A challenging but extraordinarily rewarding road bike tour through some of the most iconic places in Alta Valtellina. A loop route starting and ending in Livigno, designed between varied climbs and descents, with hardly a moment of flatness. Ideal for those who love challenges at high altitude and want to ride immersed in alpine nature.
You start in the center of Livigno following the main road on the flat, perfect for warming up your legs before tackling the first real climb. At the Carabinieri traffic circle you turn towards Mottolino and from there the ascent to Passo d'Eira begins. A steady climb through Teola (upper Livigno area) and on to Trepalle, with varying but never extreme gradients. The climb to Passo Eira marks the transition to the first descent of the tour, which is smooth and fast, passing through the center of Trepalle and ending after the tunnel, where the second climb immediately begins: the one to Passo del Foscagno.
This climb alternates between a more challenging initial section and a gentler one leading to the final two fairly steep switchbacks leading to the pass. Once the pass is reached, a long and enjoyable descent begins, descending through Arnoga, San Carlo and Semogo, to the center of Isolaccia. Here the route detaches from the main road to take a flat secondary road that allows you to reactivate your legs before the entrance to the most striking climb of the tour: the ascent to the Torri di Fraele.
The famous hairpin bends of the Towers climb steeply, offering increasingly sweeping views at every turn. It is a challenging and steady stretch where recovery is minimal, but the effort is rewarded by the beauty of the views and the arrival in the heart of the Stelvio National Park. Past the pass, you continue on a road between false plateaus, slight descents and flat sections, skirting Lake Scale and finally arriving at the beautiful Cancano Lakes, a peaceful spot perfect for a short stop.
After enjoying the peace and view of the lakes, we retrace the same route back again passing by the magnificent Fraele Towers and descending to Isolaccia. From here the longest ascent of the route begins, leading back to the Foscagno Pass. This is a challenging climb, to be tackled with a regulated pace and energy management, alternating regular stretches with harder segments. Once you reach the pass again, you descend to Trepalle, to face the last climb of the day: the return to Passo d'Eira.
A not too long but very steady climb along the main Trepalle road. The arrival at Passo d'Eira represents the end of the strenuous part of the ride. From here starts the descent to the valley floor with views of Livigno. Once back in the Mottolino areas, the route moves onto the Livigno bike path, where you can loosen up your legs a bit before getting out of the saddle. A very short road section follows, leading back to the starting point.
This road ride is perfect for trained cyclists looking for a varied and rewarding route. Between historic alpine passes, scenic descents and iconic climbs, it delivers real thrills and picture-postcard views. An unforgettable experience on two wheels, in the heart of the Alps, discovering the natural treasures of Stelvio National Park and the magnificent surroundings of Livigno.
