- Active & Green
Colma di Sormano
Situated at the heart of the Triangolo Lariano, Colma di Sormano is a pre-Alpine pass at an altitude of 1,122 metres. This marks the end of the famous Muro di Sormano – the cycling climb renowned for its extreme gradients. Next to the road there is a bar-restaurant, the domes of the Astronomical Observatory and open meadows looking out over the surrounding mountains.
From here, a scenic route leads towards Mount San Primo, winding through woods, mountain pastures and views that gradually open out over Lake Como. The walk begins just below the La Colma mountain hut. During the first twenty minutes, as you make your way to Colma del Bosco, your gaze will take in the Cornizzolo, Monte Rai and Corni di Canzo peaks. Beyond that, the route widens out and is clearly signposted.
About 50 minutes after setting off, you reach Alpe Spessola, at 1,238 metres, after passing through a wood. In autumn, this is one of the most picturesque stretches of the route, when the yellow and red of the beech and birch trees contrast with the green of the firs.
After an hour and a half’s walk, you come to Alpe di Terra Biotta at 1,435 metres. Here the landscape changes and the woodland gradually gives way to mountain pastures and a first sweeping view of Lake Como, with the mountains sloping down towards the lake.
From here, there are two routes to the summit of Monte San Primo: the wide dirt track or the ridge line, which join up before the cross, at 1,682 metres. In total, the climb takes about two hours, with an elevation gain of almost 600 metres. On clear days, the view takes in several branches of Lake Como, the Upper Lake and the Alps.
The entire route does not present any particular technical difficulties, but it is challenging due to the distance: over 16 kilometres there and back. If you have young children, Alpe Spessola is a good final destination, while the summit requires a bit more fitness. There are no drinking fountains or mountain huts along the route: you must bring your own food and water.
Colma di Sormano can be reached by car from Sormano. There are two large paid car parks at the pass. At weekends, it is a good idea to arrive early, as the area is also very popular with cyclists.
