MTB Technique & Alpine Biology Center, Piora Region
- Activity: Alpine Sports Base - Airolo
- Start date: 03 October 2025
- End date: 05 October 2025
- Location: Fuori sede
- Address: Airolo
- Course language:
- Italiano
- English
Two days dedicated to E-MTB trips for all levels. An unmissable experience for nature and sports lovers!
Day 1 – Introduction and Improvement in Airolo
Meeting point: 08:30 at the Casa della Sostenibilità in Airolo (ground floor, in front of the train station).
Equipment provided: E-MTB and helmet (clipless pedals available on request).
Morning
- First hour: technical exercises at the Airolo multipurpose field, to learn or improve bike handling skills.
- Assessment of technical level and formation of homogeneous groups.
- Transfer to Pesciüm (paved road up to Nante, then gravel), with 600 m of elevation gain in about 1 hour.
Midday and Afternoon
- Short snack break and division into groups of maximum 3–4 people.
- Guided ride at the Bike Park di Airolo, with itineraries adapted to the skills of each group.
→ Goal: to learn useful techniques and enjoy a positive experience, without pushing beyond personal limits. - Packed lunch in nature.
- Return to Airolo in the afternoon, depending on the groups’ needs.
Day 2 – Excursion in Val Piora (Lake Ritom → Lake Cadagno)
Departure by E-MTB from Airolo, passing through Brugnasco and Altanca, up to Lake Ritom.
Route data:
- Total distance: approx. 15.1 km Strava
- Elevation gain: ~881 m Strava
- Challenging sections:
- Altanca → Ritom: mixed road (paved and gravel), with gradients reaching around 14% in the “Altanca Lach Climb” segment (Strava).
- Ritom → Cadagno: much gentler stretch, with modest elevation gain and low average gradient (~2.1%) (Strava).
During the excursion, we will visit the Alpine Biology Center, surrounded by breathtaking alpine scenery: lakes, mountains, and pristine nature.
The program may be adjusted according to weather and trail conditions.
Cultural Highlight – Visit to the Alpine Biology Center
Val Piora is an alpine area of extraordinary beauty, home to impressive landscapes and lakes of great natural interest.
Along the way, we will pass by Lago Ritom, one of the largest and most spectacular alpine lakes in Ticino, famous for its striking turquoise color and accessible via a combination of paved and gravel roads.
The route will then continue to Laghetto del Cadagno (1921 m), internationally renowned for its unique feature: its waters consist of two distinct layers that never mix, creating a rare ecosystem of high scientific value.
The visit to the Centro di Biologia Alpina will allow us to explore these aspects further and discover the ongoing research activities in the fields of ecology and limnology.
An experience combining sport, nature, and culture, in one of Ticino’s most fascinating and unspoiled alpine environments.
Level
The camp is intended for participants with a beginner/intermediate level. This means having a good attitude towards cycling and the ability to use brakes and gears.
Personal Equipment
Participants must wear sportswear suitable for the activity. We recommend dressing in layers for outdoor activities:
- Breathable inner layer, thermal underwear made from synthetic fiber or merino wool to retain heat and provide greater breathability
- Intermediate layer, fleece or light insulated jacket
- Outer layer, hiking jacket and pants, we recommend windproof and waterproof suits (e.g., Gore Tex).
- Cycling gloves
- Towels
- Personal leisurewear
- Board games
Sports equipment
- Hairband or headband
- Sunglasses
- Mountain sunscreen
- Mountain backpack
- Thermos flask
- Headlamp
- Shoe suitable for mountain bike touring
The following equipment is provided by the Sport Service:
- Headlamp
- E-bike
- MTB
- Bicycle helmet (for those who do not have one)
Participation
The activity will only take place if at least 5 participants sign up, with a maximum of 12 people. If weather conditions force the camp to be canceled, all participants will be refunded the full amount paid.
Food
Breakfast and dinner are included in the price and will be organized at Casa Alpina
Any food intolerances or allergies must be communicated at the time of registration.
Price
- USI/SUPSI students: 160 CHF*
- USI/SUPSI staff, faculty member, students from other Swiss universities: 200 CHF*
- Companions/Family members: 240 CHF
*At the time of purchase, the category (student, staff member, faculty member) indicated on your university ID card will be considered valid.
Included in the price:
- 2 nights' accommodation
- 2 half-board meals (breakfast and dinner)
- 2 days' equipment hire (E-MTB, MTB, helmet, headlamp)
- 2 days of guided sports activities
Not included in the price:
- Personal clothing for E-bike rides
Would you like to help us become even more environmentally sustainable?
Bring your own bedding set: pillowcase (50X70), mattress cover (80X200), and duvet cover (140X200).
Sheets or sleeping bags are not permitted.
Alternatively, you can rent a set for CHF 15 at the Alpine Base.
Already joined a technique day?
On the following weekends you can create your own package:
- Join only the Day 2 tour,
- Repeat the technique session,
- Or combine both days.
A tailor-made MTB experience starting from CHF 50 per day, bike and guiding included.
For more details and bookings, please contact Dalila directly.
Transportation
Transportation to Airolo must be arranged individually.
To reduce environmental impact, we recommend traveling by train along the route “Lugano-Airolo”.
For check-in at 6:00 p.m., we recommend the train departing from Lugano on platform 3 at 4:30 p.m.
Registration and payment
By proceeding with the purchase, the user accepts the instructions and rules of conduct of the Sport Service, available in the section "Attachments".
Refund policy
- 100% refund upon presentation of a medical certificate
- 80% refund within 2 weeks of the camp
- 50% refund within 1 week of the camp
- No refund less than one week before the camp, as in the case of non-attendance
To proceed with your refund request, please contact the Sport Service by email, indicating the event and the reason for cancellation. Refund conditions will apply based on the date of the request.