Torri di Fraele and other Bormio rides - Italy

Bormio is located in the Valtellina in the Stelvio National Park.
It sits at a dead end of a valley floor and four valleys originate from here, each offering signature climbs and further local rides.

Valle di Braulio

Towards the great Stelvio and Umbrail passes.

Valdidentro

Towards Livigno, Passo Foscana and Torri di Fraele.

Valfurfa

Towards Santa Caterina, Passo Gavia and the Forni valley.

Valtellina

Towards Passo Mortirolo, Val Grosina and Fumero.

Torri di Fraele are a reminder of the historic importance of the Valtellina

Ancient - rugged - lovely

Torri di Fraele - 1941m

From Turripiano, the road climbs via 21 hairpins, winding its way up a steep mountainside like shoelaces. It is a quiet road, popular with cyclists, with rock-climbing walls along the route and excellent views over the Valdidentro valley.

The climb begins with a couple of long straight sections, which you’ll likely ride a little too quickly in anticipation of the spectacular upper part with its seemingly endless switchbacks.

After a small toll booth (for cars), the real treat begins. The road rises almost vertically up the hillside, jumping from one hairpin to the next, with each ramp only a few hundred meters long. The rapid succession of switchbacks sweeps you up the mountainside in no time, making this a truly memorable ride.

As the road finally eases, it passes through two short, rocky tunnels before reaching the ancient towers overlooking Valdidentro. From here, the road continues on to Lago Cancarno, a perfect spot for a coffee break. A dirt track loops around both lakes, adding to the sense of adventure.

Other rides from Bormio.

Further wonderful rides and climbs form Bormio

Bormio 2000 - 1923m

Bormio 2000 is the mid-point of the Bormio ski area but riding up there does not feel like riding through man made pistes and lifts. There are villages on this road which is mainly through woods and offers nice views over Bormio and the surrounds through gaps of forest. This is a great warm up climb to get a feel for the area. Stop for a coffee at Ciuk - Baita de Mario.

Forte di Oga - 1720m

From Santa Lucia, the road leads to Oga and the climb is sign posted in the usual Bormio style signage.

After Oga, the road becomes smaller and ends at a restaurant - Hotel al Forte - which is great for a stop.

You need to walk the rest to fort if you would like to visit.

Eita from Bormio - 1702m

The climb from Grosina to Refugio Eita is an HC climb in the Val Grosina with 14.5km in lengths. It covers 1039m in altitude gain and tops at just over 17% gradient. The road surface is less than ideal but then this is a remote valley ending in a dead end virtually in the middle of nowhere.
Check if the Refugio is open before you set off.

Route Tip: Climb all local climbs in one ride: Forte di Oga, Torri di Fraele and Bormio 2000. This is a great climbing day with all climbs around Bormio which is always in view. This offers also a great variety of climbs and terrains.

Route Tip: Leaving Bormio and heading to Grosio where the ride turns quite sharply up the hillside into the Valle Grosina. Follow the road to the end to Eita where it becomes a dirt track which connects to the Valdidentro and is not suitable for road riding. Return to Bormio the same way for a different kind of Bormio ride.