Hidden behind the screens of our phones, we are increasingly disconnected from reality. Sometimes we forget what it really is like. Life sometimes seems to play out online. My trip to Bormio has once again made me realize what we really get on that bike. The feeling of camaraderie, a shared passion and beautiful mountain passes – all on the race bike. This is my experience with Bormio, at the foot of the Stelvio. But Bormio is more than the Stelvio! It is also the gateway to the Mortirolo, Gavia and Torre di Fraele
Text and photos: Dennis Knuist – (The text continues below the photos)
Stelvio’s birthday
The Stelvio Pass is 200 years old. The mythical mountain pass originated originally for economic reasons – to connect neighboring provinces together. Nowadays, it is a region-wide route. South Tyrol To the region of Lombardy, both in Italy. Back then it was different – On the one hand was Austria, the other Italy. Frontlines ran right through the mountains. Everything changed after the First World War, except the mountains themselves. Today, the Stelvio may have less economic value, but it is certainly a goal and a dream for many – like me – who love cycling but also love cheering and being fans. The Giro d’Italia made this mountain pass iconic.
These 200 years form a period for the local tourist agency Bormio Tourism A great opportunity to invite a group of journalists and content creators from various countries. The group consists of Andreas, a Swiss who loves the mountains, Adam, an American who still publishes a paper magazine, Oscar, a Spaniard with a golden heart, Jamie, a Brit with sprinting qualities, Grzegory, a Pole who has lost his heart mainly to gravel, and myself.
On the occasion of the 200th anniversary, Bormio decided to further promote the region by jointly conquering the Stelvio again. This gave rise to the idea for the Stelvio Epic Rides – because there are more mountain passes in the region. If you are even a little interested in cycling, you have probably already heard of the Gavia and the Mortirolo.
Stelvio Epic Rides – a new cycling project from Bormio begins in the 2025 season
Stelvio Epic Rides, Bormio, Wellness Mountain | Official Website
The program is simple: one mountain pass every day, one climb from the Stelvio Epic Rides list. You have to conquer nine of them to earn the trophy. This week I have already conquered six of them. Oscar, he probably will climb eight – maybe even all of them – although he will also stay a day longer. Next to the well-known iconic passes, I will also climb the Torri di Fraele, Bormio 2000 and the Monte.
While climbing all these mountains, I feel genuine admiration for the cyclists who normally only cheer on from TV – because now I myself am experiencing something that is difficult to put into words. As a rider in the peloton, in a race like the Giro d’Italia – which often comes through the Bormio region – it takes 55 minutes to climb a climb, and a very good amateur another hour and a half. How can that then be compared? It becomes clear that they, the professional cyclists, are really doing something extraordinary. I, as an amateur, do the same climb in one hour and 40 minutes… and I certainly am not at the very bottom.
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Suddenly you feel smaller, because everything around you becomes bigger. Beautiful mountains rise high above you. Climbing doesn’t take five minutes anymore, but an hour, two, or even three. The descents are also tough – 20 km downhill can be just as tiring as the uphill climb. If there’s anywhere where you can feel how insignificant you are in the face of nature, it’s on a mountain bike. Although it still remains a true pleasure.
But there is a reward. The views. The immense mountains. The landscapes that stay with you for a long time. And the satisfaction of reaching the top on your own. In principle, you don’t need a Strava or power meter for that. You can conquer that climb on your own power and hearing your heavy breathing is enough rhythm to get you over the top.
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Bormio itself is a charming town with an authentic atmosphere and a lively center. You’ll find nice shops, hotels, restaurants, and bars there, and there’s also a beautiful old town with cobblestone streets. In addition, Bormio is known for its thermal baths, which are a wonderful way to relax after a day on the bike through the mountains. I’ve had the opportunity to experience all of these aspects and they are a wonderful addition to your stay here.
Spas and hotels in Bormio | QC Terme Bagni di Bormio
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The climb to the Stelvio starts literally in the town of Bormio itself. You can start it from Bormio or from Prato dello Stelvio/Prad am Stilfersjoch. The ascent from Prad/Prato is also known as the classic named
Passo dello Stelvio, Prato allo Stelvio, Italy
• Distance: 24.5 km, Elevation difference: 1824 m, Average gradient: 7.5 %
Passo dello Stelvio, Bormio, Italy
• Distance: 20.8 km, Elevation difference: 1524 m, Average gradient: 7.3 %
A top choice for your stay: Hotel Nevada: Hotel Nevada Bormio. This is really a very good hotel. The hotel is located on the piste of Bormio 2000, where in 2026 parts of the Olympic Winter Games 2026 will be completed in Milan, as the downhill for the men and the new part Ski mountaineering. The hotel has a restaurant with Italian cuisine, a fine variety of breakfast options and a bike-room where you can park your bike stalls, maintained and even wash. => Nevada Bormio
So, I would recommend Bormio, the Stelvio, Mortirolo of Gavia Would you recommend it as a destination? Yes, absolutely. If you want to experience what makes the mountains mythical for yourself, it really is worth trying it out. Or maybe just to rediscover what cycling means to you – in a place that’s a little less obvious. What I’m really saying is, this place with these mountains should be on your list of cycling destinations.
PSThanks to the team of stelvioexperience.it and for their care and hospitality
Questions & tips
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