Trip
Aosta Valley, Italy
Mountain Bike
Questions? Let us help! Call us at
1-866-386-1590
1-866-386-1590
Epic alpine rides, expert local guiding, and the world’s best food and wine await – this is truly the bike trip of a lifetime.
Tucked up in the northwest corner of Italy lies the spectacular Aosta Valley. Aosta boasts 5,000 kilometers of singletrack, with many trails that have hardly seen mountain bikes. This region has world-class alpine rides near some of the biggest peaks in Europe; the Mont Blanc, the Grand Combin, the Gran Paradiso and the Cervino (Matterhorn) along with amazing, forested trails in the lower valleys. The history of this area runs deep with medieval castles throughout the valley and Roman ruins in central Aosta that date back over 2000 years. We’ve teamed up with a multi-generational Aosta local legend who's ridden more of the region than most. On top of that, the cuisine is exceptional, the espresso superb and vino outstanding; it is Italy after all. This trip, powered by the renowned pros at Big Mountain Bike Adventures, will uncover trails that even local riders don’t know of. Join us, this adventure will blow your mind!
*Please note: this trip is for advanced level (and above) mountain bikers and requires a high level of fitness. We encourage all riders to bring their own bikes from home (easily packed and checked on with your airline), you simply can’t beat your own bike. If you’re unsure about your fitness level, we suggest renting an eMTB as it’s a great equalizer.
Photo: Margus Riga.
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Itinerary
Itinerary
Itinerary: Please note the itinerary is subject to change as needed.
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1
Day 1: Welcome to Italy
Upon arrival to Milan Malpensa Airport, be greeted by our driver for a two-hour transfer north into the Alps, to Aosta. Plan to land at Milan Malpensa Airport before 11:00 AM (or the previous day) as our group transfer departs mid-day to coincide with the last flight arrival. Afternoon to explore historical Aosta including its Roman ruins such as the Arch of Augustus built in 35 BC. This vibrant and bustling small city has great restaurants, wine bars, gelaterias and cafes.
Meals included: Welcome Dinner
Overnight: Aosta Hotel -
2
Day 2: Ride Aosta Valley
After breakfast we’ll load up for a 40-minute shuttle to the picturesque Cogne valley, then we climb on gravel & singletrack and even some pushing to a high mountain pass at 2910m (9457 feet). Then, we drop into a spectacular singletrack descent, then some asphalt riding all the way back to Aosta.
Distance and elevation: ↔ 55km (34 mi.), 1455m (4773 ft.) +, 2415m (7923 ft.) -
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight: Aosta Hotel -
3
Day 3: Ride Pila
Another amazing day of riding. We’ll shuttle up the Pila ski resort and then pedal to 2815m (9235 ft.) with spectacular views of all the 4000m+ (13000+ ft.) peaks in the area. We’ll ride an amazing high ridge with sweeping views of the Aosta Valley and Mont Blanc in the distance.
Distance and elevation: ↔ 38km (23 mi.), 650m (2132 ft.) +, 2395m (7858 ft.) -
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight: Aosta Hotel -
4
Day 4: Ride L’Alpage De Ceneve
A 20-minute shuttle will bring us to the village of Saint-Barthélemy where we begin today’s climb to a traversing trail high above Aosta. We’ll descend into town for a cold beverage on the bustling main piazza and watch the world go by.
Distance and elevation: ↔ 27km (17 mi.), 695m (2283 ft.) +, 1970m (6463 ft.) -
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight: Aosta Hotel -
5
Day 5: Ride Punta Chaligne
After a shuttle to the end of the asphalt road not far from the Swiss border we’ll ride across, down and then up to a small stone hut for a delicious lunch. Then, we climb up to the Punta Chaligne at 2608m (8556 ft.) with jaw-dropping views of the city of Aosta and surrounding peaks and glaciers. Tonight’s digs, a well-appointed mountain hut at 2385m (7825 feet). *you will not have your luggage tonight, bedding & towels are provided.
Distance and elevation: ↔ 36km (22 mi.), 1831m (6007 ft.) +, 1496m (4908 ft.) -
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Mountain hut -
6
Day 6: Ride to Planaval
Ride out the door, day two of our three-day point-to-point ride as we ride towards Mont Blanc and Courmayeur at the end of the valley. Today’s ride is quite remote as we pass through alpine meadows and a few small hamlets. Tonight we’ll bed down at a quaint small hotel with a renowned local restaurant.
Distance and elevation: ↔ 45km (28 mi.), 1090m (3576 ft.) +, 1636m (5367 ft.) -
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Hotel Jolie Berger -
7
Day 7: Ride to Courmayeur
Today we drop down from the hotel, past a chateaux to roll up to the QC Terme Pré Saint Didier spa for an end of the trip soak under the shadow of Europe’s highest peak the Mont Blanc. This evening we’ll head out for our final dinner in Courmayeur, one of Italy’s premiere ski resorts.
Distance and elevation: ↔ 38km (24 mi.), 150m (492 ft.) +, 1175m (3855 ft.) -
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight: Hotel Berthod -
8
Day 8: Transfer 2.5 hours to Milan Malpensa Airport.
Group transfer 2.5 hours to Milan Malpensa Airport. Please ensure that flights do not depart earlier than 12 noon (preferably later).
Meals included: Breakfast
Trip Package Includes
- Expert local leadership & MTB guiding
- Six nights' hotel accommodations and one night mountain rifugio accomodation (all based on double occupancy)
- All transportation from/to Milan Malpensa Airport on scheduled arrival and departure days
- All luggage transportation (one night without luggage)
- Spa visit to Pré Saint Didier Spa
- All breakfasts, two lunches & three dinners
- evo MTB kit (jersey, shorts, gloves, socks, and water bottle)
- 20% off discount code at evo.com
Not Included
- Airfare and airport taxes and excess baggage charges (if any)
- Mountain bike or e-mountain bike (e-MTB rental available, six days: $595 USD)
- Six lunches, five dinners, ride snacks & extras like coffee & alcohol
- Mandatory personal travel and medical insurance (we recommend World Nomads for travel insurance)
- Required equipment such as helmet, backpack, pedals/ shoes, etc
- Single room supplement
- Unexpected additional costs if itinerary is amended due to rider injury or weather, or a mechanical and parts need to be delivered due to a bike mechanical
- Guide and local staff gratuities
- Questions? Contact us!
Area Information
Aosta Valley, Italy Highlights
Riding a perfect ribbon of alpine singletrack above Courmayeur with Mont Blanc looming like a giant. Heading out for a fantastic dinner in vibrant Aosta after a big day of riding. Riding the Punta Chaligne ridge trail on a perfect summer morning with ridiculous views of the Aosta Valley. The fact that cuisine is as important as anything in Italy. You’ll ride, eat and drink very well! Every day, riding sections of trail in the lower forests that are amazingly fun and go on forever.
Gallery
Gallery
FAQ
FAQ
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Is this trip guaranteed to run?
The 2024 departure is confirmed to run! -
I'm ready to book. Do I need to pay in full or can I pay deposit only?
To secure your spot, you can either pay the full amount now or contact Customer Care at 1.866.386.1590 if you prefer to only pay your $850 USD per person deposit. Full payment is due 65 days prior to departure. Note that regardless of paying full payment or deposit at time of booking, we will consider $850 to be a non-refundable deposit in accordance with the following terms and conditions: You have until 15 days after booking to cancel for a full refund, unless those 15 days fall within 60 days of the trip. 15 days post booking until 60 days prior to the trip you can cancel with a 25% of trip cost cancellation fee. Within 60 days of the trip, cancellations will not receive any refund of trip cost. -
What if I need to cancel my trip?
evoTrip defers to Big Mountain's policies for cancellation: You have until 15 days after booking to cancel for a full refund, unless those 15 days fall within 60 days of the trip. 15 days post booking until 60 days prior to the trip you can cancel with a 25% of trip cost cancellation fee. Within 60 days of the trip, cancellations will not receive any refund of trip cost. -
What ability level do I need to be to join this trip?
This trip is for advanced mountain bikers. You are an advanced mountain biker if you have been mountain biking consistently for five years or more and can ride technical trails including steep sections, small jumps, small drops (one-two feet) and elevated North Shore-type sections. You can ride switchbacks confidently, rock gardens and sections with exposure. You know when to walk a section that might be too difficult. Please reach out to [email protected] if you have any questions about ability level for this trip. We will ask all participants to complete this rider questionnaire to ensure you are well suited for the trip: https://www.ridebig.com/rider-questionnaire. -
Who are the guides?
We know how important good leaders are in the enjoyment and success of a trip. Big Mountain Bike Adventures are proud to offer the best leaders available in all our destinations. They are the link to unforgettable riding, new cultures, and great experiences. You will learn more from them than any guidebook. Their riding expertise, enthusiasm, language skills, environmental appreciation, cultural understanding, and safety training are unparalleled. Besides showing you secret singletrack, they will make sure your trip runs smoothly and safely. You can learn more about them at www.ridebig.com -
What is the cuisine and lodging like?
On this adventure we spend one night at a rifugio where you will not have your luggage. Otherwise, nights are spent at comfortable 3-star hotels with all amenities. The cuisine on this trip is typical of northern Italy, delicious. Please notify Big Mountain Bike Adventures if you have any special dietary needs. -
Can I room by myself? Is there a single supplement fee?
The trip cost is based off of double occupancy rooming. If you prefer a private room, you can pay an additional single room supplement fee after booking (if spaces are available for single rooms). Otherwise, we will pair you with another solo traveler of the same gender. -
What is the group size?
Groups are typically between 4 and 12 participants, with 1-2 guides per group. Often, a third guide will provide extra support during the trip. Our groups are kept small so that we can ensure every participant is well looked after. Small groups mean riders can give each other space, yet be sure that everyone is on the right track.
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How old do you have to be to join this trip?
Participants must be 18 and over, unless accompanied by an adult. -
Do I need trip insurance?
Travel/trip insurance is required and we highly recommend World Nomads for travel insurance. -
Can you help me with my pre and post travel arrangements or airfare?
International airfare (and associated costs) to your trips starting or ending place is not included nor organized by evo or Big Mountain. Big Mountain can, however, assist with extra hotel nights, bike bag storage or revised airport transfers if you wish to extend your trip before or after the Big Mountain adventure. -
What kind of information will I receive to prepare for my trip?
Once registered Big Mountain riders will receive a detailed pre-departure 'Trip Preparation Guide' specific to the trip. It covers important information like trip planning timeline, recommended packing list, tips on traveling with your bike, insurance requirements and helpful information according to your destination to ensure that you are well prepared for the adventure ahead. -
Can I fly with my bike?
Yes. Most airlines will charge additional fees for bikes. Ensure that you review the airline's policy before finalizing any bookings. We will send you detailed information on tips for packing your bike in our Trip Preparation Guide specific to your trip. -
How long will we be riding for each day?
You'll typically spend four to five to as much as seven hours on your bike each day depending on the group and particular day. -
What is the climate like?
In big mountains, weather can change quickly and drastically – it could be 30 degrees Celsius one day and then freezing on a mountaintop the next day. Summertime in the Alps are typically beautiful, however it can rain and sometimes even snow, so we have to be prepared for all types of weather conditions.
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