Tremola:
a legendary climb

Since the 13th-century, travelers crossing the Gotthard passed the Tremola valley. Around 1830 the old bridle tracks were replaced with a street more apt for the time’s stagecoaches. Everyone called the road Tremola. After the second world war, it became apparent that the old and winding Tremola was less and less able to meet the new demands. In 1951 a more modern street was opened, and the Tremola turned into a sleeping beauty. Today only enthusiasts and connoisseurs drive la Tremola. The total ascent is around 930 meters, the distance from Airolo to the summit is about 16 km, the average gradient 7.4% (12% at the maximum), and there are 37 hairpin bends (if we counted well). Every hairpin bend has a name in the local dialect; the last one before reaching the upper plane is named “Sass dét Suaróf,” remembering Russian General Alexander Suworow, who crossed here in September 1799 with his army. The most legendary section of la Tremola overcomes 300 meters of altitude in 24 hairpin bends over a length of four kilometers. Many parts of la Tremola are still covered with cobblestone pavements cut in local granite.

On the late November day, when our friends tackled the Tremola, the road was already closed for cars. The full beauty of the street was reserved for cyclists. After Motto Bartola, Geraldine and Fabian climbed up the steep road and left the Leventina behind, curve after curve. Slowly but steadily, the historic granite kilometer stones passed by. Meter by meter, the two fought their way up the empty road in front of the majestic backdrop of the Gotthard massif. Unfortunately, a thunderstorm was approaching soon, and the two set off on a rapid descent back down to the valley: slow fashion in high gear.

And, how did the jerseys from our Heritage Collection fare on this chilly autumn test ride? As expected, the fine merino wool showed its unique strengths: It kept the riders dry on the ascent and dissipated excess body heat. On the other hand, the jerseys warmed them up during the coffee back in Airolo and kept both the cool breeze and the first raindrops away.

Interested in visiting the legendary Tremola? The road is closed during the winter months, usually from the end of November to May. You can easily reach the north or south side of the Gotthard Pass by train. Or you can take more time and plan a longer bike ride over the pass to Lugano, Como, or even to Milan. There are mainly three places to spend the night in the region: Andermatt on the north side. Here you will find a rich choice of accommodations for every budget. On the pass itself, there is the not quite cheap, but stylish historical Ospizio San Gottardo, beautifully restored by architects Miller & Maranta. Finally, in Airolo, the Tremola San Gottardo, a pleasant “Bed & Bike” specifically designed for cyclists, welcomes guests. Here you can also rent original Swiss army bikes or Royal Enfield motorcycles. In 2018, on the occasion of the Granfondo San Gottardo, the innkeepers organized the first historic race up the Tremola. For this race, which they nicknamed “La Legendaria,” only cyclists wearing historic bikes and clothes were allowed to participate. With the merino wool jerseys of our Heritage Collection, you start in the pole position!