MTB Technique & The Gotthard Fortresses along the Tremola

• Activity: Alpine Sports Base - Airolo
• Start date: 10 October 2025 / 18:00
• End date: 12 October 2025 / 18:00
• 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 to the Gotthard Fortresses (Göschenen → Airolo, via the Devil’s Bridge)

We will transfer by train to Göschenen, where we begin the ascent by E-MTB through the Schöllenen Gorge, stopping at the Devil’s Bridge for a visit to its historic galleries. The route then continues towards the Gotthard Fortresses, key testimonies of Switzerland’s defensive system.

Route data:

• Total distance: approx. 32.7 km (Strava)
• Elevation gain: ~1,057 m (Strava)
• Terrain: mixed (asphalt and gravel), with challenging climbs and technical descents

Challenging sections:

• From Göschenen to the Schöllenen Gorge: steep road with demanding gradients in some parts
• Uphill stretches towards the fortifications that require good bike handling skills

Along the way, we will visit the Gotthard Fortresses – massive structures carved into the rock between the 19th and 20th centuries as part of the National Redoubt – and the iconic Devil’s Bridge, tied to one of the Alps’ most famous legends and to the historic north-south connection over the pass.

Cultural Insight – Gotthard Fortresses and Devil’s Bridge

The Gotthard Massif is not only a natural crossroads of the Alps but also a place rich in military and cultural history.

Gotthard Fortresses
Built between the late 19th and 20th centuries, the Gotthard fortifications were part of Switzerland’s National Redoubt defensive system.
These tunnels, bunkers, and strongholds dug into the rock were designed to control access to the strategic pass. Today, some of them can be visited and showcase Switzerland’s military history, featuring perfectly preserved environments and state-of-the-art engineering for their time.

Devil’s Bridge
Located in the dramatic Schöllenen Gorge, the Devil’s Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks in the Canton of Uri.
According to legend, its construction was so difficult that the devil himself had to be called upon for help. In return, he demanded the soul of the first to cross it. The locals tricked him by sending a goat across, enraging the demon.
Beyond its mythical charm, the bridge played a crucial role in Alpine connections, making it possible to cross the gorge and strengthening the north-south links through the Alps.

This day combines sport, history, and legend, cycling through breathtaking Alpine landscapes and experiencing unique examples of Swiss culture and engineering.

Depending on terrain and weather conditions, the program may be subject to changes.

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).
• 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 and 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
• Optional: daily pass for the cable car in the Bike Park

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

RESERVE YOUR PLACE

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.