MTB Technique & Climate Change and Glaciers
- Activity: Alpine Sports Base - Airolo
- Start date: 24 October 2025 / 18:00
- End date: 26 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 Skills Improvement in Airolo
Meeting point: 08:30 at the Casa della Sostenibilità in Airolo (ground floor, opposite 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 refine bike handling skills.
- Assessment of technical level and creation of homogeneous groups.
- Transfer towards Pesciüm (asphalt road up to Nante, then gravel), covering 600 m of elevation gain in about 1 hour.
Midday and Afternoon
- Short snack and division into groups of max. 3–4 participants.
- Guided ride at the Airolo Bike Park, with routes adapted to each group’s skills.
→ Goal: learn useful techniques and enjoy a positive experience, without pushing beyond one’s limits. - Packed lunch in nature.
- Return to Airolo in the afternoon, depending on the needs of the groups.
Cultural Focus – The Sustainability Tea Time
At the end of the technical activities, participants will be able to join The Sustainability Tea Time at the Casa della Sostenibilità in Airolo: a convivial gathering with scientists and mountaineers dedicated to glaciers, climate, and alpine routes.
An opportunity to explore environmental issues related to the high mountains and to prepare with greater awareness for the following day’s excursion to the Greis Glacier.
Day 2 – Excursion to the Greis Glacier (Airolo → Nufenen Pass → Capanna Corno Gries → Greis Glacier)
Departure by E-MTB from Airolo, with a steady climb along the Bedretto Valley up to the Nufenen Pass and Capanna Corno Gries. From there, the route continues on foot along an alpine trail to the Greis Glacier, offering spectacular views of the high-mountain environment. In the afternoon, return along the same itinerary by E-MTB.
Route data:
- Total distance: approx. 47 km (Strava, bike + trekking)
- Elevation gain: ~1,214 m (Strava, bike + trekking)
- Type of route:
- Bike: mixed ascent (asphalt and gravel), technical but flowing descent
- Trekking: alpine trail, moraines and rocky terrain
- Challenging sections:
- The E-MTB ascent to the Nufenen Pass, long and steady
- The bike descent requires good braking management and handling skills
- The hiking section to the glacier features uneven terrain and requires sure footing
Alternative option
It will be possible to reach by van the starting point of the hiking trail to the Greis Glacier.
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.
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.