• Active & Green

The Rusca trail

Sondrio, Ponchiera, Arquino, Valdone, Il Prato, Tornadù, Torre Santa Maria, S.Anna, Basci, Vassalini a Chiesa Valmalenco - ritorno a Sondrio

The complete route from Sondrio to Passo del Muretto is meant for pedestrians and the whole of the first part can be covered on mountain bike. The initial stretch to Chiesa in Valmalenco -Vassalini Sports Centre is almost all tarmac or concrete, with rough track just on the uphill hairpins after the bridge at Arquino to Ceschina (2018), a total of 150 m difference in altitude over 1.6 km and the last short bit below Chiesa cemetery to the walkway that leads to the sports centre. Low pedal assist makes the uphill difference in altitude and gradients feasible. It has complete, regular signage (yellow Sentiero Rusca signs and arrows) and rest areas with info panels. The very beautiful views of nature and surrounding scenery, as well as the many places of historical interest nearby make this a route that can be appreciated by cyclists.

(texts and technical data by Federico Pollini)

Departure / return place: Sondrio 307m

Arrival place / maximum quota: Chiesa in Valmalenco 980m

Total gradient slopes: 730 m

Total gradient descents: 730 m

Slopes’ total length : 12,8 km

Descents’ total length: 12,8 km

Plain total length : 3,6 km

Total kilometers: 29,2 km

Slopes’ middle inclination: 6 %

Slopes’ maximum inclination: 12 %

Time taken: 2-3 h

Difficulty medium

Take me here: The Rusca trail

On the same topic

Six destinations with surprises

A visit to Lombardy in the autumn means discovering plenty of surprises hidden in the foliage of the woods, lovely castles on the lakes, and city cathedrals, that give you immersive experiences with plenty of mystery and beauty.
  • Active & Green
Six destinations with surprises

Gardens Pavia

Not just the city: a walk through botanic gardens and oasis for a green break
  • Active & Green
Gardens Pavia, discovering Lombardy

Snowshoe walking in Prato Valentino: Anello Dosso Laù

Silenzio ovattato, inebriante profumo di bosco, tracce di animali selvatici sulla neve e fantastici panorami. È quanto si può godere compiendo un'attività fisica alla portata di tutti e poco dispendiosa: le escursioni con le racchette da neve.
  • Active & Green
Snowshoe walking in Prato Valentino: Anello Dosso Laù

Between lake and mountains the 10 most beautiful trees in the Province of Como

From the neoclassical villas to the wildest forests, the landscapes of the Lake Como region and the trees they contain enchant with their variety.
  • Active & Green
Between lake and mountains the 10 most beautiful trees in the Province of Como

Train & Bike Valtellina

Discover Valtellina with the Train& Bike offer!
  • Active & Green
Train & Bike Valtellina

Cross Country in Valmalenco

In Valmalenco there are 3 cross-country tracks, suitable for everyone's need.
  • Active & Green
Sci nordico in Valmalenco

Skiing in Teglio

Sport and fun for all the family, in a ski heaven with a gorgeous view on the Alps.
  • Active & Green
Skiing in Teglio

Shades of fall - excursions to discover the foliage

  • Active & Green
Shades of fall - excursions to discover the foliage

Rock climbing walls

The Campo dei Fiori crag is an open-air gym for all lovers of sports and alpine climbing.
  • Active & Green
Rock climbing walls

Parks, waterways and castles near Lodi | A journey through history and nature

Waterways, castles and rare wildlife: Lodi is an ideal destination for outdoor trips in the beautiful Lombard countryside. Discover the best places to visit!
  • Active & Green
Parks, waterways and castles near Lodi | A journey through history and nature

Cycling from Tresenda to Prato Valentino

  • Active & Green
Cycling from Tresenda to Prato Valentino

Snowshoeing in Valmalenco

Alpe Oro - Alpe Entova - Alpe Palù - Alpe Musella - Alpe Prabello - Lago di Chiesa
  • Active & Green
Ciaspolare presso l'Alpe Campagneda

Lecco from Monte Resegone

Lecco – a city caught between the water and the mountains – is always looking upwards.
  • Active & Green
Resegone

Five waterfalls to visit in Lombardy

Five ideas for a trip out of town to enjoy the spectacular waterfalls and picturesque scenery of Lombardy.
  • Active & Green
Five waterfalls to visit in Lombardy- ph@istock - inlombardia

Gera d'Adda: legends flowing between Adda and Milan

Between the Adda and Martesana rivers, places tell the story of Lombardy's history and industriousness
  • Active & Green
Gera d'Adda: legends flowing between Adda and Milan

When picnics become chic

Five elegant picnic ideas in Lombardy, with delightful scenery and elegant food and wine experiences.
  • Active & Green
When picnics become chic

Montorfano oasis

Here is a forest reborn thanks to WWF: the Oasis of Montorfano, in the Municipality of Melegnano.
  • Active & Green
Montorfano Oasis

Hiking with kids in Lombardy - Trails for tourists and athletes

Hiking is an excellent way to enjoy exercise, and Lombardy has some amazing trails for kids and adults to explore in winter. Find out more.
  • Active & Green
Hiking with kids in Lombardy - Trails for tourists and athletes

Places suspended between land and water

Between the trails and panoramic views of the Lombardy countryside, nature meets expanses of water, for a truly unique experience.
  • Active & Green
Luoghi sospesi tra terra e acqua

Brabbia Marsh

Brabbia Nature Reserve: the most important wetland in Lombardy.
  • Active & Green
Palude Brabbia: a protected area