E-Biking and Spa in the Italian Alps
WOW is the only adjective I can use to describe our E-bike trip in Bormio, Italy!
Having only tried an e-bike once in Park City a few years ago (on the flats), I thought they were just okay – mostly for wimps who didn’t like a workout. I couldn’t have been more wrong! The performance and technology at your fingertips on steep mountain trails, roads and passes completely blew me away. There is not a chance we could have ridden any of these mountain trails on a regular bike. Everyone would have been “panting like dogs” and completely hammered in an hour.
Skeptical About Trying an E-Bike?
On the first day, a few of the ladies were nervous about biking on the steep trails around the forests surrounding Bormio because they had never been on an e-bike. However, within a few hours they were climbing steep switchbacks and mountain trails with ease. Everyone marveled at the feat of climbing a switchback after switchback while being able to have a normal conversation with each other. And even though the weather was a bit chilly (with a few sprinkles of rain), it never dampened the ladies’ enthusiasm for riding. It almost became an addiction – embarking on 3-4-hour long rides each and every day.
Transportation and A Way of Life
We all noticed how the new wave of e-biking has swept throughout Europe. E-bikes are everywhere, and the sport has changed the cultural landscape forever. More and more people are purchasing them as transportation to and from work – which has decreased the number of cars in many mountain towns. Roads are less crowded, and the air is much cleaner – not to mention the surge in business for the hundreds of mountain huts that serve farm to table cuisine to their guests. In the past, you could only hike to many of these high alpine locations. It’s created a win/win for everyone.
A Luxury Spa with a History
Obviously, on an e-bike trip in Italian Alps is special. However, another highlight of the trip was spending a few hours at the Bagni Vecchi – the famous spa hotel with original Roman baths from 500 AD. It’s where Roman aristocracy, and the likes of Napoleon and Hemingway retreated for relaxation and healing. It was so popular with the ladies, they spent another entire afternoon at this incredible spa. This ancient spa resort has an incredible array of thermal bath treatments, underground pools, natural saunas, salt rooms, meditation rooms. Everyone came away feeling totally relaxed and ready to ride the next day. We now offer two afternoons at the Bagni Vecchi with our Alpin Luxe package.
Our Cozy Accommodations
Our lodging for the week – the Hotel Rini – is a hidden gem tucked into the meadows of rural Bormio. It’s a working farm and the food was incredible. Each day began with an amazing breakfast of fresh baked pastries, torts, eggs, meats, cheeses, yoghurt and muesli. Dinners were pure Italian, with three courses, plus the salad bar and a decadent desert. The staff are wonderful and handled all our arrangements for the week – from spa retreats to bike rentals and guides. They treated us like family and were kind enough to include a massage for everyone during the week.
Dates for this season’s trip are 9-16 September 2023, and we are sure to sell out this year. So you’d better sign up soon!
