Alpine Adventure for Mountain Bikers – The Alta Valtellina Bike Marathon

The Alta Valtellina Bike Marathon on July 30th 2016 is all about adrenaline, speed and untouched nature. All participants will be pushed to the limit when climbing 3,500 meters / 11,483 ft on the 95 kilometer / 59 miles route, which will lead them through the breathtaking scenery of the Stilfserjoch national park surrounding Bormio, Veltlin. Those taking the shorter route of 65 kilometers / 40 miles will also have plenty of MTB action to enjoy, as will the kids, who join the “Marathon Kids” on July 31st.


Deep blue lakes, historic sights and the proud mountain panorama of the Alps of Valtellina – all participants of the Alta Valtellina Bike Marathon are in for a real treat! The course this year has new sections and the demanding trails lead through Valdidentro, Livigno and Valdisotto.

In the marathon distance athletes will start off by riding through the Alta Valtellina Bike Village in Isolaccia and head towards the Towers of Val Fraele, which lies at an altitude of 1,930 meters / 6332 ft, before catching the first glimpse of the impressive Cancano lakes. After riding along the first of the two reservoirs the climb begins, challenging the endurance of all mountain bikers, when passing the Trela Pass and the Livigno lake and arriving at one of the highest points of the trail, the Passo Alpisella (2,350 meters / 7709 ft). Having reached the summit of the race the participants can look forward to letting it loose on the downhill trails towards the reservoir dam of San Giacomo. When crossing the reservoir the mountain bikers can relax their muscles slightly before hitting the next 4 kilometer / 2.5 mile long climb up to the Bocchette di Trela (2,350 meters / 7709 ft).

The adventurous downhill section to Val Vezzola will give all freeriders a rush of adrenaline. The single trail leads up and down from Val Viola to Val Verva. The racers will have to conquer the technical sections for some kilometers up to Alpe Boron, before finding the stunning views at the Colombano Pass at an altitude of 2,320 meters / 7611 ft. From then onwards it is time to let go of the brakes when rushing down the hill for what feels like miles on end and heading back to Isolaccia.


The 65 kilometer / 40 mile long classic track differs only slightly from the marathon distance as it does not pass Trela and Alpisella passes. The highest part of the trail is at Bocchette di Trela, but still the participants will also be able to enjoy the Cancano lakes and the spectacular downhill section towards Val Vezzola. Even the smallest riders aged from four to 12 years of age will be able to send it at the “Marathon Kids”.

There are two shorter round trips on Thursday and Friday before the event as well. The heart of the Ortler massif is the highlight of the 35 kilometer / 22 miles long circuit on Thursday (1,580 m / 5200 ft difference in level). Mountain bikers can discover the region between Valdidentro and Valdisotto on the following day (760 m difference in level over 19 kilometers / 12 miles).

There is no better way to discover the beautiful alpine region of Valtellina, than being part of this three-day adventure called Alta Valtellina Bike Marathon.