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The Most Epic BoC Escape
For riders from across the globe
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500km of Riding (300 miles)
It's all about the climbing
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14,500m of Elevation (47,500ft)
Together We Climb. Fully Supported.
The BoC Stelvio Escape
The Passo dello Stelvio is perhaps Europe's most famous cycling climb. Our Stelvio Escape 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 Escape is about much 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, and more quiet, hidden climbs not many know about.
Ride with the Band of Climbers team, fully supported by ride guides, with van support, local knowledge, and more to support each ride.
ENTRY OPENS NOV 15TH AT 7PM GMT
14 PLACES AVAILABLE
The Stelvio Escape 2025
The Stelvio Escape 2025
TOTAL PRICE : Early Entry: £1950 (Shared room) or £2250 (single room) When booked & deposit paid before 30th November 2024.
Escape Pricing
Escape Pricing
£250 non refundable deposit secures your place on the Escape in a shared room.
£550 non refundable deposit secures your place on the Escape in a single room (includes single supplement)
Book before 30th November 2024 and save £100 with an early booking.
Total Cost £1950 (shared room) or £2250 (single room)
Book after 30th November and the cost is £2050 (shared room) or £2350 (single room)
After the Deposit is paid, your place is guaranteed. The final balance of is due for payment 16 weeks before the Escape.
Refund Policy
Refund Policy
Please view our cancellation and refund policy. We offer a simple and flexible policy which allows you to simply transfer to any other future Escape in the current or following calendar year (subject to availability) should you need to cancel, even at short notice.
The BoC Stelvio Escape Itinerary
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DAY ONE
30km + 800m
The Warm Up Ride
Day one on any Escape is about arriving and preparing for the week ahead. After your transfer from Milan, we'll build our bikes, and head out for an afternoon spin up to Bormio 2000, a steady climb that sits directly behind our hotel to help us spin the legs after travelling all morning.
Climbs
Bormio 2000
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DAY TWO
100km + 2900m
Crossing Borders
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 highlight is the Umbrail Pass. The often overlooked 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.
Climbs
Passo Foscagno
Ofenpass
Umbrail Pass
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DAY THREE
130km + 3300m
Mortirolo X Gavia
A big day today, as we take on one of the toughest climbs in all of Europe, the Passo di 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.
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.
Climbs
Passo Mortirolo
Passo di Gavia
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DAY FOUR
30km + 900m
The Rest Day
After two big days, today we recover, on a shorter, easier but beautiful day of riding on quiet climbs. Our journey today takes us up the stunning Torri di Fraele, to Lago di Cancano. A stunning pair of lakes at the summit await. We then return to Bormio via the cycle path through town, and enjoy lunch along the river with a dip in the glacial water for those who enjoy cold water therapy. A shorter day today, this is your chance to explore Bormio and the old town in the afternoon.
Climbs
Torri di Fraele
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DAY FIVE
101km + 3200m
The Queen Stage
The Double Stelvio. Today we leave Bormio and immediately hit the lower slopes of the Passo dello Stelvio, from its southern side where 24km of climbing awaits.
We then descend the Umbrail Pass, and continue down into Switzerland again to Prato allo Stelvio.
After lunch in Prato, we face the Stelvio's more famous northern side. 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.
Climbs
Passo dello Stelvio (South)
Passo dello Stelvio (North)
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DAY SIX
135km + 3000m
The Magic Loop
If you thought the final ride would be an easier day, think again. Today we begin with a long descent of the valley to Tirano, where we begin a 30km climb to Passo Bernina in Switzerland. This is a gradual ascent with stunning views.
We then descend to Livigno for lunch before climbing the Pro's favourite climbs of Passo Eira and Passo Foscagno from the west, before descending to Bormio for one final dinner and drinks as a group.
Climbs
Passo Bernina
Passo Forcola
Passo Eira
Passo Foscagno
Ride / Recover / Relax
The BoC Stelvio Escape is based in the Alpine town of Bormio deep in the Italian Alps. With 6 nights in one fixed location, all you need to worry about is riding, relaxing and recovering. Explore Old Town Bormio on our rest day, visit the local cafes and shops or take in the thermal spas. There's more than just climbing on our Stelvio Escape.
6 Nights Accommodation
Our base for the Stelvio Escape is the family owned Hotel Funivia, run by StelvioMan (Daniele) himself. Daniele has climbed the Stelvio more than any other human on the planet and has an absolute wealth of knowledge of the area and all it has to offer. After riding, relax in the hotel Spa, swim in the pool, and feast on 3 course dinners each evening. Secure bike storage is offered in the large underground garage with amazing bike washing and repair facilities too.
Van + Rider Supported Rides
From the moment you arrive at Milan Bergamo airport, you will have nothing to think about other than riding and relaxing. Every ride is led bt 2-3 BoC Guides, who will ride with you. Our support van follows the group at all times, with all of your spare clothing, so you don't have to carry anything with you.
We'll also be supported by nutrition brand OTE, who will provide all the energy drinks and bars you need. and we'll provide you with a new and exclusive Band of Climbers 2025 Escapes cycling jersey too.
STELVIO ESCAPE GALLERY
KEY DETAILS + INCLUSIONS
WHAT IS INCLUDED?
- 6 nights accommodation in a shared twin room at Hotel Funivia in Bormio (single room available with a supplement)
- Daily breakfasts
- 6 Evening three course meals
- Daily supported rides and mechanical support/rescue
- Ride Guides from Band of Climbers
- All energy gels, drinks and bars from OTE Sports
- Airport transfers to and from Bergamo Airport in private vehicles
- 1 x Exclusive Band of Climbers Escapes Jersey
- Comprehensive Digital Road Book with all GPX / Strava Files for each ride
- Printed Road Book to keep as a souvenir
- Early access to book any BoC Escape the following year
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
- Flights
- Personal Travel or Bike Insurance
- Spare parts or equipment
- Medical Cover
- Bike hire
- Coffee or lunch/cafe bought snacks during rides
- Drinks over dinner
- Additional nights accommodation if arriving early or departing late
RECOMMENDED FLIGHT PLANS
Arrivals : Please fly into Bergamo Airport (BGY) BEFORE 11.00am on Sunday 7th Sept. 2025, in order to join our scheduled transfer for our riders at circa 11.45am.
If you cannot find a flight that arrives before 11am, we suggest flying in on the 6th, and staying in our suggested Airport Hotel, which is the NH Orio al Serio Hotel.
Departures : Please book a return flight AFTER 10am from Bergamo Airport (BGY) on Saturday 13th September to your chosen destination. Our scheduled transfer is based on the earliest flight time of all guests. But your flight should not be before 10am due to the transfer time to the airport (3 hours) Any flights booked before 10.00am will require a private transfer at an additional cost of £400.
FAQ'S
How fit do I need to be?
BoC Escapes are not races, they're an adventure. We ride socially, with a cafe/coffee stop midway through each ride.
That said, BoC Escapes are tough. You'll ride 6 back to back big days with up to 4000m of climbing (13,000ft) per day.
We would suggest you should be capable of climbing for at least 90 minutes at a gradient of 7% without stopping. Average speeds are very difficult to gauge, but most riders on our Escapes will average at least 10kph per hour (6mph) on a climb of 7%. Some will ride much quicker of course, but you are free to ride at your own pace.
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 for too long, as our guides will be on the road with you at all times and will always be close by.
We aim to ride as a group, although on long climbs we usually split up, before regrouping at the summits, or cafe stops if the temperatures at the summits are too cold.
Of course, some riders will be faster than others, but we try to 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. It's a chance to test your own legs at your own pace.
Can I attend as a solo rider?
Absolutely! Around 95% of all our Escape riders come on their own. Making new friendships is a big part of our Escapes.
How do shared rooms work?
1. We do not mix males and females in shared rooms (unless booked as a couple or on request by both parties)
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.
Can I have a Single Room?
A single room is available with a supplement of £300. Only a small number of single rooms are available on a first come, first served basis. To book a single room, select the single room option when booking online.
What support is available?
You will have 2-3 BoC ride guides on the road with you at all times. We'll ride with the group, and ensure no rider is left behind.
We also have our support van on the road which carry tools, spares, and your bad weather kit, plus energy gels and food. So you don't need to carry anything for too long.
If your legs decide to give up, or you need a rest, you are welcome to ride in the van and miss a climb or section if you need to, or end your ride early.
Is bike rental available?
We can help you to rent a road bike in all of our Escape Destinations.
We can offer Basso Bike Rental in Mallorca, the Dolomites and the French Alps.
We do not rent bikes ourselves, but we have recommended rental partners in each destination and we can assist in the rental, pickup and return of your bike.
Are meals included?
All of our Escapes include Breakfasts and evening meals. In most locations, a set menu is offered with a 3 to 5 course evening dinner. Wine and Beer is included in some locations, but alcoholic drinks are extra in others.
We can cater for all dietary requirements including vegetarian, vegan, gluten free etc...
Each day, we eat breakfast and dinner together, around one table. This allows further friendships to form away from the road. The dining experience is a big part of our Escapes!
Lunch is not included, as we stop at a cafe mid way around each ride. A typical lunch stop will take 30-40 minutes, and you are free to eat/drink whatever you choose from our planned cafe.
Cancellations and Refunds
Please view our cancellation and refund policy. We offer a simple and flexible policy which allows you to simply transfer to any other future Escape (subject to availability) should you need to cancel, even at short notice.
Who is a typical Escape rider?
Our riders travel from all over the world. We've had riders from South America, Australia, Asia, North America and across Europe. usually very keen cyclists, most Escape riders are aged between 25 and 55, although we've had younger, and older too!
Most riders travel individually, but we've had small groups of friends, married couples, mother and daughter and father son combos too! Everyone is welcome on a BoC Escape in a fully inclusive and supportive group.
Can I bring a non riding partner?
You can bring a non riding partner. We offer a discount of £150 from the total cost for a non rider. This discount is applied to the final balance invoice, so book your spaces by paying the deposit in full for the number of places you require. We discount the £150 from the final balance which is due 16 weeks before the Escape.