E-bike touring: culture, nature and mountains
- Activity: Alpine Sports Base - Airolo
- Start date: 09 October 2026 / 18:00
- End date: 10 October 2026 / 18:00
- Location: Fuori sede
- Address: Airolo
- Course language:
- Italiano
- English
A weekend to discover the region in an active and sustainable way, combining e-bike excursions, cultural and nature visits and, where planned, hiking routes.
The e-bike will be used both as a means of transport and as a way to access the mountains, making it possible to reach places of particular interest and, in some cases, continue on foot towards a summit or panoramic viewpoint.
Each weekend will offer different excursions and experiences. The final destinations will be selected according to the season, weather conditions, trail conditions and the characteristics of the group.
Program
the program may include:
- guided excursions on secondary roads, gravel tracks and easy trails;
- visits to places of historical, cultural and natural interest;
- stops at panoramic viewpoints and opportunities to learn more about the region;
- combined e-bike and hiking routes;
- short introductory exercises to learn how to use an e-bike safely.
Possible destinations include the Gotthard Pass and the historic Tremola road, the Gotthard fortifications, the Schöllenen Gorge and the Devil’s Bridge, Pesciüm and other cultural and natural sites in the Upper Ticino region.
The detailed programme will be communicated to participants at the beginning of the camp.
Level
The activity is primarily intended for beginner and intermediate participants.
No specific mountain-biking experience is required. However, participants must:
- be able to ride a bicycle independently;
- know how to use the brakes and gears;
- feel comfortable riding on gravel roads and easy trails;
- have a suitable level of fitness for several hours of outdoor activity;
- be prepared, where planned, to continue part of the route on foot.
The distance, elevation gain, difficulty and duration of each excursion will be communicated every evening before the following day’s excursion.
Personal equipment
Sportswear suitable for cycling activities and any planned hiking excursions is required:
- layered clothing;
- waterproof and windproof jacket;
- sports or trekking trousers;
- shoes with good grip, suitable for both cycling and walking;
- cycling gloves.
Other items
- sunglasses or ski goggles;
- sunscreen;
- backpack;
- thermos and/or water bottle;
- towels;
- leisure clothing;
- board games.
Any additional equipment required will be communicated before the weekend.
Equipment provided
USI Sport provides:
- e-bikes for hire upon request, at a cost of CHF 10.– per day;
- a cycling helmet for participants who do not have their own;
- any technical equipment required for the planned activities.
E-bikes will be allocated according to availability and the participant’s characteristics. Participants wishing to use their own bicycle may indicate this when registering.
Participation
The weekend will be confirmed once a minimum of 5 participants has been reached, with a maximum of 12 participants.
The programme may be modified in the event of unsuitable weather or trail conditions. If the camp cannot be held safely and is cancelled by USI Sport, the amount paid will be refunded in full.
Meals and accommodation
Accommodation is provided at the Casa della Sostenibilità in Airolo, in shared 6-bed rooms, with shared bathrooms and private shower cubicles.
The participation fee includes breakfast and dinner. Lunch is not included and, depending on the programme, participants may need to bring or arrange a packed lunch.
Any allergies, food intolerances or other dietary requirements must be indicated at the time of registration.
Bed linen
To help us reduce our environmental impact, we recommend bringing your own bed-linen set:
- pillowcase: 50 × 70 cm;
- fitted sheet: 80 × 200 cm;
- duvet cover: 140 × 200 cm.
Sleeping-bag liners and sleeping bags are not permitted.
Alternatively, a bed-linen set can be hired at the Alpine Sports Base for CHF 15.–.
Transport
USI Sport provides students and staff with return train travel to Airolo, offering an environmentally friendly option that reduces the impact of travel while ensuring a comfortable journey for everyone.
For other participant categories, a special USI Sport train ticket is available at a cost of CHF 12.– per journey.
If, during the camp, it is necessary to travel from Airolo to another location for sporting activities, USI Sport may organise the journey by train according to predefined group travel times.
The only free parking area is indicated on the map.
Price
The price varies according to the participant category and the registration date. Registering earlier gives access to the most advantageous rate; as the weekend approaches, the intermediate and standard rates will apply progressively.
Included in the price
- accommodation at the Casa della Sostenibilità;
- half board, including breakfast and dinner;
- supervision during the activities;
- visits and activities included in the final programme;
- return train travel to Airolo from a station in the Canton of Ticino for USI/SUPSI students and staff.
Not included in the price
- e-bike hire: CHF 10.– per day;
- lunches and snacks during the excursions;
- personal clothing and equipment;
- bed-linen hire;
- any optional admission fees, services or transport not expressly listed among the included services
| Category | Early booking | Intermediate rate | Standard rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| USI/SUPSI students | CHF 76 | CHF 82 | CHF 88 |
| USI/SUPSI staff and faculty; students from other Swiss universities; City of Lugano employees; USI Alumni | CHF 100 | CHF 104 | CHF 114 |
| Accompanying persons and family members; SUPSI Alumn | CHF 114 | CHF 120 | CHF 126 |
Pricing deadlines
- Early booking: more than 5 months before the beginning of the weekend;
- Intermediate rate: between 5 and 3 months before the beginning of the weekend;
- Standard rate: less than 3 months before the beginning of the weekend.
When purchasing, participants must select the category corresponding to their profile. USI Sport reserves the right to request documentation confirming eligibility for the selected rate.
Registration and payment
Registration is confirmed once the applicable fee for the participant’s category and pricing period has been paid.
As the price increases progressively when the activity date approaches, we recommend registering early to benefit from the most advantageous rate.
Poiché il prezzo aumenta progressivamente con l’avvicinarsi della data dell’attività, consigliamo di iscriversi con anticipo per beneficiare della tariffa più conveniente.
By proceeding with the purchase, participants accept the USI Sport instructions and code of conduct available in the “Attachments” section.
Refund policy
- a 90% refund upon presentation of a medical certificate;
- an 80% refund for cancellations communicated at least 2 weeks before the beginning of the camp;
- a 50% refund for cancellations communicated between 2 weeks and 1 week before the beginning of the camp;
no refund for cancellations communicated less than 1 week before the beginning of the camp or in the event of non-attendance.
To request a refund, participants must contact USI Sport, indicating the activity and the reason for cancellation. The applicable refund conditions will be determined according to the date on which the request is received.