side. 24km of climbing awaits, until we meet the Umbrial Pass once again towards the top of the Stelvio.
We then descend the Umbrail Pass, and continue down into Switzerland again, before a flowing downhill ride takes us to Prato allo Stelvio.
After lunch in Prato, we face the Stelvio's more famous northern side. A full 25km at over 7% awaits. This is one of the finest climbs in Europe, and is a climb you'll never forget. Over 48 switchbacks, incredible views, and memories of epic battles in the Giro await.
At the summit, you'll stop and want to take photos and create more memories, for sure. All that's left is to descend the southern side of the Stelvio, back to Bormio for dinner and drinks.
Day 6 : Passo Bernina, Passo Forcola & Passo del Foscagno
Distance : 135km : Elevation 3000m
Day 7 : Departure Day
There is no ride planned for departure day. Your flight home should take place after 9.30am, due to the 3 hour transfer time from Bormio to Milan Bergamo Airport. Any earlier transfer times may require a private transfer with additional cost.
This Escape is limited to just 12 places
What is Included?
- 6 night stay in a twin room at Hotel Funivia, a cycling focussed hotel at the foot of the Passo dello Stelvio in Bormio
- Daily cooked breakfasts and evening dinners at Hotel Funivia
- Post ride snacks
- Secure bike storage
- Tool Station and Wash Facility
- Daily Laundry Service
- Daily supported rides by the Band of Climbers rider team
- Van Supported Rides with tools and assistance
- Energy gels and bars from OTE Sports
- Airport transfers to and from Milan Bergamo Airport
- 1 x Exclusive Band of Climbers 2024 Escapes Jersey
What is not included?
- Flights
- Insurance
- Spare parts or equipment
- Medical Cover
- Bike hire
- Coffee or cafe-bought snacks/lunch during rides
- Drinks over dinner
- Additional nights accomodation if arriving early or departing late
Please note all guests will be required to sign an entry waiver in order to take part in a Band of Climbers Escape. The waiver will be sent to you after your place on the Escape is confirmed.
Escape Costs
Total cost for the Stelvio Escape, based on a shared twin room is £1900.00 per person. £200 non-refundable deposit is payable upon booking your place, with the balance of £1700 to be paid 14 weeks before the Escape begins.
A single room is available with a supplement of £250. Please note single room occupancy must be booked with the deposit upon booking your place. We can't guarantee a single room will be available closer to the Escape.
Recommended Flight Info
Arrivals : Please fly into Milan Bergamo Airport BEFORE 11:00am on Sunday 7th July 2024, in order to join our scheduled transfer for our riders at circa 11:30am. If you cannot find a flight that lands before 11:00am. We suggest flying in a day early, on the 6th, and staying in an airport hotel overnight (not included).
Departures : Please book a return flight AFTER 10.00am from Milan Bergamo Airport on Saturday 13th July to your chosen destination. Our scheduled transfer is based on the earliest flight time of all guests. But your flight should not be before 10:00am due to the transfer time to the airport. Any flights booked before 10:00am will require a private transfer at an additional cost of £350.
Refunds and Cancellations
Read our guest, and organiser refund POLICY HERE.
How fit do I need to be?
How fit do I need to be?
BoC Escapes are not races, they're an adventure. We ride socially, with a cafe/coffee stop midway through each ride.
That said, BoC Escapes are tough. You'll ride 6 back to back big days with up to 4000m of climbing (13,000ft) per day.
We would suggest you should be capable of climbing for at least 90 minutes at a gradient of 7% without stopping. Average speeds are very difficult to gauge, but most riders on our Escapes will average at least 10kph per hour (6mph) on a climb of 7%. Some will ride much quicker of course, but you are free to ride at your own pace.
We would suggest the trip is for intermediate or above level riders, or those with at least some experience of riding in the mountains and a decent level of fitness. At no point will any rider be left behind on their own, as our guides will be on the road with you at all times.
We aim to ride as a group, although on long climbs we usually split up, before regrouping at the summits, or cafe stops if the temperatures at the summits are too cold.
Of course, some riders will be faster than others, but we try to keep any waiting times between the first and last riders reaching the summits to a minimum. You are free to ride at your own speed. This is not a race. It's a chance to test your own legs at your own pace.
Can I attend as a solo rider?
Can I attend as a solo rider?
Absolutely! Around 95% of all our Escape riders come on their own. Making new friendships is a big part of our Escapes. This is why we cap numbers at a maximum of 16 riders.
How do shared rooms work?
How do shared rooms work?
1. We do not mix males and females in shared rooms (unless booked as a couple or on request by both parties)
2. All rooms are twin beds, with en suite bathrooms
3. Rooms are allocated at random, unless booked as pairs or couples.
4. We can allocate rooms to friends on request (email us once booked)
5. If we have one single female, on a trip of 10 male riders, the female will be given a single room, to avoid sharing with a male (unless requested). Likewise, if we have a trip with 10 females, a solo male will be given a single room.
6. 95% of our guests come as solo riders. Making new friendships is a big part of our Escapes.
Can I have a single room?
Can I have a single room?
Single rooms are available in some Escape Destinations with a supplement of £250. Single rooms must be booked with your deposit as a single room may not be available closer to the escape.
What support is available each day?
What support is available each day?
You will have 2 or 3 BoC ride guides on the road with you at all times. We'll ride with you, and ensure no rider is left behind.
We also have a support van on most Escapes (Excluding Mallorca) which carries tools, spares, and your bad weather kit, plus energy gels and food. So you don't need to carry anything.
If your legs decide to give up, or you need a rest, you are welcome to ride in the van and miss a climb or section if you need to, or end your ride early.
Can I rent a bike?
Can I rent a bike?
We can help you to rent a road bike in all of our Escape Destinations.
We can offer Basso Bike Rental in Mallorca, the Dolomites and the French Alps.
We do not rent bikes ourselves, but we have recommended rental partners in each destination and we can assist in the rental, pickup and return of your bike.
Are meals included?
Are meals included?
All of our Escapes include Breakfasts and evening meals. In most locations, a set menu is offered with a 3 to 5 course evening dinner. Wine and Beer is included in some locations, but alcoholic drinks are extra in others.
We can cater for all dietary requirements including vegetarian, vegan, gluten free etc...
Each day, we eat breakfast and dinner together, around one table. This allows further friendships to form away from the road. The dining experience is a big part of our Escapes!
Lunch is not included, as we stop at a cafe mid way around each ride. A typical lunch stop will take 30-45 minutes, and you are free to eat/drink whatever you choose from our planned cafe.
Cancellations and Refunds
Cancellations and Refunds
Please view our cancellation and refund policy. We offer a simple and flexible policy which allows you to simply transfer to any other future Escape (subject to availability) should you need to cancel, even at short notice.
Who is a typical Escape rider?
Who is a typical Escape rider?
Our riders travel from all over the world. We've had riders from South America, Australia, Asia, North America and across Europe. usually very keen cyclists, most Escape riders are aged between 25 and 55, although we've had younger, and older too!
Most riders travel individually, but we've had small groups of friends, married couples, and father son combos too.
Can I bring a non-riding partner?
Can I bring a non-riding partner?
Yes! We can accommodate a non riding partner, and offer a discount of £150. To arrange this, book with the deposit option, and email us to explain that one guest will not be riding, and we'll arrange that discount from the final balance payment.
