Transalp Engadine – From St. Anton to Lake Como with ALPS Biketours

Swiss Glacier worlds

You won’t experience any more mountain adventure than on this Transalp tour. The Transalp Engadine ventures into high alpine landscapes. On five days we are more than 2000m above sea level. Even during the first day in St. Anton you are already surrounded by high alpine nature. This is followed by the Idjoch at an altitude of 2700 meters and the view from the Plamort (2083m) to the Ortler massif. The lonely Val Mora at 2200 meters above sea level and the military road to the Alpisella Pass (2299m) are a must for every mountain biker. But that's not the end. We spend the night in Livigno at an altitude of 1800 meters and continue up into the Swiss glacier world. From over 2500 meters of altitude, we roll down to the Pass Bernina. We cycle along Pontresina and St. Moritz to our second to last destination at the Engadine lakes (1800m). From Maloja Pass the route is mainly downhill past the mountain giants of Bergell to the finish at Lake Como. The Transalp Engadine is a true super tour for which both rider and material should be carefully prepared. The experience will remain unforgettable for everyone.

The Trailer for the Tour on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GfyZraKQhM

High Alpine at Level 2-3

St. Anton, Ischgl, Nauders, Livigno, St.Moritz/Engadine und Comer See. Legendary Towns with a lot of history can be found along the way. 5 Days above 2000 Meters turn the tour into a high alpine highlight at level 2-3.

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6 Stages

All in all a fantastic tour

The scenic landscape can’t be topped. However, the Transalp Engadine is a Mountainbike Tour through and through with all MTB elements. Tricky trail sections have to be mastered as well as long, sometimes steep gravel descents in a high alpine setting. In order to master the route within a certain time frame, road sections and cycle paths are also part of the tour. For us, it’s the ideal terrain mix for all passionate Mountainbikers, who are not looking for the extreme.

Elena Elfes, ALPS Guide

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Highlight Nr. 8

The Bernina-Massive

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St. Moritz and Bergell

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Arrival at Lake Como

Elevation Profile Day 1

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Transalp Engadin 1. Stage - 43 Kilometer - 1130 m elevation gain

From St. Anton to Ischgl

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1. Stage

Today’s Highlights

• Start in St. Anton

• Through the Verwall Valley

• Ascend to Heilbronner Hütte

• Downhill to Galtür

• Arrival in Ischgl

From the legendary ski resort of St. Anton to glamorous Ischgl

43 km, 1130 m elevation gain

The start already takes place in the middle of the best Mountainbike country. St. Anton is not only well known among skiers. Our comfortable start hotel lies directly at the beginning of the Verwall Valley which leads up to the Heilbronner Hütte. Next to us we can already see the high mountains reaching up, the Rosanna Canyon is the first highlight. We pass along Konstanzer Hütte and from there on the landscape gets lonelier and wilder as we continue. For most hikers the distance is too challenging, therefore we have the wide valley with the surrounding peaks mostly for ourselves. This spot is also the crossing point for many legendary transalp routes. During the partially challenging ascend, we meet like min-

ded folks. Pushing the bike uphill is not easy. Once we reach the high plateau, we are rewarded with a magnificent, high alpine backdrop. The peaks of the Verwall group are over 3000m high. Our lunch stop sits enthroned between them like an eagle's nest: the Heilbronner Hütte at an altitude of 2320 meters. The panorama is hard to beat. A savory lunch or a delicious Kaiserschmarrn await us. The afternoon is pure enjoyment. The downhill to Galtür is a true highlight. The main alpine ridge has its special charm here. In our 4-star hotel, cold drinks are ready for us, and the sauna is already preheated. Usually, we can also use the laundry service (for a fee), which means we have clean laundry the next morning.

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Start in St. Anton and straight into high alpine terrain.

Route Requirement Day 1 - 43 km - 1130 m elevation gain

That’s how every morning could start off. A wonderful gravel path with a moderate steepness leads up into the Verwall Valley. However, the enjoyment stops around 45 minutes before we reach our lunch stop A good 20 minutes of pushing our bikes awaits. A steep, partly stepped section has to be mastered by everyone. On the high plateau, however, we are rewarded by a nice single trail with a beautiful panorama. After the lunch break, the route initially descends steeply on wide gravel paths. The trail to Zeinis Lake is good to ride and only very steep towards the end. The last few kilometers to Ischgl are pure enjoyment. We cycle partly on asphalt, partly on wonderfully soft forest paths from the top directly to the hotel. All in all, a perfect day of mountain biking with everything bikers could wish for.

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Start for our Transalp Engadine.

We’ll quickly reach great MTB paths.

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A spectacular panorama awaits us.

The tree line is coming closer.

We’re already over 2000m of Elevation.

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A short, uphill pushing section.

We can already see the Heilbronner Hütte

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Can it get any better?

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Marvelous Tyrolean Mountains at our lunch stop.

Shortly, before we reach Ischgl.

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Wonderful downhill in the afternoon.

Elevation Profile Day 2

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Transalp Engadin 2. Stage - 54 Kilometer - 800/1200 m elevation gain

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2. Stage From Ischgl to Nauders

54 km, 800/1200 m elevation gain

Today we conquer the main alpine ridge. Optionally, the cable car will help us more or the less. First of all, we take the cable car up to Idalp, which lays on 2300m above sea level. There, we have to make a decision: Either we bike up around 400m of elevation on a very steep but scenic path, or we take another lift up to Idjoch (2700m). The rock scenery around us, is more than impressive and the view from the main alpine ridge is spectacular. We then enjoy a very long downhill in which we cross the national borders several times.

Ischgl and the swiss village Samnaun, dedicated themselves to Mountainbiking for several years now. Therefore, there are various trails built here. We take the trail section down to Alp Trida. From there on we continue our downhill to the old Smugglers village of Samnaun. After a traditional lunch stop, we reach the Kajetansbridge down in the valley. Another historic highlight awaits us. The crossing of the river Inn at Altfinstermünz, was one of the most

Today’s highlights

• The Idjoch

• Alpine Landscapes

• Trails to Samnaun

• Altfinstermünz

• From Unterengadin to Nauders

important trade routes in Europe. Here, the wild river breaks through a narrow passage between the rocks, just spectacular! The detour is worth the short pushing passage afterwards to reach the higher Inn cycle path. We cycle back to Switzerland. We are greeted by the Engadine and its’ mountains. We reach the loneliest mountain regions via smugglers' paths. How did people live here 100 years ago? Deep below us lies the narrow bed of the rushing Inn. It's hard to believe that we were still down there two hours ago. One last magnificent forrest downhill and we reach today’s destination, Nauders. We stay overnight in a 4-star hotel with a SPA area and everything that an athlete’s heart desires.

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Downhill from Idjoch.

Route Requirement 2.Day - 54 km - 800/1200 m elevation gain

More Mountains is not possible. We have to conquer the gravel uphill to Idalp and Idjoch. The thin air and the steep uphills don’t make it easy for us. However, it’s worth the effort: The spectacular views make us forget all the hard work. When do you stand with your bike on 2760m above sea level ? Also the downhill from Idjoch will challenge us. Bikepark and Gravel sections descend steep and technically. The more we descend the better the underground gets. Soon, we all cycle towards Samnaun. The Zitatenweg then turns out to be a real MTB highlight on a contour line before we roll down a fast asphalt descent to the Kajetansbridge. We follow a gravel path to Altfinstermünz and then have a short, steep climb back to the Inn Valley cycle path before turning off-road again after Martina. The ascent in the forest is strenuous, but on the best surface. The descent, on the other hand, is pure enjoyment, with a short trail leading directly to our hotel.

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The first elevation gain….

… relaxed with the cable car.

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We are leaving Ischgl.

Steep section before we reach the Idjoch.

Great atmosphere.

Now we can enjoy the first section of trails.

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Just magnificent.

We always have time for group pictures.

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In the afternoon we reach Altfinstermünz.

Last

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break before the uphill to Nauders.

Last view of the river Inn.

Yes - we arrived in Nauders - now we can relax at Bike Hotel Central.

Elevation Profile Day 3

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Transalp Engadin 3. Stage - 51 Kilometer - 980 m elevation gain from Nauders to Sta. Maria

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3. Stage

Today’s highlights

• Foto-Spot Plamort

• Alm- and Plamorttrail

• Lake Reschen

• View of the Ortler-Group

From Nauders via Plamort to Sta. Maria

• Arrival in Sta. Maria

51 km, 980 m elevation gain

The spectacular view of the snow covered Ortler shapes this varied bike day. However, before we have to conquer the Reschen Pass. We start on the historic Via Claudia path way, but soon we leave the cycle path and use the cable car which brings us up to Bergkastell. Up there, we enjoy the Alm- and Plamorttrail which lead us to the famous armored barriers. For the first time, we can see the Ortler. 27 3000m peaks characterize the gigantic mountain massive. The magical mountain will continue to inspire us for the next few days. We won’t forget the views of Lake Reschen and Lake Haider with the Ortler mountain in the background. Alongside Lake Reschen we cycle through Larch forests and ride down into the Vinschgau. We reach the medieval town of Glurns for our lunch break. 200 years ago they already built a ring

road around the town. The town center has therefore been uniquely preserved. With slightly tired legs, we start into the afternoon uphill. We reach the Nationalpark Stilfser Joch and cross the border to Switzerland. In the distance we can already see the valley entrance to Dös Radond. The gateway to the Engadine is our challenge for tomorrow. However, we don’t want to think about that today. In a simple hotel, we enjoy Swiss specialties for dinner. We are looking forward to tomorrow’s Queen’s stage.

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Route Requirement 3.Day - 51 km - 980 m elevation gain

Today we start a bit more relaxed into the day, since we can feel the exhaustion of the past two days in our bodies. The crisp morning air welcomes us as we cycle along the Via Claudia cycle path towards Reschen Pass. We leave the northern side of the alps behind us without making any effort, since the Bergkastell cable car supports our way up. Via built bike park tracks, we reach the Plamort. This place is a must-see. Afterwards a gravel road leads down to Lake Reschen. On small side roads we cycle down into the Vinschgau. After the lunch break, the route climbs gently but steadily, mostly on hidden gravel paths. A few final nasty ramps and we reach our hotel in Sta Maria. We have time for some stretching, bike cleaning or for a visit in the world’s smallest Whiskey Bar. Or does anyone else want to take the legendary racing bike route to the Umbrail Pass?

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Classic Foto Spot: Orter Group and Lake Reschen.

Start in Nauders with the Plamort in the background.

Our TRAIL & Technik Camp Nauders takes place here as well.

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Via the Plamort, we cross the national border.

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The Plamorttrail.

Horses and armored barriers.

What a view.

Group picture.

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Refreshment in the Vinschgau.

Church Tower of Graun at Lake Reschen.

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4. Stage From Sta. Maria

To Livigno

47 km, 1270 m elevation gain

Today the mountainbike shows all its advantages. For hikers the Val Morawhich presents a unique scenery and vegetation - is too remote. However, we have to earn the view. We start early in the morning to have enough time to soak in all the impressions. Quickly, we leave the Münster valley below us. The valley up to the Dös Radond reminds of the remote Canadian mountain world. Gigantic waterfalls are pouring down next to us, and the bold rock formations are coming closer and closer. In between there is crystal clear creek, which runs down into the valley. We can’t get enough of the scenery. Once we reach the Dös Radond on 2200m above sea level, we start into the next highlight. We roll into the Val Mora and encounter more than just happy cows. Haven’t we all wanted to spend a summer like this?

We keep on riding above 2000 meters and approach Lago di Cancano. Again, the glacier of the Ortler appears right

Today’s Highlights

• Uphill to Dös Radond

• Val Mora

• Lago di Cancano

• Passo Alpisella

• Downhill to Livigno

in front of us. Our lunch table is already set in a dreamy scenery. Pasta has never tasted better.

We cycle around the lake and take it up another notch in the afternoon. Curve after Curve the next highlight – the Alpisella – comes into reach. The old military road, a so-called Dynamite Trail, makes the effort not too challenging.

Followed by a steep downhill on gravel, we roll into Livigno. Here we have time for an ice cream, duy-free shopping or simply relaxing at the SPA area of our hotel. We stay overnight at the chic SPA Hotel Lac Salin or at Montivas Lodge. That’s how we imagined our vacation.

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Route Requirement 4.Day - 47 km - 1270 m elevation gain

We start with a ramp into the day. However, everyone is motivated for the Queen’s stage. Luckily, it’s only a steep section and soon we reach a moderate gravel road. Now we have to climb up 600 meters all in once. At the Dös Radond on 2000m we have time for an energy bar break. Afterwards, the way gets narrow and partly adventurous. Year after year the mountain reshapes the course of the route. Enthusiastic trail raiders have a lot of fun, others might push their bikes for short sections. The old military road up to Alpisella presents moderate MTB Terrain. Not too steep, but still challenging. For the downhill to Livigno, we definitely need good brakes, riding technique and concentration. Even though the way is fairly wide, it is pretty steep with a lot of loose gravel. Be cautious.

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Another great day.

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Friendly greeting in the morning.

We have to time to enjoy the view.

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Remote Val Mora.

Let the fun continue.

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Linger, slow down and enjoy.

Positive visual guidance.

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Tricky sections.

Pure Solitude

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Military Road up to Alpisella.

We reached the highes point.

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Downhill from Alpisella.

Arrival in Livigno.

Elevation Profile Day 5

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Transalp Engadin 5. Stage - 55 Kilometer - 1000 m elevation gain from Livigno to Sils

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5. Stage From Livigno to Sils

55 km, 1000 m elevation gain

You simply cannot beat the view from the 2500m high Val Minor into the Swiss glacier world. Beforehand, we roll out of Livigno on the cross-country slope. We are already on 1800m and therefore in the middle of the scenic mountain landscape. Our first destination is the Forcola di Livigno. We reach the pass on wonderful gravel paths through a veritable marmot colony. If the wind is favorable, we can get very close to the cute little animals. On top we enjoy a delicious Cappuccino in the Alpini Bar. The Swiss Glaciers are in hands reach. On newly built Bikepark paths, we have to climb up challenging 200 meters of elevation, till we reach Forcola Minor. Almost one hour of riding uphill takes its toll, but the view on top is worth the effort. Directly in front of us we can see the Bernina Glacier and deep down we see the two glacier lakes. The legendary Bernina Express looks like a miniature train from up here. This is followed by "mountain biking at it's best" on only lightly shaped natural trails. For many, this is the highlight of the entire tour. The Bernina Pass is reached quicker than expected.

Todya’s Highlights

• Uphill to Forcola di Livigno

• Val Minor

• Piz Palü and Piz Bernina Blick

• The Bernina Express

• Arrival in Oberengadin

From here it’s only downhill. We take a break, enjoy the view of Diavolezza and Bernina Glacier and continue the fun downhill. This turns out to be a wonderful mountain bike route with nice trails in a real postcard landscape. Suddenly, the next giant appears. While we were just concentrating on the trail and a few roots, we are now captivated by the mighty Morteratsch Glacier. We enjoy a well-earned cake in a rustic cheese dairy. The day could go on and on. We roll past Pontresina on beautiful forest paths and quickly approach the glamorous town of St. Moritz. Only now do we realize that even 1000 metres in altitude can be quite exhausting. Fortunately, we only have to cycle around two of the three Engadine lakes before we reach our destination for the day, exhausted and happy. A nice Swiss hotel with every comfort awaits us in Sils.

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Route Requirement 5.Day - 55 km - 1000 m elevation gain

1000 meters of elevation gain over 55 kilometers can be quite exhausting. This is the conclusion many people will draw at the end of the day. Yet the whole day awaits us with only the best mountain bike trails on a wide variety of surfaces. First of all, it's an easy ride uphill on an asphalt cycle path to the start of the gravel section up to the Forcola di Livigno. The last hairpin bends on a narrow path are just the first challenge for the climbers in our group. Rideable, but quite steep. After that, the route continues technically and strenuously. Although the ascent to Val Minor was built for bikers, it demands all our strength. Even hairpin bends have to be mastered uphill. From up here, a dream descent begins on a natural trail down to the Bernina Pass. The trail further down to St. Moritz is also legendary. We ride on gravel, forest paths and sometimes rooty single tracks. The last few meters along the two lakes are also wonderful mountain bike trails. An all-round beautiful day.

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High alpine Bikepaths with view on the Bernina group.

Start in the morning.

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From the Forcola the way up continues to be challenging.

We continue in high alpine terrain.

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Technical uphill section.

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What a backdrop!

Pure nature - paths away from the traffic.

Don’t underestimate this section.

Afterwards we start into the Bernina Trails.

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We pass directly by the Rhätische Bahn.

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Val Minor and the Bernina Gletscher

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Just epic.

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Swiss Lakes

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Elevation Profile Day 6

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Transalp Engadin 6. Stage - 82 Kilometer - 500 m elevation gain from Sils to Lake Como

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6. Stage

From Sils to Lake Como

82 km, 500 m elevation gain

Again, we wake up in the middle of a fantastic mountain scenery. That’s how every morning should begin. The Silser Lake is nearly untouched when we start our bike day. High above us, the young Inn cascades down with an impressive waterfall. We understand why Alpine tourism began here more than 200 years ago and why filmmakers are drawn here again and again. We climb the Maloja Pass with almost no elevation gain. From now on, it's all downhill. We work our way down into Bergell on a mix of asphalt stretches and ancient, hidden cart tracks. The villages suddenly take on a completely different character and the mountains are suddenly rugged and wild. We pass a waterfall and cross small bridges to reach the

Today’s Highlights

• Swiss Lakes

• Maloja Pass

• Long downhill into Bergell

• Italy is waiting for us

• Arrival at Lake Como

border. The Italian lifestyle envelops us. After a lunch break in a quaint grotto, the first stop is at the first Italian ice cream parlor. Lake Como is getting closer and closer. Fortunately, the Italians have built beautiful cycle paths here. So, we can even enjoy the last few kilometers without any traffic. We reach the Mediterranean climate of Lake Como in the evening light. We have made it! Our hotel is located in the traffic-calmed center of Colico directly on the lake. We quickly find a nice bar to celebrate. We enjoy a last dinner together by the lake.

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Route Requirement 6.Day - 82 km - 500 m elevation gain

Today we have to conquer 82 kilometers, but the view of the elevation profile shows that we ride a lot of kilometers downhill. Nevertheless, we shouldn’t take the last day too easy. The short, but challenging Silser Trails are already raising our pulse rate up. The rushing asphalt descent from the Maloja Pass leads into varied paths until Bregaglia. From here on, the Italians have built an excellent cycling route which leads directly to our lunch stop. After lunch, we don’t have to master any technical difficulties anymore, however we still have to cycle quite a few kilometers. On mostly cycling paths and small gravel roads, which are away from the traffic, we reach our final destination: Lake Como.

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Postcard Picture infront of the Swiss Lakes.

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Bernina Express with Morteratsch Glacier.

Nice Trail in Bergell.

The landscape is changing.

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A beautiful way leads to Maloja.

We have time to pause and linger.

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Great atmosphere.

Last coffee break.

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The dream tour ends at Lake Como.

Done - Transalp Engadine.

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The new suspension bridge in Bergell.

6 Stages - 350 km - 6100 m elevation gain

Level 2-3

Transalp Engadine

All in all a fantastic tour from St. Anton to Lake Como

Illustration, Texts and Fotos: Tom Bierl, Sascha Müller, Guests