5–7 bikers
Small group. Big days.
dirtlej trips
BIG MOUNTAIN WEEK
ORTLER
High alpine. Six stages.
6 biking days. Approx. 300 km. 9,000 m climbing. 17,000 m descending. Multiple times above 3,000 m. Max. 7 bikers.
From 2.835 €
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Trip highlights
6 biking days
Keep moving every day.
ca. 300 KM
9.000 hm Uphill. 17.000 hm Downhill.
ABOVE 3.000 M
Up high, more than once. On trails that don’t start right outside the door.
Why Ortler?
From valley to valley.
Above 3,000 m.
Keep moving.
This week has no home base. Six stages take us through one of the most powerful landscapes in the Eastern Alps: over high mountain passes, old military roads and technical natural trails, right up to the glaciers.
Read the full story Show less
Several times, we go above the 3,000-metre mark. Piz Umbrail. Bormio 3000. Passo Zebrù. Madritschjoch. In between: long descents, exposed high-alpine trails, loose rock, switchbacks and sections where the bike has to be pushed or carried.
Lifts and shuttles are still part of the setup. But only where they make sense. They get us to the right places and save energy for the parts of the day that matter. The physical challenge remains: around 9,000 metres of climbing and 17,000 metres of descending over six days.
At the end of the day, we don’t always arrive in the same place. Sometimes Bormio, sometimes a mountain hut overlooking the glaciers, sometimes at almost 2,700 metres on the Stelvio Pass. Eat. Check the bike. Sleep. The next morning, we keep moving.
This is not a classic shuttle week, and it is not a Transalp where simply reaching the destination is the point. It is a big-mountain week for experienced bikers: with good trails as the goal and the mountains in between as part of the experience.
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Honest self-assessment.
Who is this trip for?
Ortler is a demanding big-mountain week for experienced bikers. Technical trails, long days and alpine conditions are just as much a part of it as the descents.
Suitable if …
- Black natural trails are ridden confidently and regularly.
- Loose rock, chunky sections, tight switchbacks and steep terrain feel familiar.
- Narrow and partially exposed trails are handled confidently.
- Long descents can still be ridden cleanly with tired arms and legs.
- Stages with up to approx. 1,500 m of climbing are no problem.
- Hike-a-bike and carrying sections are accepted as part of big-mountain biking.
- Several long days in a row are exactly what you’re looking for.
Maybe not suitable if …
- Flow trails or bike park lines are the main focus.
- Technical sections on black natural trails regularly feel overwhelming.
- Exposed alpine terrain feels uncomfortable.
- Climbing, pushing or carrying should be avoided as much as possible.
The programme
Six days. Keep moving.
Six stages through Vinschgau, Val Müstair, Bormio and the Ortler-Cevedale Group. Every day brings a new destination, new trails and a new line through the mountains.
Arrival
Arrive in Vinschgau. Check into the accommodation, build the bikes and go through the bike check and tour briefing together. Then dinner and one last relaxed evening before things get started the next morning.
Stage 1 — Vinschgau → Bormio
Settle in. Gain altitude. Keep moving.
Approx. 55 km · 1,600 m climbing · 2,300 m descending
A shuttle takes us into Val Müstair. From there, we bike through high-alpine terrain past the Swiss National Park, following old military roads and historic routes all the way to Bormio.
The first stage is deliberately a little more controlled. Enough trail to get a feel for what lies ahead, but still time to adjust to the altitude, terrain and rhythm.
Overnight in Bormio.
Stage 2 — Piz Umbrail
The first 3,000er.
Approx. 55 km · 1,400 m climbing · 2,900 m descending
Shuttle to the Stelvio Pass. From there, we continue under our own power to Piz Umbrail at 3,033 metres.
At the top, we get into exactly what we came for: demanding natural trails down into Val Müstair, followed by another climb towards Val Mora and a long route back to Bormio.
Which trails finish the day depends on the conditions, the group and the energy left in the tank.
Second night in Bormio.
Stage 3 — Bormio 3000 → Val Forni
High alpine to the last metre.
Approx. 50 km · 1,400 m climbing · 2,800 m descending
The lift takes us up to Bormio 3000. From here, we head straight into the high-alpine terrain.
Technical trails lead towards Santa Caterina and Passo Gavia. Rock, exposed high trails and big views stay with us throughout the day.
The destination sits right below the glaciers: a mountain hut in Val Forni.
Park the bike. Eat. Look at the glaciers. Keep moving tomorrow.
Stage 4 — Passo Zebrù
Not every trail starts with a lift.
Approx. 35 km · 1,100 m climbing · 2,100 m descending
The climb to Passo Zebrù is part of the day. The final roughly 300 metres of elevation are mostly done pushing the bike.
At the top, there is no built line waiting. Just real alpine terrain.
The descent that follows delivers around 1,900 vertical metres of natural trail: rock, tight switchbacks, technical sections, short carrying and scrambling sections, with faster passages in between.
Back in Bormio, a shuttle then takes us up to the Stelvio Pass.
Overnight at the Tibet Hut at almost 2,700 metres.
Stage 5 — Goldsee Trail
A classic. And the day is far from over.
Approx. 50 km · up to 1,500 m climbing · 3,300 m descending
The day starts with the Goldsee Trail, one of the best-known high-alpine enduro descents in the region.
From there, we continue along military trails, natural trails and alpine tracks towards Val Müstair and back into Vinschgau.
If there is still time and energy in the legs, we add more trails.
By evening, we are back where the trip began.
Stage 6 — Madritschjoch
3,123 m. The finale.
Approx. 45 km · max. 1,750 m climbing · 3,600 m descending
To finish the week, we cross Madritschjoch at 3,123 metres — the highest officially bikeable mountain pass in the Eastern Alps.
From there, a long high-alpine trail drops into Martelltal.
If there is still enough left in the tank, we extend the day via the Schartl ridge and add one final descent.
Then back to the starting point.
Six stages done.
Departure
Breakfast together, pack the bikes and head home.
Or add a few more days in South Tyrol.
The stages are deliberately planned to stay flexible around weather and high-alpine conditions. Depending on the weather, trail conditions or closures, the exact route may be adjusted. Alternative options are available for each stage.
The terrain
BIG MOUNTAIN TERRAIN
No home base, no single riding area. The route connects Vinschgau, Val Müstair, Bormio and the high-alpine regions around Ortler, Stelvio Pass and Cevedale.
Vinschgau
The start and finish of the week. Technical natural trails, dry terrain and long descents define the riding here.
Val Müstair
Old paths, alpine valleys and very little infrastructure. Exactly the kind of terrain where the trip gradually shifts from a classic enduro trip into a proper big-mountain week.
Bormio & Val Forni
The terrain becomes noticeably more alpine here. Technical high trails, long natural descents and open mountain landscapes lead right up to the glaciers.
Stilfser Joch & Ortler
Goldsee Trail, Passo Zebrù, Piz Umbrail and Madritschjoch. Loose rock, exposed sections, tight switchbacks and long technical descents in true high-alpine terrain.
Come prepared.
Bike & skills
High-alpine terrain, long stages and technical natural trails. Bike, fitness and skills all need to be ready.
Bike
A reliable full-suspension enduro bike.
The bike should be in perfect working order and ready for long days on demanding natural trails. Tough tyres, reliable brakes and a setup you trust even far from the nearest bike shop matter more than saving weight.
Skill level
Expert. Black natural trails need to feel comfortable.
Steep and loose terrain, chunky sections, rock slabs, roots, tight switchbacks and exposed trails are all part of the week.
Line choice, speed and difficult sections need to be judged confidently and independently – even after several hours on the bike.
Fitness
Very good.
Stages are typically around 50 kilometres with up to 1,500 metres of climbing and several thousand metres of descending.
There are also sections where the bike has to be pushed or carried. Several long days in a row are part of the concept.
E-MTB
Only suitable with limitations.
The route includes pushing and carrying sections of up to 500 vertical metres. Anyone joining on an E-MTB needs to be able to push and carry the bike safely in steep alpine terrain.
Mindset
Know when to ride. And when not to.
Big-mountain biking means taking responsibility. Difficult sections can always be walked. Good self-assessment, consideration for the group and staying relaxed when conditions change are just as much part of the week as riding skills.
A different place every night.
Hotel & food
There is no fixed home base. During the week, we move between selected hotels and mountain huts along the route.
More about the accommodation Show less
From a boutique hotel in Vinschgau and two nights in Bormio to a mountain hut directly below the glaciers in Val Forni and the Tibet Hut at almost 2,700 metres on the Stelvio Pass.
The accommodation is part of the route: regional, comfortable and exactly where the next day begins.
Your luggage is transported between the accommodations. On the bike, you only carry what you need on the trail.
7 nights
In twin rooms or shared mountain-hut rooms along the route.
Half board included
Breakfast and dinner throughout the trip.
Luggage transfer
Your luggage will already be waiting at the next accommodation at the end of each stage.
From hotel to mountain hut
Boutique hotels, rifugios and one night high up on the Stelvio Pass.
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No surprises
What’s included?
Accommodation, half board, luggage transfer, guiding and the planned shuttles and lifts are included. On site, you only need to budget for personal expenses, drinks and food for the trail.
Included
- 7 nights in twin rooms
- 7 × half board
- 6 days of guided biking
- Professional guiding
- Individually planned routes adapted to the conditions
- Luggage transfer between accommodations
- Bike support and mobile workshop support along the route
- Bike shuttle to Val Müstair
- 2 × bike shuttle to the Stelvio Pass
- Bormio 3000 cable car
- Santa Caterina cable car
- Sulden – Schaubachhütte cable car
- Vinschgau Railway Goldrain – Schluderns
- Downloadable photo selection from the week
Not included
- Travel to and from the trip
- Drinks
- Food outside half board
- Single room (+€50 per night, subject to availability)
- Additional optional lifts or shuttles
Payment
Enquire now. Pay later.
From €2,835
1
Request a spot
0 €
No payment today.
We check availability and whether the trip matches the riding level.
2
Secure the booking
30%
Due within 10 days
Once the booking is requested and dirtlej confirms it in writing, the deposit becomes due.
3
Pay the balance
70%
Due 30 days before the trip
Once the balance is paid, the trip is fully paid for.
Before you start packing
Questions?
Everything you need to know before sending an enquiry.
How does booking work?
Send an enquiry. We’ll check availability, room options and whether the trip matches the riding level. The booking documents will then be sent over.
What riding level is required?
Expert level. Black natural trails should be ridden confidently. Loose rock, chunky sections, tight switchbacks, steep and partially exposed terrain are all part of the tour. Even after several hours on the bike, the riding should remain controlled and technically clean.
What fitness level is required?
Very good fitness. Typical stages are around 50 kilometres with up to 1,500 metres of climbing and several thousand metres of descending. There are also pushing and carrying sections, plus six long biking days in a row.
Can I book a single room?
Yes. A single room is available for an additional €50 per night, subject to availability.
What happens in bad weather?
The stages are deliberately planned to stay flexible around weather and high-alpine conditions. If necessary, we adjust the route, alternative options or the day’s plan. Alternative routes are available for individual stages. Safety always comes before sticking to the originally planned route.
Can I join on my own?
Yes. The trip is designed for a small group of solo travellers as well as friends travelling together.
Do I need insurance?
Suitable travel, cancellation and accident insurance is your responsibility. The required cover should be checked before booking.
What bike should I bring?
A reliable full-suspension enduro mountain bike in perfect working order. Tough tyres and strong, well-maintained brakes are especially important for the long, technical natural trails.
Can I join with an E-MTB?
Only with limitations. Some pushing and carrying sections can involve up to 500 vertical metres. Anyone joining on an E-MTB needs to be able to push and carry the bike safely in steep alpine terrain.
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