• 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

Sports Tourism Lombardy

The different landscapes of this area of ​​Lombardy allow every sportsman to experiment with different disciplines
  • Active & Green
Sports tourism Lombardy, adventurous proposals

Parco dello Stelvio, Bormio and Valdidentro

Walks and strenuous hikes in the heart of the Stelvio National Park surrounded by unspoilt nature and in close contact with mountain fauna
  • Active & Green
Il parco dello Stelvio, Bormio e la Valdidentro

Bergamo Valle Imagna, a jewel just waiting to be discovered

A tiny natural jewel that still today preserves all the spirit of life in the mountains and the good flavours of food
  • Active & Green
Bergamo Valle Imagna, un tesoro tutto da scoprire

Spine-tingling Lombardy: discovering 5 mysterious places in our region

  • Active & Green
Lombardia da brivido - Faccia del Diavolo

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

Spring in Lombardy

Spring has arrived ... all to discover the beauties of Lombardy!
  • Active & Green
Spring in Lombardy: where to go and what to do

Mounts San Primo and Palanzone

On the highest peaks of the Triangolo Lariano, visitors will enjoy a 360° view of the Alps and of the Po valley
  • Active & Green
Monte San Primo e il Palanzone

Motorcycle touring in Lombardy

Motorcycle routes, getting to know Lombardy with the thrill of two wheels
  • Active & Green
Motorcycle touring in Lombardy

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

Livignese Park

Park of considerable environmental interest, for the naturalness of the typically alpine landscape and for the richness of the fauna patrimony.
  • Active & Green
Livignese park

Ca' branchi walk - Somasassa - Caven - Tresenda

  • Active & Green
Somasassa

Where to harvest chestnuts in Lombardy

Forests, hills, panoramic viewpoints and plays of light: discover where and when to collect chestnuts in Lombardy, as well as other useful tips
  • Active & Green
La raccolta delle castagne - Parco Regionale del Campo dei Fiori (VA)

The Wayfarer's Path in Varenna

From Varenna walk along the The Wayfarer's Path and discover this ancient route connecting Lake Como and Valtellina
  • Active & Green
The Wayfarer's Path in Varenna

Coolcation and Adventures in Valtellina

Six outdoor experiences in the Valtellina Alps to get out in nature while you beat the summer heat.
  • Active & Green
Ph: I Mille

Trezzo d'Adda what to see

A pleasant day to discover Trezzo sull'Adda: the historic center, the villas, the river and the central Taccani.
  • Active & Green
Trezzo d'Adda, what to see in a day

Aereoclub in Sondrio

Hover in the sky like butterflies, letting yourself be carried away by the high currents like seagulls in search of freedom
  • Active & Green
Aereoclub in Sondrio

Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics

An event that looks to the future, sustainability and inclusion, immersed in the charm of the Lombard landscape and tradition.
  • Active & Green
Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics

Iron bridges, man-made constructions

Iron bridges, bold testimonies to the early 20th century
  • Active & Green
Ponti di ferro, opere dell’uomo - in Lombardia

Discovering Lombardy with Va' Sentiero along the Italy Trail

  • Active & Green
Admiring the view from Pizzo Scalino, Valtellina, Lombardy

Suzzara forest

An urban forest in the Municipality of Suzzara, created to recreate an environment typical of the Po Valley of the past.
  • Active & Green
Suzzara Forest