The original Stella Alpina Motociclistica Internazionale is now consigned to history, having run its final edition in 2023. 

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Please look at the Stella Alpina Reloaded page to read about the new event under new organisers. 

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The Stella Alpina Rally: A Unique Chapter in Motorcycling History

 

For nearly six decades, the Stella Alpina Rally (officially known as the Stella Alpina Motociclistica Internazionale) stood as one of the most unique events in the world of motorcycle meetings.

 

Held in the Italian Alps, always on the second Sunday in July, it combined simplicity, spirit, and spectacle in equal measure. From its beginnings in the 1960s to its final ride in 2023, the rally brought together riders from across Europe and beyond.

 

How It All Began

 

The story of the Stella Alpina began in 1966, when Mario Artusio of the BMW Club of Turin organised the very first event at the Stelvio Pass in northern Italy. He met with Harry Louis, editor of 'The Motor Cycle' magazine, and together they explored the idea of holding the next event in a different region, settling on Bardonecchia near the Italian/French border.

 

In 1967, the rally took place in Bardonecchia for the first time. The turnout was modest, but the event was a success. British riders attended in strong numbers, arriving on a range of road-going machines that were not designed for mountain tracks. This became a running theme that continued throughout the decades; in fact, your esteemed narrator did their first Stella on a Honda CB250N Superdream! 😵‍💫

 

As the event continued through the 1970s and 1980s, it grew significantly, and with the ever-growing number of attendees, organisers made efforts to reduce promotion and scale back the size of the rally to maintain its original character. These measures were also intended to address concerns raised by the local community.

 

Climbing to the Clouds

 

The focus of the rally was the ride to the Colle del Sommeiller, an off-road track that reaches 3,009 metres (9,872 feet), which is the highest rideable trail in the Alps.

 

Participants began their ride from Bardonecchia, passing through Rochemolles and continuing along the gravel track to the Colle. The route was free of toll charges and open to riders at any time during the day.

 

The track featured loose gravel, hairpin bends and varying surface conditions, depending on the weather. Riders rode a variety of motorcycles, including adventure bikes, touring machines, classic models, and smaller engine capacity bikes, with each rider approaching the climb at their own pace, and many stopping to rest and take in the mountain scenery.

 

The Stella Alpina Atmosphere

 

On the days leading up to the event, Bardonecchia became a lively gathering place filled with motorcycles and travellers. Many participants stayed in hotels or campsites within the town (for many years, the town football pitch was used as the main site for camping), while others chose to set up tents at Rifugio Scarfiotti, a mountain refuge located partway up the track that leads to the Colle del Sommeiller.

 

Camping at both the town football pitch and the Rifugio Scarfiotti was informal and basic. Facilities were minimal, and most people made use of the nearby river in lieu of a shower. This style of accommodation contributed to the sense of adventure and shared experience. In the evenings, conversations and laughter could be heard across the campsite as riders recounted the day’s experiences and enjoyed the evening over a beer or two.

 

Each year on the day of the rally itself, the organiser’s check-in point was located where it was considered most riders could reasonably reach on a normal road bike; occasionally, in years gone by, the check-in point was located right at the top on the Colle, but in recent years it was located at a lower elevation due to the deteriorating condition of the track and/or the presence of snow. It was at the check-in point that participants could purchase a commemorative badge and T-shirt, plus pick up a locally-made sandwich. These items often sold out early, as many riders made reaching the check-in point a personal goal each year.

 

There were no set distances that riders were required to complete. Reaching the check-in and going no further, stopping at any point along the way, or indeed reaching the Colle del Sommeiller, all were regarded as a meaningful participation in the event.

 

Attendees From All Over

 

The Stella Alpina Rally welcomed all riders. Motorcyclists arrived on a broad mix of machines, reflecting the inclusive nature of the event. The approach to participation was flexible. Some rode all the way to Bardonecchia from distant parts of Europe, while others transported their bikes by trailer or van. Each rider made the journey in a way that suited their preferences and circumstances.

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Free to Attend and Untouched by Commercialisation

 

The rally was organised without formal check-ins, registration, or entry fees. Apart from a small toll introduced in later years to access the track, the event remained open to all. This format contributed to the rally’s distinctive atmosphere and its strong sense of freedom and independence.

 

What Happened to the Stella Alpina Rally?

 

The last official Stella Alpina Rally took place on Sunday, 9 July 2023. Following that event, restrictions introduced by the Italian authorities brought the long-running tradition to a close. Concerns around regulation, safety, and environmental impact led to the end of formal gatherings on the mountain.

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That said, out of tradition, many riders still travelled to Bardonecchia in 2024 for a gathering that did not officially take place and, unfortunately, found a police road block on the road to Rochmolles (the only route to Rifugio Scarfiotti and Colle del Sommeiller) over the whole weekend.

 

Throughout its history, the Stella Alpina Rally was guided by the values of camaraderie, resilience, and adventure. Under Mario Artusio’s leadership and in the years following his passing, the event preserved its original identity. It remained free from commercialisation and committed to a shared appreciation for mountain riding.

 

A Lasting Legacy

 

Although the Stella Alpina Rally has now concluded, its legacy continues through the stories, friendships, and experiences of those who took part. The rally represented a connection between rider and road, between landscape and community.

 

A new event, Stella Alpina Reloaded, has emerged with the aim of continuing the tradition in a new form. While its path may follow different lines, the history of the original rally remains an enduring part of motorcycling culture.

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The final official Stella Alpina Rally was on Sunday 9th July 2023.

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