ALPINE CHALLENGE
Cycling in the UNESCO World Heritage Dolomites of Italy is unlike cycling anywhere else in the world. With scenery which can’t be beaten, soaring limestone peaks and roads steeped with cycling history.
The Giro d’Italia first visited the Dolomites in 1937 and has been back over 40 times. Iconic passes await you as you climb in the tyre tracks of legends on passes such as the Passo Pordoi, Passo Giau and the Passo Fedaia.
Our host town of Covara is situated in the very heart the Dolomites, in the shadow of the 2665m Sassongher. It’s the perfect host town, and with 4 nights staying in the stunning 4* Posta Zirm hotel with rich and varied buffet breakfast, free cycling kit laundry service, onsite spa and wellness centre including sauna, steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, Turkish baths, swimming pool and gym this is the perfect event for bringing a non-riding partner.
Building on previous Alpine Challenges, this year’s event has been designed as a boutique experience. Expect carefully designed routes, top-notch lunch stops and high level support, just in smaller ride groups.
After each stage you’ll hand your bike to our experienced mechanics and hit the massage tables before a delicious 3-course meal of local menu choices including wine, and where “sitting at the table becomes a dinner party”.
Price from
£2,635
252KM
Total distance
7630M
Total elevation
3
Days in saddle
4
Nights included
4
Fitness*
3
Experience*
*This is based on 1 being a beginner and 5 being an expert.
252KM
Total distance
7630M
Total elevation
3
Days in saddle
4
Nights included
4
Fitness*
3
Experience*
*This is based on 1 being a beginner and 5 being an expert.
SPEAK TO OUR TEAM
If you have any questions or just need some advice why not book a call with one of our team members.
What's included
4 star accommodation
3 ability groups
Hotchillee Ride Captain support
Dedicated mechanics during the day and evenings
Daily post ride massage
Spa & wellness farm
Event jersey
Laundry service for cycling clothing
Plus …
- All meals
- Airport transfers
- GPX files
- Digital photo coverage
- Race number magnets
- Bike number frame mount
- Local bike hire
- Event t-shirt
- Finishers medal
- Celebration dinner
- Hotchillee Membership, including access to the private event group in the Hotchillee Companion App. Here you’ll be able to chat directly to the Hotchillee team as well as your fellow riders as we prepare for the event together.
- Option to bring your non riding partner
ROUTES
The Sellaronda circuit round the Sella massif has long been a favourite. The twisty Alpine roads at the foot of the Dolomite peaks are like a dream come true for all cyclists. The gradients on the circuit are mostly between 8 and 10 % and it is classed as moderately difficult.
It’s a classic route that ticks off four famous mountain passes and goes through scenery that genuinely deserves to be called ‘dramatic’ as the bulk of the Piz Boè (3152m) looms above you. The final climb of the day is the Passo di Falzarego with 1,111m ascent … just to keep it real!
Passo Pordoi (791m)
Passo di Sella (377m)
Passo di Gardena (594m)
Passo di Falzarego (1111m)
Photos Michael Blann
Sometimes referred to as the beauty and the beast, the Giau pass is the greatest challenge for those who undertake the Maratona dles Dolomites. Standing at 2236m above sea level and boasting no fewer than 29 hairpin bends, it’s a climb that will remain in your memory and legs for a long time.
The Passo Giau is quite simply one of the most picturesque and stunningly beautiful climbs anywhere in the world.
In 2021 Egan Bernal attacked midway up the climb during the famous Giro stage where the weather prevented television images being shown. Bernal emerged from the mist to claim the victory and the Cima Coppi awarded at the summit of the highest point of the race.
“The Giau has a fierce reputation. It was raining as we started the climb, but as we got higher the rain got more intense and quickly turned to sleet, and then snow. The clouds were low, the skies moody, and it was so dark that it looked like we were racing at night. As we topped the climb I was in the lead, exactly where I wanted to be.” Maurizio Fondriest, 1989 Giro d’Italia. Excerpt from Mountains by Michael Blann.
Passo Campolongo (321m)
Passo Giau (919m)
Passo Valparola (702m)
Situated at the base of the Marmolada (3343m) – the highest peak in the Dolomites, the Fedaia pass is another colossus when it comes to epic cycling. A long and arduous ascent, particularly in the last kilometres, with sustained ramps of 12%+ gradients. The Fedaia is thought by many cycling aficionados to be the best climb in the entire Dolomites range. It’s also one of, perhaps THE hardest but hopefully the stunning scenery will help to ease your suffering..
In cycling history, it was on the Fedaia that the late Italian climber, Marco Pantani set the Giro on fire in 1998 as he demolished the ascent with an incredible burst of pace and power. Having ripped the race to shreds he then asked one of his domestiques exactly where it was that the mountain actually got difficult!
Fedaia is known for the beautiful lake near its summit, was the last mountain stage of Giro 2022 and was used as a location for the ‘Italian Job’ movie.
Passo Campolongo (321m)
Passo Fedaia (1002m)
Passo Sella (795m)
Passo Gardena (286m)
PRICES
Hotchillee Premium Members can access a £250 discount code. If you are a Premium Member make sure you are logged in to see the code below. If you are not a Premium Member, join the gang!
Deluxe Twin from £2635
Deluxe twin rooms are located in the new wing and have an en-suite bathroom with bathtub and shower. The private balcony, which enjoys the sun from sunrise to sunset, offers a view of the Piz Boè.
Premium Member price: £2635
Non-member price: £2885
Single from £2980
All single rooms are furnished in traditional Tyrolean style and offer all the comforts with en-suite bathroom and balcony.
Premium Member price: £2980
Non-member price: £3230
Luxury wellness single from £3190
Bright and spacious, the Ladinia Wellness rooms all have a private balcony with views of the Sassongher or Col and a private sauna. Some of these rooms offer a freestanding panoramic bathtub.
Premium Member price: £3190
Non-member price: £3440
Upgrades
Bring a non-riding partner to share the experience.
With the spa and wellness farm, stunning scenery and hiking trails, local bike hire including ebikes, and countless restaurants, bars, tea rooms and shops there’s plenty to do whilst you’re on your bike.
Price includes non-riding partner’s airport transfer, bed and breakfast and evening meals.
Share a comfort room furnished in traditional Tyrolean style and offers all the comforts. They have an en-suite bathroom with shower and balcony.
Share a bright and spacious, Ladinia Wellness room with private balcony and private sauna.
ITINERARY
You’ll be met at the Marco Polo airport, Venice arrivals gate by the Hotchillee team at 13:00 and driven 3 hours to the event hotel.
Mechanics will be on hand to help build bikes, sports therapists to iron out any niggles and the Ride Captains to answer any last minute questions.
Once you’ve collected your Rider Pack there should be time for a short spin, grab a coffee or join your fellow riders for a quick beer before the Rider Welcome Dinner.
Our arrival is on the same day as the famous Selaronda Bike Day. Every summer a day is reserved just for cyclist and all roads are closed around the Sella Group. Everyone is encouraged to spontaneously participate in this local non-competitive event as they wish. So, once we’ve arrived and got our bikes built, we’ll head out for our usual ‘leg loosener’ where we can expect to be joined by other cycling enthusiasts whether on a racing bike, mountain bike, tandem or even unicycle!
Sellaronda route, 84km, 2470m
Lunch will be at the midway point en route at a carefully chosen local restaurant.
On return you can relax with a massage and enjoy the hotel luxury spa.
Dinner at one of the amazing local restaurants where you can enjoy some local cuisine and enjoy the chat and company of your fellow riders.
Passo Giau, 83km, 2540m
Lunch will be at the midway point en route at a carefully chosen local restaurant.
On return you can relax with a massage and enjoy the hotel luxury spa.
Dinner at one of the amazing local restaurants where you can enjoy some local cuisine and enjoy the chat and company of your fellow riders.
Fedaia Loop, 85km, 7630m
Lunch will be at the midway point en route at a carefully chosen local restaurant.
On your return you can get your bike packed with the help of the Hotchillee crew and then relax with a massage and enjoy the hotel luxury spa.
Our final dinner will take place at the event hotel, Postazirm. A gastro treat to seal what will have been an amazing four days in the beautiful Dolomites.
And in true Hotchillee style there will be some fun awards nominated by your ride captains, and maybe an extra beer or five!
The airport transfer back to Marco Polo, Venice will depart the hotel at 10:00.
You’ll be dropped at the airport around 15:00 so plan to book a return flight with plenty of time to check in.
ACCOMMODATION
Posta Zirm
During 200 years of history, Posta Zirm Hotel gave refuge first to wayfarers and adventurers than to generals and sergenats and at last, it became the hideaway for visitors from around the globe. Embraced by the warmth of the Kostner family, Posta Zirm Hotel has been a long standing certainty for every guest.
PRESS
Let's prepare together
From the point you register chat directly with fellow participants, the Hotchillee team, and industry experts on dedicated event groups on the Hotchillee companion app.
Frequently Asked Questions
- 4 nights accommodation
- All meals
- Airport transfers
- Baggage and bike box forwarding
- GPX files
- Dedicated mechanics and technical support per group
- Dedicated support car per route
- Hotchillee Ride Captain support
- Sports therapists at start line, lunch, event hotels
- Digital photo coverage
- Race number magnets
- Bike number frame mount
- Event cycling jersey
- Event t-shirt
- Finishers medal
- Celebration dinner
- Access to the event group in the Hotchillee Companion App
You must be 18 years or older on 16 September 2023.
As there is a lot of climbing and descending involved you will need a good level of fitness.
If you are in doubt as to your fitness then we recommend you have a medical check-up before registering.
The nearest and recommended airport is Marco Polo Airport, Venice. Transfers are included in your entry and times are as follows:
16 September 2023 at 13:00. Transfer from Marco Polo, Venice (transfer approx 3hrs. Includes luggage and bike box)
Sunday 20 September 2023: Transfer from Event Hotel to Marco Polo Airport at 10:00 (transfer approx 3hrs. Includes luggage and bike box)
Yes. If it’s been on your bucket list, or you’re missing the call of the mountains, now is your chance to join us! Our friends at Break Out Sport offer a good range of E-bikes.
The event is restricted to roadworthy road bicycles or E-bikes only. If you are in any doubt then contact the organisers whose decision is final. The ride takes place on tarred or cobbled roads.
Note that no bicycle is permitted to have unconventional handlebars including triathlon bars, aero bars, clip-ons, prayer bars, and cow bars.
Travelling with a bike is becoming increasingly expensive and risky, so if you want to remove the stress you can hire from our friends at Break Out Sport based in Corvara. They have an impressive fleet of top end road bikes including a selection of Specialized Aethos S-Works with Shimano Dura Ace 12 s Di2, and first class customer service.
Yes! Non riding partners are very welcome to join you, in fact this is the perfect setting. The region is simply beautiful with lots of things to do including hiking, bike hire inc e-bikes or just take it easy at the event hotel and it’s impressive spa.
Yes! We ask that all riders take out travel insurance.
Click here for our COVID-19 Guarantee
If Hotchillee cancel the event for any reason not listed in the conditions of sale, your entry fee is fully refundable.
If the event is postponed due to COVID-19, your entry will automatically be transferred to the new date. If you can’t make the new dates, you’ll receive a credit to use against any other Hotchillee multi-day event. The credit expires on 16 September 2024. If you have not used the credit by the expiry date, you’ll receive a refund equal to the original booking amount.
If for any reason you need to cancel your entry there are several options available:
- You are able to nominate a substitute rider for your entry (up to 30 days before the event start date).
- You may defer your entry as a credit towards another HotChillee event in the same or following calendar year (up to 12 weeks before the event start date).
- You are entitled to the following refund on your entry:
- 17 Weeks + before the Event start date: 66% refund of the full entry fee paid including any extra services and upgrades
- 13-16 weeks before the Event start date: 33% refund of the full entry fee paid including any extra services and upgrades
- 0-12 weeks before the Event start date: 0% refund of the full entry fee paid including any extra services and upgrades
- If you are not able to travel due to COVID-19 click here for our COVID-19 Guarantee
To cancel your entry, please contact [email protected]
SPEAK TO OUR TEAM
If you have any questions or just need some advice why not book a call with one of our team members.
OFFICIAL CHARITIES
