September 2023, RideTheAlps event
Stats: Ulrichen (1,400m) to Nufenen Pass (2,478m) and back: 31km and 1,100m elevation gain.
This was a spectacular ride organized by RideTheAlps.ch for the Canton Valais.
The NUFENEN PASS (Passo Novena), between the Ticino & Valais Cantons is usually busy with traffic, but thanks to this event, we could bike this majestic mountain landscape in the utmost peace, without the zigzagging of cars and motos, a free event to boot.
And what luck with the weather! Full sun, made even brighter by the fresh snow descended on the surrounding peaks in previous nights.
We started in the valley at the village of Ulrichen, already at 1,400m., in chilly morning temperatures.
The road immediately climbs continuously through steep uphills for 14km (and 1,100m elevation gain).
As I turn from hairpin to hairpin, I’m hypnotized by these spectacular mountains that go from dark green to stone gray to white peaks. I even spot the highest wind farm in Europe!
It is a tough ride, but with an amazing reward at the top: a peaceful pond and a Buvette with Italian/Tessin food, like polenta and pasta. And of course the Raclette and drinks kindly offered by RideTheAlps and its sponsors.
Yes, it is quite quite chilly up there, and we need to add 2 more layers especially to protect us during the speedy descent!
A little peek into Ticino, on the other side of the Pass, and then off we go for an exhilarating descent all the way back to Ulrichen.
Links to Introduction and other Sections in the area:
bikeswitzerlandblog 