Ride the Maratona dles Dolomites, then tick off several bucket list climbs on a pilgrimage to cycling-mad Bormio
Bucket List Climbs
Overview
DURATION
STARTING PRICE
This 8-night/9-day trip has you arriving shortly before the Maratona race day. Challenge accomplished, spend a few more days exploring the amazing riding available in the Alta Badia area before using that hard-earned fitness you've built to take on the iconic Stelvio, Gavia, and Mortirolo passes.
There are multiple ride options available for each day, enabling you to choose the level of climbing and mileage you desire. Your accommodations in Corvara are situated in the classic South Tyrolean village of Corvara, only a few pedal strokes from the Maratona finish line. Your conveniently located hotel in Meran allows easy access to the award winning spa facilities, while your base in Bormio offers a great location and facilities specifically geared to cyclists.
Included in this trip
- Guaranteed entry to the event incl. race pack
- Pick-up and transfer from the airport to the pick-up hotel (also if arriving in advance of trip start)
- 8 nights accommodation in select boutique accommodations including breakfast
- Support with set-up of rental bike, or assembly/disassembly of own bike
- Daily on-trip van support
- All on-trip transfers
- Daily multiple route options for rides leading up to the event
- Daily CyclingHero guided ride option
- Assistance with final preparations before the start and support along the route during the event
- Exclusive access to the CyclingHero Companion App with local insights
- Bike box storage for the entire duration of the trip
* Click Book Now to view specific dates and prices
Day-to-Day Schedule
An early afternoon transfer from Treviso brings you to the heart of the Dolomites. Take your time to settle in and set up your bike. If you'd like to stretch your legs and test your equipment, we have two routes for you to choose from.
The first option takes you to the charming village of San Cassiano and the Armentarola valley.
For a bit more of a challenge, head up the Passo Campolongo. While it's considered one of the easier passes in the area, don't underestimate the first few switchbacks—they can still sting the legs!
Enjoy an easy spin down to the Maratona Village and back to pick up your race pack and take in the festive atmosphere, then rest up for your big day tomorrow.
If you want to warm up your legs with a bit of climbing, tack on the relatively tame Passo Campolongo on the way back and have a refreshment at the Ütia La Tambra lodge near the top.
Following an early breakfast, you’ll have a short downhill ride to La Villa for the start of this epic event. The first loop of the Sella Ronda is the same for all distances, so just ease yourself into the ride and decide later on how ambitious you want to be.
The full detailed description of the route and the different options can be found here.
This is a day to introduce yourself to the area and explore the beautiful options that are available a bit further afield. Leaving Corvara, it's mostly downhill until the turnoff at San Martino in Badia. From here the road climbs through Antermoia and up to the Passo delle Erbe. A picturesque loop in the Luson Valley brings you down towards the Eisack River before returning via the Passo delle Erbe back to Corvara. A shorter variation skips the Passo delle Erbe and continues along quiet roads to Rina-Welschellen before heading back to Corvara. For a medium mileage route and no serious passes, you can instead continue downhill after San Martino to Longega then steadily up to Pederú. Located at the end of a valley with restricted car traffic, the Pederú Lodge is the perfect place to get a bite and admire the 360-degree mountain views that surround you before heading back the way you came to Corvara.
Route A heads first up the Passo Campolongo before taking on the Passo Falzarego and the Passo Valparola. Make sure not to stop for too long once reaching the Falzarego, the Valparola starts soon and, although not long, you'll feel it in your legs! Route B does the same loop as Route A but in the opposite direction, which is a bit more challenging. Be aware that there are construction sites up the Passo Valparola from the San Cassiano side. For those wanting to test their limits, Route C starts with the Passo Campolongo, before descending into Caprile and taking on the very challenging Passo Fedaia, followed by the Passo Sella and Passo Gardena. Whichever you choose, you are guaranteed breathtaking views.
The main challenge on this day comes early, with a climb out of Corvara up to the Passo Val Gardena. From here it's all downhill until meeting the Eisack River Valley, where the route flattens out and follows a bike path to Bolzano.
Leaving Bolzano the route joins another riverside bike path, this time next to the river Adige, for a beautiful mostly flat run all the way to Merano. Round out the day with a visit to Merano's renowned thermal baths, or drop by the Forst beer hall for a cool one.
A steady uphill ride along the Adige River Valley to Prato allo Stelvio is a perfect warm-up for your challenge ahead. A shorter option is possible that involves a shuttle to the marble town of Lasa.
From Prato allo Stelvio the (in)famous switchbacks that lead to the Stelvio summit start. There are 48 of them in total, so manage your effort and leave something for the final push to the summit of one of the highest paved roads in Europe.
Congratulations, you have conquered one of THE iconic ascents of the cycling world! Take a moment to soak it all in before enjoying the equally spectacular descent into Bormio.
For your final day, it’s up to you how challenging you want to make it.
For some inviting switchbacks and great views, there is the loop out to Laghi di Cancano. A more challenging option is to take on the Gavia Pass from its easier side via Madonna di Campiglio.
The Queen Stage loop is nothing short of monumental, taking on first the relentless Passo del Mortirolo before following up with the grand finale, the Passo Gavia from the classic side out of Ponte di Legno.
Back in Bormio, enjoy one last evening of guilt-free culinary pleasures in this quaint, cycling crazy town.
Buon giorno, what does your bucket list look like today?
It is time to say goodbye to the mighty mountains and head back to Treviso or Venice. Ci vediamo presto!
* Click Book Now to view specific dates and prices
Why CyclingHero
Life is busy. Your vacation should fit your schedule and preferences. As your locally-based cycling concierge, we will customise an unforgettable trip for you in spectacular Northern Italy, where we live and ride every day.
A good night’s sleep and a proper breakfast are fundamental to an enjoyable day of riding. But a great place to stay is also about connecting with where you are, and having an authentic experience.
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