There is nothing more enjoyable than spending a few hours in complete freedom in the mountains, breathing in deeply the freshest of winter airs. There are those who prefer to head off on foot, or snow racquet and others, naturally enough, choose not to put away their two wheels for the cold season. And for the latter, what better solution than the fat bike with their “oversized” tyres, especially designed for the most difficult of terrains.

Aboard a fat bike along a white pounded track is a singular experience. The first modern prototypes date back to the late 1980’s and were designed for the deserts of New Mexico and the snows of Alaska.
 

However the very first models were introduced at the beginning of the last century. Over the years bicycles with “fat” wheels have evolved, becoming the protagonists for epic feats appropriate for the boldest. Among the most extreme expeditions on the ice, it’s easy to recall those of Eric Larsen towards the South pole in 2012 – a failure as it happened – and that of Maria Leijerstam, who completed the mission on a wide-wheeled tricycle across the South Pole traverse. The spread of the use of fat bikes has grown enormously. And now there are electric versions in circulation too. Anyone wishing to try their hand at the sport, at temperatures somewhat less extreme than the poles, the Valle Spluga offers up a range of possibilities. On the valley floor at Madesimo and up towards Andossi there are marked and well-beaten paths, with appropriate indications, whilst at Isola and Montespluga it’s a sport practised pretty freely. Shops in the Valle Spluga area offer fat bike rental with all necessary equipment in order to enjoy the experience in complete safety.

Bearing mind of all regulations, a fat bike winter outing on the snow is certainly an experience to try at least once in a lifetime: challenging the cold, a real blast of energy and dynamism, side by side with nature and the sound of wheels hurtling along the whitest of trails.