THE STELVIO WEEKENDER

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Weekender Dates : Thursday July 13th to Monday 17th July 2023

An Epic Long Weekend of Climbing

The Passo dello Stelvio is perhaps Europe's most famous cycling climb. Our Stelvio Weekender 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 must 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.

This is a long weekend of a lifetime. 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 Weekend includes a 4 night stay at Hotel Funivia in Bormio. The Funivia is a cycling focussed hotel which is in the perfect location for our Weekender.

Your place on the Stelvio Weekender 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 Weekender Itinerary

The itinerary of the Stelvio Weekender is as follows (although it is subject to change based on weather conditions. E.g we may ride the routes on different days to get the best weather)

Day 1 : Thursday 13th : Arrival + Lago di Cancano

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 the beautiful Lago di Cancano, over the climb of Torri di Fraele. A steady 7% climb.

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 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 final climb of the weekender. 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, to relax and recover from an epic weekend.

Day 5 : Monday 16th - Departure Day

This trip is limited to just 10 places

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.

Of course, some riders will be faster than others, but we 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 trip. It's a chance to test your own legs at your own pace.

What is Included?

• 4 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 Malpensa (Optional)
• 1 x Exclusive Band of Climbers 2023 Escapes Jersey
• 15% off lifetime discount on Band of Climbers Apparel

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
• Airport Transfers (if not required)

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. 

Weekender Costs

Option 1 - Weekender and Airport Transfers 

Total cost for the Stelvio Weekender, with airport transfers and based on a shared twin room is £1250.00 per person. £200 non-refundable deposit is payable upon booking your place, with the balance of £1050 to be paid 12 weeks before the Weekender 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 Weekender.

Option 2 - Weekender Without Airport Transfers 

Total cost for the Stelvio Weekender, without airport transfers and based on a shared twin room is £1000.00 per person. £200 non-refundable deposit is payable upon booking your place, with the balance of £800 to be paid 12 weeks before the Weekender 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 Weekender.

Shared Room FAQ's

1. We do not mix males and females in shared rooms (unless booked as a couple or on request)

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. 

All prices include VAT and taxes where applicable. For any questions about the trip, please email us at hello@bandofclimbers.com.

Refunds and Cancellations

This trip is backed by a 100% refund guarantee in the event of Band of Climbers having to cancel the trip due to Covid. Read our guest, and organiser refund POLICY HERE.