Skiing on the Dolomites with a Ciao Moped

Three young adventurers from Verona decided to challenge the cold and the mountains aboard three classic Ciao mopeds, turning what would have been a simple ski trip into an epic journey across the Dolomites.

The idea started almost as a joke, from a friendly bet among adventure lovers. After restoring old mopeds in poor condition, they set off to conquer Passo Valles. The journey, documented on social media and quickly going viral, proved to be long and exhausting: the steep climbs required not only the throttle and vigorous pedaling but also strong arms to push the vehicles forward.

Despite the difficulties, the three friends received an overwhelming wave of support from online followers, intrigued by their unique adventure. The unexpected success encouraged them to plan new expeditions, involving a larger group of enthusiasts.

We spoke with Marco Brentegani, Ferrino collaborator and one of the project’s promoters, to learn more about this incredible adventure.

Where did the idea for this adventure come from?
"The idea was born while chatting with my brother at home in a moment of relaxation. He is an automotive engineer and has often brought home old Ciao mopeds to repair as a passion. That’s when this crazy idea came to us: take them to the Dolomites for a ski trip."

What was the most challenging part of the journey?
"There were two particularly tough moments:

• The final part of the ascent because the Ciao mopeds could no longer climb. They overheated, and reaching the top was physically exhausting.
• The last day—getting back home. After all the accumulated fatigue, riding from Passo Valles straight back home in one go was quite demanding. However, the moment we arrived was incredible. Completing this adventure, not knowing until the very end whether we would make it, was an immensely satisfying experience."

What landscapes or moments stood out the most?
"The landscapes were absolutely breathtaking. We were surrounded by the Dolomites, among the most beautiful mountains in the world. Some of the best moments were during our journey when we stopped to check our mopeds and ensure that everyone could continue, especially those with struggling vehicles. It was a great sense of community—on adventures like these, it’s not just about reaching the destination but arriving together with friends. Resting in nature was also special. After the exhausting climb, finally getting into our sleeping bags and sleeping in the silence of the snowy landscape is a memory we will cherish for a long time."

How did you plan the route?
"We figured out the route as we went, without knowing for sure whether we would reach the final destination. It was an adventure in every sense—riding two mopeds with a pulley system and one with a variator (like having two bikes without gears and one with gears), tackling the climbs was a real challenge."

What gear did you use for the different stages of the trip?
"Besides all the gear related to the Ciao mopeds (helmets, homemade panniers using jerry cans), we used Ferrino backpacks, rain tarps for ground insulation, and, most importantly, sleeping bags and mats. Our equipment needed to be highly functional since we slept directly on the snow without any shelter. We had Lightech 1400 sleeping bags, and for insulation, we used a foam pad plus a winter mattress. Without high-performance gear, sleeping in the freezing cold would have been impossible. The Dry Hike 40+5 backpacks with detachable lids were incredibly handy—we turned them into bike panniers for the mopeds, optimizing the limited space available. Finally, we also carried ski mountaineering equipment to reach our final destination."

What were the most complex logistical aspects?
"The biggest challenge was figuring out how to carry all the necessary equipment on the mopeds, given the very limited space. For a winter bivouac and ski mountaineering, we had to bring a lot of gear. Additionally, there was an element of uncertainty—we didn’t know if we would make it to the end. Every day was a new discovery."

How long did it take to complete the entire route?
"It took us about three days. The first two were dedicated to the ascent, with a bivouac on the snow above Passo Valles on the second night. On the last day, we rode straight back home in a single stretch."

Next adventure…?
"My next adventure, at least for me, is a nearly three-month journey to the North Cape in winter, traveling by camper, which I’m currently undertaking. Definitely more comfortable, though much colder! There are also more upcoming adventures planned, even with the Ciao mopeds, but more towards the summer—so at least a little more relaxed!"