Naturally...MOUNTAIN BIKE by Azienda Turismo Val di Sole

MOUNTAIN BIKE

www.valdisole.net

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WINGS AT YOUR FEET

THE MOUNTAIN BIKER RULES, EQUIPMENT AND RECCOMENDATIONS THE PLASTIC MAP OF VAL DI SOLE

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PAGe 16/17

USEFUL ADDRESSES AND PHONE NUMBERS

THE VAL DI SOLE CYCLE TRACK

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ITINERARIES PAGE 10

1. The “LA LEC” TRACK 2. EXPLORING THE OTHER SIDE OF THE RIVER NOCE 3. THE PANORAMIC ASCENT

12. AROUND THE AUSTRIAN FORTS 23 11 12

4. AMONG CASTLES AND ORCHARDS 13 5. ACROSS MONTE PELLER

13. NEAR THE SPLASH OF THE VERMIGLIANA TORRENT 14. UP THE “VALLETTA” 15. OVER 2,000 METRES AT THE FOOT OF VIOZ

24 24

6. ON THE “DOSSO DI S. BRIGIDA” 15

16. THE MILITARY ROAD

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7. ON THE BANKS OF THE MELEDRIO 18

17. LITTLE LAKES AND FLOWERS

8. ADAMELLO-BRENTA BIKE TOUR ALONG THE EMPEROR’S ANCIENT ROAD 9. ON THE “MASI DA MONT”

19 20

18. WATER AND SILENCE IN “VAL DE L’ORS” 19. THE WATERFALL ROUTE

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10. ON THE TRACKS OF THE ROEBUCKS

20. THE MALGA ROUTE IN THE STELVIO NATIONAL PARK

LEGENDS

EASY MODERATE DIFFICULT FOR EXPERTS

PAGE 11. EXPLORING THE “MONTAGNA” 22

PAVED ROAD UNPAVED PATHWAY UNPAVED - PAVED CICLE TRACK

he mountaineer’s song almost becomes a music background for mountain biking enthusiasts. Riding silently through the woods along unpaved tracks, on the edge of orchards or by the snowline, or following the cycle track along the River Noce : this is a new way of discovering wildlife, not in order to dominate it, but rather to savour it and follow its pace. Enjoy a relaxing environment, displaying the vivid colours of a healthy, peaceful life. Your efforts will be rewarded when your mountain bike (mtb) allows you to discover unknown parts of the Valley, its most hidden and genuine corners, that will strike you with the thrill of novelty. Mountain biking makes a perfect match with the numerous roads and pathways running across the Valley. Sometimes called “rampichino”, after the name of the tree-creeper, a passerine living in forest areas and particularly skilled in creeping up trees, the mtb is an environmental friendly means of transport, that does not cause air pollution, is silent and has a low impact on the environment, and one that requires intelligence as well as physical endurance. The mtb can be considered as a tool increasing the possibilities of mountain enthusiasts, allowing them to go farther in shorter

times. Easy to use on flatland and downhill, with a suitable training is also a good means of climbing uphill. This isn’t merely a sports activity, nor a game, as it requires moderation and a touch of sensitivity. The suggested routes for mountain biking in Val di Sole that you will find in this brochure have been especially selected and developed to satisfy your interest in wildlife, culture and sports-racing. The routes have been thoroughly tested by Silvano Andreis (mountain bike instructor) and other experts, with the aim of helping mountain bikers to meet their goal: having fun, learning, training and relaxing, enjoying the rewards of their efforts and feeling as an active, responsible part of the valley’s wildlife. Each route description provides technical data, such as altimetry, cycling time, etc. Each route can be combined with others, of varying distances, but all equally interesting. Anyone shall choose the routes that better suit his heart and abilities, namely the ones made “to his own image”. 3

ountain bikes are still new for people, and even more so for animals, and novelties are often viewed with suspicion: be always very polite. ➩ Remember that the environment belongs to everybody. Pathways aren’t highways, so always ask for permission before passing hikers. Sometimes you will have to get off your bike and give way to others. ➩ Make sure that people are aware of your presence in advance, do not frighten them and give them time to clear the way. ➩ Do not cycle off the marked trails pathways, cart-tracks, mule tracks and roads ; do not cycle along Alpine pathways forbidden by the new regulations ; do not take shortcuts around hairpin bends. ➩ Do not invade private land, or at least ask for permission to pass. ➩ Watch your speed based on the type of ground and on your experience: you

might run into someone around the bend. ➩ Be careful when you pass by animals ; do not frighten the cattle, give them time to move out of your way. ➩ Do not drop your litter : take away everything you have brought with you and, if there is room in your bag, pick up anything others have left behind. ➩ If you’re going a long distance, do not travel alone and make sure you have something to drink and that you are suitably equipped to cope with sudden weather changes. Always tell someone where you go and let them know when you return. ➩ “Minimise your impact” : this is the philosophy of a responsible bike-outing. Take only photographs and leave only the marks of your tyres. If you can, leave nothing at all!

SUGGESTED EQUIPMENT AND CLOTHING: The territory of Val di Sole spreads over an area rising to over 3,000 metres. From the bottom of the valley, between 600 and 1,000 metres high, it goes up to Passo Tonale (1,884 mt.), and further up to climb the giant Ortles - Cevedale range or the Presanella, as well as the long Brenta flank. The considerable vertical drop implies sudden changes in weather and temperature. This is why, if you choose a high mountain route, never forget to take warm and comfortable clothes with you. ✔ cycle pants, gloves, sunglasses, helmet ✔ full flask, a snack or some fruit ✔ little rucksack or pouch ✔ map and compass ✔ spare parts and emergency repair kit ( an inner tube and tyre lever, adhesives, mastic and sandpaper, a lever for the chain, a double headed screwdriver, an Allan key, adhesive tape, a pair of elastic chords, a spare cable for the brakes and one for the gear)

RECOMMENDED MAPS: ✔ Carta KOMPASS 095 Val di Sole, Pejo e Rabbi 1 :35.000 ✔ Carta DE AGOSTINI “Conoscere la Val di Sole” (road map with tourist routes) 1 :75.000 ✔ Carta TABACCO Val di Pejo, Val di Rabbi, Val di Sole 1 :25.000 (new) ✔ Specific area maps available at Tourist Information Offices.

mowed meadows all around. From this point on you will get the sensation of climbing up the valley, swinging between flat stretches and gently ascending bits by the frothy river Noce. You thus will get to “Ponte Stori” (accessible also from Bozzana), where you will come across the first fork: if you turn along the steep, difficult stretch going towards the State road (S.S. 42), you will return in a loop back to the Mostizzolo bridge. By Ponte Stori you will find another rest area with a bench, tables, barbecue facilities and toilets. Higher up on the northern side of the valley, see Bozzana, Tozzaga and Bordiana, three little villages overlooking the valley from a fluvial terrace covered with apple orchards along the steep mountain slopes.

he Val di Sole cycle track is almost entirely running along the River Noce, from Mostizzolo to Fucine and further up towards Peio, following the track of ancient connecting roads (dating back to pre-Roman times or to the Middle Ages) as well as of river bank roads and country lanes. There are plans to complete the track up to Vermiglio, which will bring the length of the cycle track to some 40 km overall, with a 1,3 thousand meter difference in height. Designed for a minimized environmental impact and to fit into the surrounding environment, the 2.5 metre wide cycle track has been paved with fine impregnated gravel, rather than with the more common asphalt. This type of pavement provides a rugged surface that allows the water to run off and prevents it from logging, so that bicycles (and farm utility vehicles where allowed) can circulate along the track in any weather condition. The cycle track is open from Mostizzolo towards the higher valley and down, with viable access roads from each village. Bicycles can be carried by train along the Trento-Malè Trentino Trasporti railroad, going up to Marilleva 900 and back. (Trentino Trasporti Malè ticket office - tel. 0463.901150).

BOZZANA-MALÉ STRETCH An easy stretch, however more difficult compared to the previous one, due to the presence of several uphill tracts by Cavizzana. Km 10 - vertical ascent/descent approx. 150 m. Past Ponte Stori (access from Bozzana), the cycle track continues on the river Noce hydrographical right. After 1.4 km you will come to another rest area (rest area Tozzaga). On the left-hand side, for those who are cycling in this direction, a number of small streams flow down the woodclad slopes, forming marsh areas. Past Tozzaga, on the right side, you will see the little village of San Giacomo, followed by Cassana a little further. At this point the cycle track climbs up steeply by the river for a 300 m. tract and gets amongst the neat apple orchards at the outskirts of Cavizzana. The cycle track at this point follows the Provincial Road (S.P. 38) uphill to the village for about 400 m., until you reach a shrine. Follow the road signs to return to the cycle track, that go downhill back to the river Noce and amongst orchards again. Higher up, on the valley’s northern slope, Castel Caldes will catch your attention. On the northern slope of the valley sits Samoclevo, a little village overlooked by its Rocca, where only the austere quadrangular tower and few remains are left. Past the “Contre” area (access from Caldes), a renowned kayaking and rafting centre, cycle on amongst meadows dotted with stone-and-wood cottages and

MOSTIZZOLO-BOZZANA STRETCH Easy, for everybody, gentle slope. Km 3 vertical ascent/descent approx. 20 m.

metres

PONTE STORI - BOZZANA -

The cycle track starting point can be made out near a small parking area located by the evocative Mostizzolo bridge. The parking area is quite small, so you may have to find a place in the parking lot by the Mostizzolo restaurant, located on the opposite side of the bridge, on the river Noce hydrographical left. The cycle track follows the trail of an ancient medieval road on the hydrographical right side, going down amidst a shadowy silver fir forest with samples of non-coniferous species, European spruces, to continue further down to the meadows on the bottom of the valley. At the cycle track’s lowest point (565 m. - in an area known as “Mas dei Mori”) you will come along a covered rest area (rest area Bozzana) where you will sweep the carefully

594

580 580

3 0

MOSTIZZOLO BRIDGE

665 650 630 604 615 620

3.5 SHRINE OF CAVIZZANA

5.6 CONTRE DI CALDES

730 660

7 MOLINI DI TERZOLAS

10 MALÈ

MALÉ-DIMARO STRETCH This is the easies stretch of all the cycle, an almost utterly flat tract for all bikers, including those who are not so familiar with cycling. Km 6 vertical ascent/descent approx. 20 m.

metres 730

This stretch of track is not easy to identify as it is fragmented and linked by State and local roads. Easy tract with short, steep uphill stretches. Km 5 - vertical ascent/descent 100 m. - Recommended for MTB - City Bike. Past the Dimaro "iron bridge", take the State road (S.S. 42) and go along it for about 1 km towards higher Val di Sole up to the restaurant “Maso vecchio”: the cycle track starts on the right-hand side at the end of the square, goes under the State road by the river Noce and continues to Liberdon. Here the river makes a large turn, a quiet area used for kayaking and rafting training classes. Then the cycle track crosses the river again on a wooden bridge and continues on the flat, going by Mastellina to Mestriago. From this point on the cycle track comes to an end: turn right into the village of Mestriago, then go left towards Piano, that you will reach cycling by the state road (S.S. 42), past the little church dedicated to Sant’Agata. Follow the cycle track road signs and take the track again on the hydrographical left side of the river. This first stretch is flat, then you’ll go across a bridge to the river right side and, after a short, steep way uphill, you’ll get past the water purifier. The cycle track continues along a mixed stretch by Marilleva 900, hence to the Mezzana Sports centre. As an alternative, in this final tract you may follow the two service roads running to the right and to the left of the kayaking course prepared for the 1993 world championship.

PONTE DI FERRO IRON BRIDGE

To access the cycle track from Malè go to the area called Molini, by the bridge crossing the River Noce, in the southern area of Malè, going down Via Molini. Past Malè the cycle track enters the central, largest area of Val di Sole, overlooked by the Brenta range peaks and by the peaks and glaciers of the Presanella and of OrtlesCevedale. On the South-facing slopes, a host of villages surrounded by terraced fields bears witness to the centurylong presence of man and to man’s work. The track then gets to a wide, flat meadow area, goes past Croviana and eventually, after continuing along some evocative marshy areas crosses Via Molini in Monclassico (hence you may also take an alternative route and follow local roads, link road to Carciato, through the centre of Dimaro, Via Gole, Loc. Rovina, Liberdon). The cycle track continues amongst a group of buildings in the small business area by Presson, then gets to the so called “Ponte di ferro” (iron bridge) area in Dimaro.

DIMARO-MEZZANA STRETCH

760 760

721

MALÈ

CROVIANA

790

6 0 0.5 DIMARO

810

840

870 870 MEZZANA

small orchards until you get to the area known as Molini di Terzolas (access from Terzolas) where you may have a rest (fountain, restaurant). The cycle track turns steeply towards the river (rest area), than crosses it over a lovely lamellar-wood bridge that you may cross either by bike or on foot, runs along the river on its hydrographical left opposite the State road (S.S. 42 ) viaduct and eventually gets to the turning point into the woodclad Alpine Val di Rabbi. Here is the spot where the torrent Rabbies runs into the river Noce. With a slight slope, the track follows the river under an audacious pedestrian bridge. Past the rest area at Molini, with a short detour you will get to Malè, the main centre of Val di Sole, where you will also find assistance and maintenance services for your bicycle.

“MASO VECCHIO”

2.5

3.5

4.5 5

MESTRIAGO

PIANO

MARILLEVA 900

MEZZANA-OSSANA STRETCH An easy, quite consistent stretch with, short, gradual ascents, in an open, quiet setting; suitable for all bikers. Km 5 - vertical ascent/descent approx. 110 m. - Recommended for MTB - City Bike From Mezzana, take the cycle track by the Sports Centre. At this point the Valley’s morphology and look change as compared to the lower valley, to acquire a typically Alpine tone, with conifer forests and large pasture areas. On the hydrographical left you will see Termenago, and, further uphill, the panoramically-located Castello. The itinerary continues rather regularly on a mixed-traffic road, with flat stretches alternating with gentle ups and downs. Getting closer to Pellizzano you’ll go past a horseback riding centre and by an open area that is often used as a landing point for hang-gliders and parasails. Once you get to the village (access from Pellizzano), it may be worth visiting the Nativity Church in the main square, a magnificent example of GothicRenaissance architecture, where the Original Romanesque building was repeatedly restored.

Leaving the village, the mixed-traffic tract ends, and you’ll continue along a cobbled pavement lane going under old arcades, then continuing across a wide meadowed area towards Ossana. After some hundreds metres, near a drag-lift facility and Ossana’s small hydro power plant, you’ll come to a fork: go past the left turning (an uphill unpaved lane leading up to Molino) and continue towards Cusiano. After cycling by the area that, during the winter season, is dedicated to cross country skiing, cross the Provincial road (S.P. 202) and continue along a little light-traffic paved road getting right to the Ossana sports area. Following a short uphill tract along the Vermigliana torrent you’ll get to Fucine’s Cevedale campsite and to a rest area (access from Ossana).

metres

980 945

955

920

870

0 MEZZANA

PELLIZZANO

CUSIANO

OSSANA SPORTS AREA

FUCINE

towards Comasine, that goes slightly downhill, cross the Mill bridge and continue up the road until you find on your right-hand side the road signs towards the cycle track to Cogolo. After a short uphill stretch you’ll see the little villages of Celledizzo and Cogolo on the plane at the foothill of the towering Mount Vioz and, higher up, Peio Paese. At this point the cycle track continues quietly amongst meadows dotted here and there by country barns and cowsheds, and eventually reaches Plaze, a summer picnic area with barbecue facilities located at the outskirts of Cogolo.

OSSANA-COGOLO STRETCH This stretch includes some continuous uphill tracts and is recommended for experienced bikers. In some areas a good control and mastery of the vehicle are required, particularly along the return route. Km 7 - vertical ascent/descent approx. 200 m. - Recommended for MTB. To the North of Fucine, by a tall building housing a branch of Cassa Rurale Alta Val di Sole, take the little paved lane that goes slightly downhill in the plain below. After a few hundreds meters you’ll come across some business facilities: continue on the flat until you reach the area called Forno di Novale (meaning furnace), whose name recalls the presence in ancient times of melting furnaces processing the iron ore mined in Comasine. Hence follow a slight uphill tract going past a little bridge over the river Noce on your right-hand side, then continue more and more uphill, go by some typical Alpine buildings until you’ll eventually reach, after two hairpin bends, the road to Comasine, by the turning point where the Provincial road (S.P. 87) branches out to Comasine. Following the road

metres

1160

980

1100 1000

1.5

3.5

FUCINE

FORNO DI NOVALE

ROAD TO COMASINE

7 COGOLO

1. THE “LA LEC” TRACK

AREA: lower Val di Rabbi START and END: Malè (737 mt. a.s.l.) DIFFERENCE IN HEIGHT: 150 mt. approx. DISTANCE: km 9 CYCLING: total GRADE: easy TIME: 2 hours approx. An easy and varied route among woods and quaint villages, ideal for those who are new to mountain biking.

Starting from the North-western part of the village of Malé, by the typical “Arco” that once used to support the Rabbi aqueduct, take the Provincial Road no. 141 to Bolentina to the first hairpin bend. Take the little unpaved road on your right, go straight on for about 100 metres, then turn left, going slightly uphill, and take the large, flat road that continues into Val di Rabbi. After some 2 km, past a picnic area by the Rabbies torrent, the route climbs up by the forest, then goes down to the ”Birreria” area, (now a large picnic area - at the end of the 19th Century the brewery nearby produced 900 hl/year of excellent beer). Continue cycling on the left side of the torrent into the Valley among meadows and woods, facing the steep mountain slopes dotted with “masi” (quaint rural houses). The route continues on unpaved road along the course of the frothing Rabbies torrent, with several short, steeply sloping stretches, up to Pracorno (850 mt. a.s.l. – 4.5 km approx.), the most recent village of the Valley, set up at the beginning of the 19th Century.

metres

850

737

750

0.5

MALÈ FORK WITH S.P. 141

When you get to the first houses, past a green. meadow area (follow the track!), turn right and cross the torrent on the bridge, then continue to the Val di Rabbi Provincial Road no. 86. Follow the road for about 100 metres towards Malè, until you get to a turn on your left heading towards the Pracorno church (built in the early 19th Century by a priest from Piazzola, Don Dallaserra, using adventurously-earned money), rising in a panoramic site. Continue downhill for about 1.5 km between quaint buildings, back to the Provincial Road. Follow the road until you get back to the “Birreria” picnic area, and hence go back to Malè following the outward route.

775

2.5

4.5

6.5

BIRRERIA AREA

PRACORNO

BIRRERIA AREA

750

737

8.5

FORK WITH S.P. 141 MALÈ

AREA: lower Val di Sole START and END: Malè (737 mt. a.s.l.) DISTANCE: 8 km DIFFERENCE IN HEIGHT: 100 mt. approx. CYCLING: total GRADE: easy TIME: 2 hours approx.

2. EXPLORING THE OTHER SIDE OF THE RIVER NOCE

An easy route, nearly all off-road, with typical mountain biking features.

led “Molini di Terzolas” (km 4). (These mills reportedly date back to the 16th Century). Cycle down the road, past the beautiful masi “Tovare”, named after the tufa stones that were used to build the Valley’s typical vaulted cellars, until you reach the cycle track leading back towards the Molini area at Malè.

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From the village of Malè (that features wonderful old little squares and a 16th Century San Valentino loggia in front of the Church) go down to the Molini area, go past the Sports Centre to the area called “Regazzini-Tavernetta”, where a car park marks the end of the paved road. Follow the markings to the climbing wall and continue across the picnic area over the car park until you get to a bridge over the Rio La Val (climbing wall on the right). Continue uphill for about 50 metres, then take the steep road on the left ( with an unpaved, but hard surface) that goes down into the deep fir wood towards San Biagio (where a renowned “forest market” used to be held as early as in 1275) - then to Tovare. Past an old “calcara” lime kiln ( a rudimentary kiln used for burning limestone), the route, after several ups and downs, gets to an easy unpaved road leading up to the so-cal770 737

740

750

737 660

2.8

MALÈ

REGAZZINI AREA

BRIDGE

TOVARE

MOLINI TERZOLAS

MALÈ

Km 11

AREA: lower Val di Sole START AND END: Bolentina (1194 mt. a. s.l.) DIFFERENCE IN HEIGHT: 630 (389) mt. approx. MAX. HEIGHT: M.ga Alta Bolentina 1822 mt. (Piazza Merendaia 1583 mt.) DISTANCE: 12 km. (8 km.) CYCLING: total GRADE: moderate (easy) TIME: 3 hours approx. (1,5 hours)

3. THE PANORAMIC ASCENT

The information in brackets is referred to a shorter route.

daia” (a beautiful, sunny, panoramic site between Val di Sole and Val di Rabbi) Now the road divides into two paths: on the left downhill to Mas de Mez (easy route) and on the right, for those who still have some energy, on an unpaved path, sometimes considerably steep, up to Malga Alta di Bolentina (1822 mt.) (a short walk to the bivouac D. Marinelli at the limit of the botanic range is possible in approximately 1 hour). Bolentina and Montès, gathering around the little church of S. Valentino, on a solitary hill in between, used to be a flourishing centre until the beginning of the 20th Century. Return from Malga Alta di Bolentina along the same route down to the fork Mas de Mez – Bolentina (downhill).

A really spectacular route with a view on Val di Sole and Val di Rabbi and on the surrounding mountains A varied route on a firm ground in a botanically interesting area with many flora species typical of mid-high mountain. This route, suggested for trained bikers, starts in Malé, going up Via degli Alpini (S.S. No. 141) on the north-east side of the village, in the “Arco” area, and continuing to the picturesque village of Bolentina. (6 km approx. – 1 hour). Past the inclined square of the village, go up through typical houses, bordering a quaint fountain/wash-tub towards “Mas de Mez”. Beyond the meadows all around the village the paved road gets into the wood with a hairpin bend. An unpaved, flat road on the right takes to “Sega di Bolentina”, the right place for a good view over Val di Sole and Val di Rabbi. Here the road continues first on a very steep and then on an apparently flat ground into a larch wood up to Malga Bassa di Bolentina (small fountain) on the slope of the woodland area of Val di Rabbi. Coming back for a short stretch on the way there, after a hard breaking away, you come to the wide meadows of “Piazza Meren-

metres

1822 1503 1194

1528

1300

1194

2.5

4.5

BOLENTINA

SEGA B.

MALGA BASSA

P. MERENDAIA

MALGA ALTA

P. MERENDAIA

BOLENTINA

AREA: lower Val di Sole START AND END: Malè (737 mt. a. s.l.) DIFFERENCE IN HEIGHT: 200 mt. approx. DISTANCE: 25 km. CYCLING: total GRADE: moderate TIME: 2 hours approx.

4. AMONG CASTLES AND ORCHARDS

740

730

737

728 IANA

CIS

TERZOLAS

SAMOCLEVO

0 MALÈ

S. GIACOMO

790 775

737 MALÈ

metres

From Malè, in the area called “Arco”, take the provincial road towards Trento. After the hamlet of “Pondasio” where an old blacksmith shop is well worth a visit, you get to the fork to Terzolàs. From this point go onto a flat ground up to the centre of the village. Here you will find the “Torraccia” palace : the building, which once belonged to a noble family, the Malanottis, now houses the town hall. The harmony of its little angular towers and the remains of inner frescoed paintings are noteworthy. Nearby, the road climbs moderately towards the church, built at the beginning of 1800. Continue on the right through the village and across wide orchards heading towards Samoclevo. When you reach the village, continue on a steep path, (a little fountain on the left) towards the old castle which once belonged to the Caldes family and then to the Thunn Counts. (according to a legend, there was a tunnel linking this mansion to the Caldes Castle). At the end of the paved road, turning right through recently built houses, take a comfortable, winding paved road used by farm workers that will take you to S. Giacomo. The village, boasting an enchanting little church in gothic style, was named Solasna until a few centuries ago. Go all across the village passing under a narrow arcade and take the unpaved road heading to Cis, that once was the site of a Raethian castellar. Keep on

A long route with a moderate difference in height, running along both sides of lower Val di Sole. The first part winds across a mountain-side through orchards, small villages and pine-tree woods, while the second, down in the valley, is the new cycling track by the Noce river. This route, on a varied ground, is fast and good for cycling. the right till the end of the road and take the beautiful path that enters the pine-tree wood, that is not difficult, but requires some technical ability. Past a typical chapel and the barrier preventing cyclists from falling onto the rocks nearby, take the country road coming from Cis and winding across the orchards. Go down from the village to Mostizzolo Bridge, an obligatory passageway between Val di Non and Val di Sole which, for this reason, needed to be protected and was fortified in wartime. Cross the bridge and get on the cycling track on the right , that will take you back to Malé (see description of the cycling track between Mostizzolo and Croviana - page 6 - 7).

6.5

594

CICLE

OLO - CROV TRACK MOSTIZZ

12.5

MOSTIZZOLO BRIDGE

MALÈ

Km 13

5. ACROSS MONTE PELLER

From Malé, take the cycle track at Molini (by the renovated sawmill), and cycle down to Mostizzolo, following the directions of the route description “The cycle track Mostizzolo-Croviana stretch” (page 6 and 7), going backwards. By the Mostizzolo bridge ( a curious popular etymology links the name to the ancient tollhouse castle that reportedly rose on the mountain top, where passengers had to pay “muss bezahlena”), follow the heavytraffic State Road no. 43 towards Cles for about 4 km. As soon as you enter Cles, turn right into the old centre to Piazza Granda, surrounded by ancient mansions of the local aristocracy, then turn right towards Bersaglio (the place where, until 1918, was held the Schützen target practice house), where you will get after a rather steep paved stretch. Starting from here, an unpaved road climbs steeply up for about 11 km to a place called Verdè (we suggest that you follow this route early in the morning, as it is exposed to the sun and can get quite hot, and that you take sufficient beverages on you). At the last hairpin bend, by the S. Antonio Chapel, we suggest a short stop to enjoy the view over Val di Non and the lake of S. Giustina (over 7.5 km long, 150 mt. deep and with a capacity of 172 million cubic metres of water). After a short way, the road goes flat and you come across a typical wooden fountain where you can stop and fill your flask. After several ups and downs among woods and meadows, the road gets to the little lake of Verdè, that can be seen early in the summer. The majestic silhouette of monte Peller is towering in front of you, showing the homonymous Alpine Hut. The road continues with ups and downs amongst several typical mountain houses, that perfectly fit into the surrounding environment, then continues past Fontana Maora and to Passo Fraine (Variant to rifugio Mezol-Malè see page 31), where it decidedly steeps up. Follow the road on the left past Passo delle Fraine, along several ups and downs and into the vast Alpine prairies

AREA: lower Val di Sole - Monte Peller START and END: Malè (737 mt. a.s.l.) DIFFERENCE IN HEIGHT: 1,550 mt. approx. MAX. HEIGHT : 2,104 mt. a.s.l. (Forcola Pass) DISTANCE : 45 km CYCLING: total GRADE: for experts TIME: 6 hours approx. A very panoramic and mostly evoking route across a great variety of environments, from thick, shady fir woods in Val di Sole to warmer, dry areas on the southern slopes of Monte Peller, covered by broadleaf woods, from the wide open fields of Verdé to the vast high mountain prairies of the Forcola Pass. A sunny route, ideal at the beginning of the summer, when a great variety of flowers are blooming. It is a long ride with considerable gradients and some technical difficulties, recommended for trained and experienced bikers, that can also be completed in two days, staying at the Peller Alpine Hut overnight (we suggest that you climb on foot to the Peller top along the equipped track). to the karst Durigal Lake by the Madonna della Neve little church. Continuing on the right you’ll get to the clearly seen Peller Alpine Hut - Malga Clesera. A very steep slope on the left gets to the southward slopes of Monte Peller, towards Malga Tassulla and the underlying Val di Tovel (a 12 km Valley featuring a homonymous lake at 1178 mt., that originated from a landslide barrage on a glacier catchment area). The view from this point is very wide, embracing a series of valleys as far as to the Austrian mountains and snowy peaks. When you get to Malga Tassulla (2,090 mt.), the road ends in front of the wide gorge of Pian della Nana. Several mountain pathways get into the gorge, leading to the heart of the Brenta range ; take path no. 306 on the right, cut into the mountain side and leading to Passo della Forcola (2,104 mt.), at the watershed between Val di Non and Val di Sole. Go steeply down right above the Salare little lake and go along the pastures on the right to Malga Clesera. Here take path no. 308 going down, with some rather steep stretches, to the forest road coming up from Prà della Selva - Mezol Hut. Keep on your right and continue to “Prà della Selva” : those who love downhill biking will enjoy a technical, very spectacular ride down from this point ;leaving the traced road and turning left by the remains of the old chair lift, straight down to Malè. Those who prefer a comfortable ride down an unpaved road may turn right at “Prà della Selva” towards the Mezol Hut, then down to Molini di Terzolas and to Malè, following the cycle track. 2090 2104

0 MALÈ

594

658

830

11.5

14.5 16

MOSTIZZOLO BRIDGE CLES

1889

1606

MALGA TASSULLA PASSO FORCOLA

737

VERDÈ

metres

1237

30 31 P. FRAINE

33 34

1474 737

PRÀ DELLA SELVA

45 MALÈ

AREA: middle Val di Sole START and END: Dimaro ( 766 mt. a.s.l.) DIFFERENCE IN HEIGHT: 600 mt. MAX. HEIGHT: 1,341 mt. DISTANCE: 16 km approx CYCLING: total GRADE: easy TIME: 2 hours approx.

6. ON THE DOSSO DI S. BRIGIDA

A short route in the wood-covered Val Meledrio opposite the cliffs of the Brenta range.

FORK

0 DIMARO

4 CARCIATO

BRIDGE BY THE WATERFALL

7.5

1341 1150 MALGA DOSS

900

766

1213

steep gorge slopes, go through a little tunnel, and further to a wooden bridge over the frothing, roaring waterfalls of the Meledrio torrent. At this point the road gets a little wider and goes up on the bottom of the valley, along the torrent bends, in the shadowy, silent fir wood, situated at the foot of the Dosso di S. Brigida ( where, in the past centuries, a group of monks surrounded by mysterious legends used to held a hospice for wayfarers). Go further up until a waste clearing and Malga Presson ( at Pont del Pastin). Turn right and follow the road, that here gets larger, cross the torrent over the Pont del Pastin and continue on the left by the torrent side, go up the gentle wood-covered slope, and then down to the Malga del Doss. Continue steeply downhill, past a series of hairpin bends, to join the outward route going back down to Dimaro.

DOSSO S. BRIGIDA

1150

PONT DEL PASTIN

metres

From Dimaro (a village featuring a bold16th century bell tower), follow the village roads to the hamlet named Carciato. Take a little tarmac road on the right (Christ crucified) that leads to the western area of the hamlet, named Senasega. Turn right among recently built houses and continue to the end of the paved road, then take the little pebbly road going up to the woods. Turn right by a meadow area and into the fir wood, until you get to the banks of the Meledrio torrent. Cross the typical wooden bridge by a picnic area and take the unpaved road coming from State Road no. 239. Continue on the left, going slightly uphill in a fresh, quiet setting,, go past the old kiln that was used to burn limestone and further up to the bridge over the Meledrio torrent (by the waterfall). Cross the bridge and go up the steep, hard surfaced road that, after a series of hairpin bends, continues on a flatter stretch. Take the turning on the right to Pont del Pastin - Campo Carlo Magno ; go past a chapel dedicated to Our Lady, similar to the one that you have met first at the route start, follow the narrowing road carved on the

900

766

16 DIMARO

ITINERARIES: 1. THE “LA LEC” TRACK 2. EXPLORING THE OTHER SIDE OF THE RIVER NOCE 3. THE PANORAMIC ASCENT 4. AMONG CASTLES AND ORCHARDS 5. ACROSS MONTE PELLER 6. ON THE “DOSSO DI S. BRIGIDA” 7. ON THE BANKS OF THE MELEDRIO 16

8. ADAMELLO-BRENTA BIKE TOUR ALONG THE EMPEROR’S ANCIENT ROAD 19. ON THE “MASI DA MONT” 10. ON THE TRACKS OF THE ROEBUCKS 11. EXPLORING THE “MONTAGNA” 12. AROUND THE AUSTRIAN FORTS 13. NEAR THE SPLASH OF THE VERMIGLIANA TORRENT

14. UP THE “VALLETTA” 15. OVER 2000 METRES AT THE FOOT OF VIOZ 16. THE MILITARY ROAD 17. LITTLE LAKES AND FLOWERS 18. WATER AND SILENCE IN “VAL DE L’ORS” 19. THE WATERFALL ROUTE 20. THE MALGA ROUTE IN THE STELVIO NATIONAL PARK

LEGENDS: EASY MODERATE DIFFICULT FOR EXPERTS CICLE TRACK 17

AREA: middle Val di Sole START AND END: Dimaro (766 mt. a.s.l.) DIFFERENCE IN HEIGHT: 150 mt. approx. DISTANCE: km 8 CYCLING: total GRADE: easy TIME: 2 hours approx.

7. ON THE BANKS OF THE MELEDRIO

Easy route between two rivers lapping the village of Dimaro. Varied ground ideal for mountain bikes.

(steps), the path continues on a perfectly level ground to Costa Rotian. At the crossing of the path (picnic area) with the State Road no. 239, go some 50 mt. uphill to the fork where you’ll find the signpost to Costa Rotian. A peaceful paved road crosses the tourist village and gets down to Almazzago, reaching an area on the right of the village, called “Libardon”. Turn right down a fast descent to the banks of the Noce river and hence in a short time to Dimaro.

ALMAZZAGO

0 DIMARO

910 COSTA ROTIAN

766

900 BRIDGE BY THE WATERFALL

metres

From the village of Dimaro, where you can admire the high 16th -Century bell tower, follow the city roads up to the hamlet of Carciato. Turn right where you come across a wooden Christ crucified onto a paved road that climbs up to the West side of the hamlet (Senasega area). Turn right by some recently built houses up to the end of the paved road and continue on a pebbly path going uphill near the wood. Turn right again bordering the meadows and get into the beautiful fir wood until you reach the banks of the Meledrio torrent. Cross it by a typical wooden bridge (nearby there is a picnic area) joining the path coming up from the State Road no. 239. The track then climbs gently on the left in a fresh and silent setting and, past several lime kilns, gets to the bridge on the Meledrio torrent (waterfall). Turn right just before the bridge and continue on this path, paying attention to the signposts to Costa Rotian. After a short and steep ledge

5.5

6.5

4 CARCIATO

868 788

7 F. NOCE

766

8 DIMARO

AREA: middle Val di Sole START AND END: Dimaro (766 mt. a.s.l.) DIFFERENCE IN HEIGHT: 1400 mt. approx. MAX HEIGHT: 2180 mt. (Orso Bruno Alpine Hut) DISTANCE: 45 km. CYCLING: total GRADE: for experts TIME: 6 hours approx.

8. ADAMELLO-BRENTA BIKE TOUR ALONG THE EMPEROR’S ANCIENT ROAD

This route winds totally in the Adamello-Brenta Natural Park along the track of the cross country race “Adamello-Brenta bike tour”. You can choose among several variants (Passo Grostè – Lago Malghette) and also put different routes together. The routes are recommended for well trained bikers with good resistance and technical ability. From the village of Dimaro, where you can admire the high 16th -Century bell tower, follow the city roads up to the hamlet of Carciato. Turn right where you come across a wooden Christ crucified onto a paved road that climbs up to the West side of the hamlet (Senasega area). Turn right by some recently built houses up to the end of the paved road and continue on a pebbly path going uphill near the wood. Turn right again bordering the meadows and get into the beautiful fir wood until you reach the banks of the Meledrio torrent. Cross it by a typical wooden bridge (nearby there is a picnic area) joining the path coming up from the State Road no. 239. The track then climbs gently on the left in a fresh and silent setting and, past several lime kilns, gets to the bridge on the Meledrio torrent (waterfall). Cross the bridge and go up the steep, hard surfaced road that, after several hairpin bends, continues on a flatter stretch. Take the turning on the right to Pont del Pastin - Campo Carlo Magno ; go past a chapel dedicated to Our Lady, similar to the one that you met before, follow the narrowing road carved on the steep gorge slopes, go through a little tunnel, and further to a wooden bridge over the frothing, roaring waterfalls of the Meledrio torrent. At this point the road gets a little wider and goes up on the bottom of the valley, along the torrent bends, in the shadowy, silent fir wood, up to the uncultivated clearing at Malga di Presson right above the wood (Pont del Pastin). Continue on the right by a large unpaved road, first bordering some pasture lands and then entering a shady wood of huge firs, until you get to a fork. Turn left (the right turning would take you go to the Malga di Presson) and continue on a varied slope to Passo Campo Carlo Magno (Charles the Great Pass). You may think the name originates from Charles the Great Emperor travelling across the Pass between the 8th and the 9th Centuries ; actually, the Pass was given its name only at the end of the 19th Century. The scenery becomes rough and wild, with a marvellous view over Val di Centonia (a major drinking water source for the lower Val di Sole) and the surrounding mountains. Keeping the right side, pass over a gate and continue along the same road, that gets steeper, past a small chapel and a spring. After several hairpin-bends, you’ll get to Prà del Mazza, by the State Road No. 239 which takes from Madonna di Campiglio to Dimaro. Go downhill on

the left and leave the State Road, cross the Meledrio torrent and, when you get on the opposite bank, continue on the right until you reach the meadow at the Malga Mondifrà, at the foot of the Dolomites cliffs ( the malga’s name means “friars’ mountain” for it used to belong to the a friars who managed the S. Maria hospice in Campiglio, at 1632 mt.). Continue walking on a flat ground, get into a wood area again, and than to a pasture land by a large turn. Variant to Passo Grostè (see page 31). Go down shortly on the right and follow the track of a path climbing up to the pasture lands, continue past several steep stretches with roots appearing on the path surface, then border the golf courses and the Passo Campo Carlo Magno residential houses. Stay on the right and follow the trail of the winter cross country track across the meadows, until you reach the State Roan No. 239 and the Rio Falzè Residence. Variant to the Malghette Lake (see page 31). Just before joining the State Road, take the small path on the right going down across the fir wood to a small bridge over Rio Falzè and continuing along the State Road towards Dimaro. When the path crosses the road (by a turn), take the unpaved road on the opposite side, following signposts to Malga Darè, where you will get to after a few kilometres (fabulous view over the Brenta range). Go past the malga (Alpine pasture shelter) and enter a marshy, rough area with no clear waymarks. Follow the trails to the Malga di Dimaro (1662 mt.). Turn left onto an unpaved road which climbs up by several hairpin-bends - with a first moderate, then tougher slope - to Malghet Haut (1861 mt. – ski-lifts, bar and hut). Take the unpaved road on the left towards Monte Vigo – Rifugio Orso Bruno (Alpine hut), along a varied route down the Southern slopes of Monte Spolverino, until you come to Rifugio Orso Bruno (refreshment service and evocative view). Follow the stony road down to Malga Panciana, where it becomes smoother, and continue fast downhill to the Provincial Road No. 206 to Marilleva. After 1 km., when you get to the wide hairpin bend by the Malghetto di Mestriago pasture lands, offering a magnificent view over the lower Val di Sole, take the unpaved road on the right that climbs gradually for about 1 km., crossing several streams. Go down steeply past the Malga di Almazzago and then down a gentler slope to the Costa Rotian houses, hence shortly to Dimaro.

DIMARO

WATERFALL

14 15.5 17

PRA DEL MALGA MAZZA MONDIFRÀ

25.5

1450 FORK ROAD 206

19 20.5

RIF. ORSO BRUNO

766

MGA DARÈ

1160

1861 M. HAUT

1680 1630 1669 1662 C.C. MAGNO

1632

MGA DIMARO

metres

2179 1525

29.5

910 34.5 C. ROTIAN

766 37.5 DIMARO

9. ON THE “MASI DA MONT“

AREA: middle Val di Sole START and END: Deggiano (930 mt. a.s.l.) DIFFERENCE IN HEIGHT: 400 mt. approx. MAX. HEIGHT: 1,250 mt. (Masi da Mont) DISTANCE: km 10 CYCLING: almost total GRADE: difficult TIME: 1 hour All of the difficulties of mountain biking are combined in this short route. Recommended for bikers looking for a challenge.

metres

By the fountain situated in the higher part of Deggiano, a village boasting a few rural buildings with imposing wooden frames and the nice, little church of SS.ma Trinità, a very steep unpaved road winds up amongst the meadows that encircle the village. The road gets into a broadleaf, fir and larch wood, with an extremely tough slope to cycle. After a hairpin bend, the slope becomes gentler and the road gets to the uncultivated meadows of Masi da Mont, (in pre-Roman times, this was the site of a “castellar” defending Rhaetic houses). The rural buildings called “masi”, due to their typical construction, are a fine example of Alpine architecture, as well as the nearby quaint stone fountain. A not very evident track starts on the right of the fountain and, past a short slope, continues flat amongst terraced fields towards Montés and Bolentina, two villages situated on the South-western slopes of M. Camucina. Past a little shelter, the track gets into a wood, then crosses several streams and, after some technically demanding downhill slopes, climbs up to an unpaved road leading

slightly above Montés (the little village, that is almost empty today, used to house a primary school). Follow the road downhill amongst cultivated fields until you reach the tarmac road going from Montés up to the little church of San Valentino (built in the 15th Century - the bell tower dates back to 1,200). Go across the village to the last houses in its lower part ; take the unpaved lane on the right, winding among the fields to a beautiful renovated maso. The lane turns into a pathway and starts climbing through a hazelnut wood, across a little stream, then winds into a larch wood and finally climbs up a short, steep difficult stretch to a small clearance. Take the tiny grass lane getting shortly back to Deggiano.

1300 1250 1280 1250 1151

930

DEGGIANO

MASI DA MONT

3.5

4.5

6 MONTES

10 DEGGIANO

10. ON THE TRACKS OF THE ROEBUCKS

From the Mezzana Sports Centre on the cycling track to Fucine described on page No.9 straight to Ossana. Near the evocative S. Michele castle, a strong, medieval building, a paved road climbs steeply beyond the S Vigilio Church (rebuilt in 1500), heading towards Val Piana. Leave behind the built-up area, take an unpaved road on a constant slope and, after some steep hairpin-bends, you’ll come to Val Piana. The road comes across the wood on a flat ground and runs along the Foss torrent and the wide meadows of the valley (bar and picnic area). Going further on the right it is possible to make a detour following the signposts to Malga Val Piana and the “Sass Pisador” waterfall (this is the old name used in Val di Sole to identify the waterfall) (4 km. approx. – 1 hour). Continue on the left towards the “lago dei

A fairly difficult route with several variants. An ideal training for more difficult routes. Some sections are very steep on firm ground and with a short stretch where you’ll have to carry your bike. An environment rich in water: don’t miss the “Sass Pisador” waterfalls and the “Lago dei Caprioli” (roebuck lake). Caprioli” by a large, unpaved road, that first climbs gently into the thick fir wood and then descends to the parking area at lago dei Caprioli – Fazzon). It is a barrier lake and can be reached following the paved road coming up from Pellizzano for 1 kilometre. Past the charming lake, you can come back by the same road, past the parking area towards Pellizzano down to the houses at the end of Fazzon. (pay attention to the signposts on the right to Malga Fazzon Alta). An unpaved road climbs on a steep slope to Malga Fazzon Alta, continues past it on the left towards Marilleva (signposts), where it ends after about 1 km. Carry your bike on your back for about 300 mt. on the slippery, stony pathway no.202, until you get to the unpaved road coming from Marilleva, a very popoular tourist centre, especially lively in winter. After 500 mt., a steep and sometimes pebbly path enters the wood on the left and takes you back to the starting point near the Mezzana Sports Centre.

7.5

OSSANA

V. PIANA

PATHWAY 202

1003

1307 1257

M. FAZZON ALTA

1221

LAGO CAPRIOLI FORK TO M.FAZZON

metres

1546 1600 1600

940 MEZZANA SPORTS CENTRE

AREA: middle Val di Sole START AND END: Mezzana (940 mt. a. s.l.) DIFFERENCE IN HEIGHT: 800 mt. approx. MAX. HEIGHT: 1.800 mt. DISTANCE: 22 km. CYCLING: almost total GRADE: moderate TIME: 3 hours approx.

MEZZANA SPORTS CENTRE

13 13.5

17 17.5

940

11. EXPLORING THE “MONTAGNA”

AREA: START and END: DIFFERENCE IN HEIGHT: MAX. HEIGHT: DISTANCE: CYCLING: GRADE: TIME:

mid-upper Val di Sole Pellizzano (925 mt. a.s.l.) 1,300 mt. approx. 2,100 mt. 20 km total difficult 4 hours approx.

A very panoramic route in middle and upper Val di Sole vith a magnificent view on the surrounding mountains (Vioz-Cevedale).The route is recommended only for those who have a good training level and technical skills, as it features a long uphill climb and some technically demanding downhill stretches. From the village of Pellizzàno, follow the cycle track towards Mezzana for about 2 km, until you reach a turning on the left leading to the river. Take this downhill road, go past the bridge over the River Noce (Pont de le Caore), on to the crossing with the State Road no. 42. Cross the road and continue up the Provincial Road no. 140 towards Termenàgo-Ortisé-Menàs. This is a low-traffic road that climbs up on steep slopes amongst vast, mostly uncultivated, terraced fields past Termenàgo (by the old1322 bell tower and at the foot of the staircase leading to the “new” 1850 church) and Castèllo (featuring a typical 16th Century embattled bell tower) further up to Ortisé (1,477 mt.). Here, at the end of a tiring uphill climb, you will appreciate the fresh water of the fountain by the church, (notice the delightful monument in memory of the renowned mycologist Don Giacomo Bresadola). The view from this point is magnificent and includes Val di Sole with its bottom villages, Passo Tonale, the distant Brenta peaks and the imposing Presanella range. DETOUR BY MALGA NUOVA – RONCIO. Distance: 5 km – grade: average – time: 1 hour Continue from Ortisé taking the Provincial Road to Menas (1,516 mt.), continue along a road, first tarmac, then unpaved, that goes past several little valleys and turns right down to Malga Nuova. From this point, a very steep gravel road leads to the quaint hamlets of Moresana, Gaial and Roncio, then shortly to Mezzana. Following the markings towards Alpe Pozze, the road goes past the village and becomes unpaved as it

ORTISÉ

907 930 3 S.S. 42

BAITA POZZE

0 PELLIZZANO

1477

CELLENTINO LAKE

2100 2069

metres 925

enters a larch wood next to some typical Alpine buildings, then continues in the woods, where it gets more comfortable. Always keeping on the left, towards Baita Pozze, you’ll get to large Alpine pastures. The road continues up large hairpin bends amongst the vast surrounding pastures to Baita Pozze (refreshment service) : Continue for about 600 metres to the hairpin bend, turn left into a pathway (take care) that goes gradually down towards the ridge of the Vegaia peak. The pathway, that is a little rough due to the passage of cattle shortly reaches the little lake of Cellentino (2,069 mt.) that is visible only in the early summer months. The view over the glaciers and the highest peaks of Vioz (3,645 mt.) and Presanella (3,556 mt.) is magnificent. A level path round the lake leads towards Val di Peio and meets a steep road in the woods going down to Cellentino (1,264 mt.). The view over Comasine and the solitary little church of Santa Lucia from this point is unique. Follow the Provincial Road to Strombiano, go all across the village and follow the markings to Cusiano (home to Quirino Bezzi, a mountain-loving historian) following the old link road to the crossing of State Road No. 42 and the Provincial Road to Pejo. Follow the State road down to Cusiano, and shortly back to Pellizzano (boasting the enchanting Renaissance gothic Santa Maria Church).

1193

19.5 STROMBIANO

946

925

FUCINE PELLIZZANO

12. AROUND THE AUSTRIAN FORTS

AREA: upper Val di Sole START and END: Vermiglio (1,260 mt. a.s.l.) DIFFERENCE IN HEIGHT: 800 mt. approx. MAX. HEIGHT: 2,026 mt. DISTANCE: 32 km. CYCLING: total GRADE: difficult TIME: 4 hours approx. A high mountain route passing by the Austrian forts dating back to the First World War. Enchanting views over the icy peaks of the Presanella. A breath-taking and challenging route on varied ground.

PASSO TONALE OSPIZIO S. BARTOLOMEO

FORTE MERO

FORTE ZACCARANA

1260 0

VERMIGLIO

VOLPAIA

M. PECÈ

1800

14 15

1500 1354

2026 1841

CANTIERE P.

metres

1971 1900 1883

rently built as early as in 1127, it was run by a Prior and offered hospitality and refreshment to wayfarers). Continue on the flat towards Val di Sole, amongst high mountain prairies opposite the majestic icy Presanella peaks. The road goes gently downhill to the ruins of Forte Mero (m. 1,841 - picnic area), encircled by a charming fir wood, that, together with Tonale, Strino, Zaccarana and Pozzi Alti forts (built between the end of the 19th and the early 20th Centuries), formed the defence front of the Austrian Hungarian Empire, with numerous cannons, mortars and machine-guns. The road then goes up and down to a turning point: keep left to go up to the ruins of Forte Zaccarana (2,026 mt. - 40 mt. approx.), located in a towering position on the slopes of monte Tonale Orientale. Go back down past the turning point and into Valle Strino ; after a slight slope downhill, take the little road on the bottom of the valley taking to Malga Strino. (This stretch of route can be shortened, taking the downhill road that goes towards the State Road no.42, and follow it towards Vermiglio we suggest a visit to the recently-renovated Forte Strino, right by the Road). Go slightly uphill and take the right turning heading towards Masi di Strino - Malga Mezzolo, where you will get after crossing Rio Strino and following the mount slopes. Slightly under Malga Mezzolo (1,857 mt.), the road goes steeply down, crosses a few streams and reaches the road to Malga Verniana. Continue on the right, down to State Road no. 42, and in a short time to Vermiglio. Before entering the village, have a look at the old tollhouse, that was operating for many centuries at the Western boarder of the territory belonging to the Prince-Bishops of Trent.

1857 MALGA MEZZOLO

From Vermiglio, go down the large valley of Stavel. By the Volpaia farmhouse restaurant, leave the main road on the bottom of the valley and turn left onto an unpaved road climbing towards Velon, along the track of a winter cross-country trail. Past the bridge over the Vermigliana torrent, turn left towards Maso Cadin, by the remains of old military barracks of the 1914-1918 War. Past the masi, take the little road on the right until you cross an unpaved road going up to the Tonale Fort. Go down it for about 100 metres, then turn left to the nice Baita Velon. Hence the road climbs gradually uphill towards Passo Tonale, goes past the torrent and continues flat amongst some fields to Malga Pecè. During the First World War, the malga used to house a Austrian-Hungarian minor headquarters. The oldest trees around it still bear the marks of Italian shell splinters. Past the malga, the hard-surfaced road, that is often crossed by streams, goes up through a thick fir wood. After a few hairpin bends, the wood turns thinner, allowing a view over the Valley, to arrive, after a few steep stretches, by the State Road no. 42. Right before the Road, turn left uphill towards Cantiere Presena and, 1 kilometre past, continue on the right along a pathway - equipped fitness course (“Sentiero della Pace”) and go across the slopes to Passo Tonale. (We suggest a visit to the 1924 Ossarium the remains of 831 soldiers who fighted in the Tonale front area ; the monument marks the boarder with Lombardy, where once was the boarder between Austria and the Reign of Italy). Go along the State Road no. 42 for some 100 mt., until you reach the Skirama - Adamello Ski ticket counter on the opposite side of the road ; take the little, steep road heading to Malga Cadì and the Saint Bartolomeo Hospice (1,971 mt. - the hospice was appa-

1500 1260 30

32 VERMIGLIO

Km 23

13. NEAR THE SPLASH OF THE VERMIGLIANA TORRENT

AREA: START AND END: DIFFERENCE IN HEIGHT: MAX HEIGHT: DISTANCE: CYCLING: GRADE: TIME:

upper Val di Sole Ossana (1003 mt. a.s.l.) 250 mt. approx. 1290 MT. 11 Km. total easy 2 hours approx.

A short but very difficult route due to the difference in height, both on road and on path. It goes through various interesting environments such as thick fir forests, small and large grass terraces with “baite” (typical mountain house) along the turbulent Vermigliana torrent. Deer, hares and squirrels can often been seen, especially very early in the morning. Right after the evocative, medieval castle of Ossana, going towards Fucine, turn left onto a narrow lane bordering some chalets in the wood that climbs towards Passo Tonale. Past a wide square near the Vermigliana torrent, the route becomes steeper and technically demanding, until it reaches some nice meadows at Poia, on the southern slopes of Val Vermiglio. The route, with several ups and downs, gets to the bottom of the valley to the Volpaia farmhouse restaurant, situated in the Stavel plain opposite the Presanella peak (is 35556 mt. high, showing a giddy ice wall). From this point you can integrate your route either with one of the short itineraries suggested by the local Tourist Board or with those in this guidebook. You can go back to Ossana either returning by the same way or going across Vermiglio, a village which was destroyed by bombs and fire during the First World War after being evacuated by its inhabitants. The war remain collection by the “recuperante” (collector) Emilio Serra is well worth a visit. From this place, follow the State Road no. 42 back to Fucine.

OSSANA

Going downhill from Ossana to Fucine, join the cycle track coming from Pellizzano. From Fucine, once a customs centre of the Trent Princedom and site of many iron furnaces, go onto a paved road on the left (besides the bank Cassa Rurale) near the industrial area. Beyond this area, the road turns to a path. It climbs gently up to a bridge on the Noce river. Cross the bridge and enter the Val di Peio, opposite the snowy Monte Vioz. The path leaves the river and comes by 2 hairpin bends to the Val di Pejo Provincial Road No. 87, right in the stretch leading to the typical small village of Comasine where a high number of iron mines were still operating until 1850. Go towards the village and beyond the typical old Mulino, which has been recently turned into a restaurant and which used to be a medicinal linseed oil manufacturing centre. Take the path on the right that gets 200 mt. down the slopes to the bottom of the valley. This route, which is used as a cross country track in winter, leads to the village of Cogolo, where the Pejo mineral water bottling facilities are located. From Cogolo you can either take some other route described in this guidebook, or go back to Ossana (follow the outward route or take the busier Val di Peio Provincial Road No. 87. 1227 1070

1003

982

POIA

VOLPAIA

VERMIGLIO

OSSANA

FUCINE

1003

Val di Peio Ossana mt. (1.003 a.s.l.) 160 mt. approx. km 12 total easy 2 hours approx.

An easy route along the roaring Noce river on firm ground with moderate slopes. Quiet surroundings and frequent possibilities of wildlife observation. You can return along the same route or go along the provincial road through Val di Pejo.

1224

1150

1003 0

AREA: START AND END: DIFFERENCE IN HEIGHT: DISTANCE: CYCLING: GRADE: TIME:

metres

1196

14. UP THE “VALLETTA”

1003 4.2 MULINO C.

6.5 COGOLO

12 OSSANA

AREA: Val di Peio START and END: Cogolo (1,160 mt. a.s.l.) DIFFERENCE IN HEIGHT: 1,000 mt. MAX. HEIGHT: 2,031 mt. (M.ga Mare) DISTANCE: 35 km. CYCLING: almost total (a few technical parts on foot) GRADE: for experts TIME: 4 hours approx.

15. OVER 2,000 METRES AT THE FOOT OF VIOZ

An extremely varied and technical route in a breathtaking wild environment From Cogolo go to Celledizzo (the S. Antonio chapel, with wall paintings by Giovanni and Battista Baschensis, dating back to 1,473, is worth seeing) and, past the village centre, take the unpaved road among the meadows heading towards Malga Borche (if you take enough attention, you’ll notice the tracks of the ancient iron mines that were operating from the 15th to the 18th Centuries).The road goes on for a few kilometres with regular, moderate gradients, goes through a fir wood until a turning point - with signs on the left to Coronaccia - Malga Pontevecchio (1,762 mt.). The road continues through the cembran pine and red fir wood, across several streams flowing from the surrounding peaks, then turns into a track and shortly gets down to Malga Pontevecchio (1,762 mt.). This is an ideal site for watching eagles, that frequently glide high in the sky, hunting the chamois offspring that quietly graze on the barren, steep slopes. Go down until you get to a paved service road leading to the hydro-electric power station situated at Malga Mare (2,031 mt.), that you will reach after Malga Prà Bon and several hairpin bends. Go past the power station, cross the bridge over the water and follow the signs to Pathway no. 127. This is a clearly marked, technically demanding track, with continuous ups and downs amongst beautiful rhododendron bushes, requiring in certain parts a considerable sense of balance. The track is highly

2034 1856

20 20.5

1556 PEIO PAESE

COGOLO CELLEDIZZO

MALGA MARE

1176

MALGA PONTE VECCHIO

1160

FORK

1600

2021

RIF. SCOIATTOLO

metres

1762

frequented by hikers, so we recommend that you slow down your pace and respect their walk. The track leads to a wide, flat, grassy lane that runs above the water pipes coming from the power station along the southern slopes of Monte Vioz. Go past the little road coming from Peio Paese and leading to Malga Saline, and follow the signs to Rifugio Scoiattolo. When you get to see some gigantic pressure water pipes (dating back to the 1930s), the road narrows to a pathway size and shortly climbs to the Alpine hut (the slope is very steep, we suggest that you go on foot). After a short stop, go down the unpaved road that runs along the ski slope, and follow the signs to Peio Paese. Go dow past the village and take the Provincial Road no. 87. By the Animal Wildlife Centre (well worth a visit), turn left onto the unpaved lane that gradually goes down to the plane of S. Bartolomeo (the S. Cristoforo picture painted on the façade of the Pegaja church is worth mentioning, Pegaja being the site of an ancient mining centre that seemingly disappeared in the early 16th Century), and from there after a short stretch to Cogolo.

1450

1287 1160 29 30

FORK TO WILDLIFE CENTRE

COGOLO

AREA: Val di Pejo START AND END: Peio Fonti (1393 mt. a. s.l.) DIFFERENCE IN HEIGHT: 600 mt. approx. MAX HEIGHT: 1980 mt. (Vegaia) DISTANCE: 20 km. CYICLING: total GRADE: moderate TIME: 3 hours approx.

16. THE MILITARY ROAD

A lovely route in the Stelvio National Park. It winds through the narrow Val del Monte along an Austrian military road dating back to the 1914-1918 War and then around the Pian Palù basin with a stop at the famous springs.

From Peio Fonti go uphill towards Pejo Paese. At the first hairpin bend, turn left onto a paved road that penetrates into Val del Monte (signposts to Pian Palù). After some wide fields, the road becomes steep and enters a sparse larch and fir wood, coming to a clearing on the right near Malga Termenago di Sotto. On the left you can see, through the larch wood, the shape of the Barba di Flor fort (built up about 1910). Leave the road to Pian Palù and follow the road which climbs gently in the woods besides the “malga” (Alpine pasture shelter). This road, that was built by the Austrians before the 1915-1918 War; is still in good conditions and represents the Austrian skills in this field. There are many hairpin bends with picnic areas, where the high, snowy peaks encircling the valley can be viewed in the peaceful and aromatic wood of the cembran pines. Past a place called Vegaia, which is the highest point of the whole route, cross Val degli Orsi up to Malga Giumella (named after the high mountain rising above). This pasture shelter is situated in a dominating position and allows a beautiful view over the its blue and green

water shades of the Pian Palù basin, dating back to the 1930s. Go down towards the lake by a stony path until you come across another path on the left with a signpost to Malga Pal (that is situated by the Noce river, tributary to the lake). Later the path becomes wider, with several technically demanding stretches (with stones and roots). Moderately expert bikers should get off their mountain bike). When you get to Malga Palù (1,826 mt.), past some marshlands boasting a variety of plant species, get onto the opposite shore of the lake, where a fast and easy path takes to Malga di Celentino, close to the lake’s retaining dam. Go back by a steep and pebbly path and pay attention to some short and difficult stretches, minding the people usually coming up on foot. Be careful and go slow until you get at Fontanino, a place renowned for its noteworthy mineral water spring. (don’t forget to visit Fontanino di Celentino (Celentino little fountain) on the right of the torrent. To go back to Peio Fonti, take the paved road (narrow but fast) paying attention to cars.

1980

metres

1826

2 MALGA TERMENAGO

M. CELENTINO

0 PEIO FONTI

MALGA PALÚ

1393

1668

L. VEGAIA

1500

1830

1393 14 FONTANINO

20 PEIO FONTI

17. LITTLE LAKES AND FLOWERS

AREA: Val di Peio START AND END: Peio Fonti (1393 mt. a.s.l.) DIFFERENCE IN HEIGHT: 500 mt. approx. MAX. HEIGHT: 1856 mt. (Lago Covel) DISTANCE: 10 km. CYCLING: total GRADE: easy TIME: 3 hours approx. A short and evocative route in the Stelvio National Park across a marvellous scenery, with the possibility of wildlife observation.

From Peio Fonti go up the road leading to Pian PalĂš lake for about 1 km, until you reach a country service road on the right coming from Peio Paese. The road now climbs gently up to the centre of the ancient village of Peio (it was founded during the Bronze Age) near the S. Rocco Church (notice the breathtaking image of S. Cristoforo frescoed on the bell-tower in the late fifteenth Century). A steep path leaves the village and takes to S. Rocco, right above a sparse larch wood, where more than 100 corpses were buried during the First World War (the Scrott-Vorst pyramid watched by an eagle has been erected in their memory). Continue along the large unpaved road bordering the meadows of Peio, up to the wide Covel lake plane, an area of great plant and animal life interest. (6 km. approx.). The signposts nearby show the way to Malga Covel, right above the lovely lake. From Malga Covel go down to the end of the meadows

and take track No. 125 down to the narrow Val Cadini; high above you will hear the roar of a frothing waterfall. Go back downhill by a rough path covering also a short stretch of the ski slope below. Turn left onto a flat lane across a hillside into the woods and meadows of Peio, take the country service road that you had followed on your outward route and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll shortly be back in Peio.

0 PEIO FONTI

3.5

VAL CADINI

1393

1700 LAGO COVEL

1556

1650 S. ROCCO

metres

1850

6.5

1500 1393 8

FORK

PEIO FONTI

Km 27

18. WATER AND SILENCE IN “VAL DE L’ORS”

AREA: Val di Rabbi START AND END: S. Bernardo (1.095 mt. a.s.l.) DIFFERENCE IN HEIGHT: 300 mt. approx. MAX HEIGHT: 1.359 mt. a.s.l. (Baito Valorz) DISTANCE: 6 Km. CYCLING: total GRADE: easy TIME: 2 hours approx. A charming but difficult route due to the remarkable difference in height in a natural and unspoilt environment.

From S. Bernardo, overlooked by the bell tower of its new church built in 1957, at the Poz area, climb from the bottom of the valley on an easy lane through the beautiful and picturesque “masi” (rural houses), up to the end of the meadows. From the area near the Pralongo bridge , take the road on the left bordering the woods and climbing roughly up to Val Valorz, where you will enjoy an enchanting view. The road continues with ups and downs to Rio Valorz and the picnic area nearby. From now on the ascent becomes steeper and the route even rougher before coming to Baito Valorz (where the track ends and you can enjoy the view of the magnificent waterfalls and over the shady

“val de l’Ors” - bear valley). Return along the same way down to a nice wooden bridge crossing the stream on the right. Go down towards S. Bernardo by a steep path through larch woods and “baite” (typical mountain houses).

metres

1359

1095

1250

1200 1100

1095

SAN BERNARDO POZ

PRALONGO BRIDGE

PICNIC AREA

BAITO VALORZ

BRIDGE

SAN BERNARDO POZ

From S. Bernardo (at Poz) go up the orographic shore of the Rabbies torrent by an easy paved road up to Ponte Pralongo in the typical Alpine environment of Val di Rabbi. Keep on the same way passing over the bridge. Here the road turns to a well-beaten track, passing alongside the frothing torrent and “Ruaie”, one of the oldest hamlets in the valley. The path takes to Ponte Casna and joins a paved lane parallel to the Val di Rabbi Provincial Road No. 86 up to Forni. Go on by an unpaved road passing close to Bagni di Rabbi and its nice, old, Venetian saw-mill, that was recently renovated by the Stelvio National Park Board, and then reaching the Bagni di Rabbi Spa Centre.(While you’re there, visit the Spa and try its ferruginous water. The discovery and use of sour waters dates back to the latest decades of the 17th Century). At this point the paved road climbs gently up to “Plan” and crosses the torrent over a bridge, where there are signposts on the left to the Ragaiolo waterfall. The unpaved road climbes on a moderate slope, offering a good view over the wide meadows at the bottom of the valley and over the camping site. When you come to the bridge on the waterfalls, have a stop nearby and enjoy the fresh sprinkling of the waterfall before facing the steep path leading to Malga Fratte Bassa. The path in the thick fir wood is 2 km. long and, even if the ground is well beaten, it is highly difficult. From Malga Fratte Bassa, situated in a dominating open space, enjoy

4 C. RAGAIOLO

the enchanting view of the valley, the waterfalls, pasture lands and mountain peaks, often still snowy in summer. Pay particular attention here and follow the signposts on the right to Fontanino-Malga Stablasolo. A path goes across the pasture area on the North side and gets into the wood directed to Fontanino. This stretch of road is fantastic, most of all for those who love technical routes with narrow serpentines, steps and fast, balancing stretches. Since this area is particularly precious for its environment and wildlife, (mostly deer and roebucks) silence and respect are fundamental. From Fontanino, whose name comes from a spring of ferruginous water, go up on an unpaved road up to Malga Stablasolo. (here you can taste milk, cheese and dressed pork products). This is also the starting point of a nice, short walk to the renowned Saent waterfalls (1 hour). Return along the same way down to “Fontanino” (small fountain) and follow the paved road across the wood to Somrabbi. Just before Somrabbi, take the path into the wood on the left that goes up and down bordering the high meadows of the valley and getting to to Serra: From now on the road is paved, gets through the hamlets of Cavallar and Penasa, then down quickly to the village of S. Bernardo.

6 6.8

1500 1348

13.5

SOMRABBI

MALGA STABLASOLO

S. BERNARDO CASNA BRIDGE

M. FRATTE BASSA

1095

FONTANINO

metres

1381 1250

A picturesque route in upper Val di Rabbi , mostly in the Stelvio National Park, where you can enjoy wonderful surroundings: frothy waterfalls, streams, spa springs and wild animals such as deer, chamois, roebucks. A full immersion in a natural Alpine environment. A varied, fairly technical and very satisfying route.

1539

1482 1222

AREA: Val di Rabbi START AND END: S. Bernardo (1095 mt. a.s.l.) DIFFERENCE IN HEIGHT: 800 mt. approx. MAX HEIGHT: 1539 mt. (Malga Stablasolo) DISTANCE: 20 km. CIYCLING: almost total GRADE: moderate + TIME: 3 hours approx.

SERRA

19. THE WATERFALL ROUTE

15.5

1095

20 S. BERNARDO

AREA: Val di Rabbi START: Bagni di Rabbi (1,200 mt. a.s.l.) END: Celledizzo (1,176 mt. a.s.l.) DIFFERENCE IN HEIGHT: 1,500 mt. approx. MAX. HEIGHT: 2,623 mt. (Passo Cercena) DISTANCE: 22 km. CYCLING: partly (you have to push your bike from Malga Cercena Alta at 2,147 mt. to the Pass at 2,623 mt.) GRADE: for experts TIME: 4 hours approx.

20. THE MALGA ROUTE IN THE STELVIO NATIONAL PARK

An extremely panoramic and very challenging route, all in the Stelvio National Park. Recommended for well trained and technically skilled bikers. From Bagni di Rabbi, known for its iron water springs - discovered in 1660 and currently exploited at the local Spa establishment due to their healing properties, go up the tarmac road heading to Plan for about 500 metres. Turn left onto an unpaved road climbing up to Malga Cercena. The road leaves the bottom of the valley and enters a fir wood up a very steep slope with a very hard surface. After a few kilometres, the slope becomes gentler as the road gets into the pastures at the bottom of Val Cercen. Continue past Fontanon (picnic area) and follow the signs to Malga Cercena. On the opposite slope, notice some evocative pathways climbing to the Villar, Fassa and Monte Sole malgas ( a few remains of the over 70 malgas that there used to be in the valley). The track goes up and down, with some long steep stretches now and then. Go past Malga Cercena Bassa and turn left. The track gets narrower and less frequented and, up a very steep slope, gets to Malga Cercena Alta, on the southern slope of Monte Villar. You may wish to refresh yourself at the lovely fountain by the malga and enjoy a wide view over the Valley you came from and up to Passo Cercena. Head

towards the Pass taking pathway no. 109 - in the first stretch, you may be able to ride your bike. However, when you get to the stream that flows along the valley, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll have to push your bike about 1 hour up to the Pass, at the borderline between Val di Rabbi and Val di Peio. Enjoy the wide, enchanting view over the valleys and the nearby Vioz and Cevedale glaciers. This is a particularly interesting area for the possibility of wildlife observation (marmots, chamois, eagles) and due to the presence of a varied high mountain prairie plant life. Due to the considerable altitudes, a proper equipment is recommended, in case of sudden weather changes. The way down to Celledizzo follows a steep, technically demanding path (mind the hairpin bends), requiring fairly good mountain-biking abilities. The path leads to Malga Levi, situated at the limit of botanical range. Take the unpaved lane to Malga Borche and further down through a thick fir wood to Celledizzo.

2623

1222 1200 0 0.5 BAGNI RABBI

PASSO CERCENA

metres

2147 2200 1520

4.5

FONTANON

MALGA CERCENA ALTA

11.5

2015 1176 14 MALGA LEVI

CELLEDIZZO

Travel notes Détour to the Mezol Alpine Hut - Malé Right before the uphill slope, follow the flat track of the old road to Malga Clesera on the right, and after a few steep stretches you’ll get to a small grass area ( called Poza dele As). Turn right downhill along a steep, stony road amongst a thick fir wood, down to a hairpin bend. Take the little path on your left following the markings towards the Mezol Alpine hut. Go across the Rio, then climb up on the opposite side for some tens of metres (carrying your MTB on your shoulders), continue on the flat to the road coming up from the Mezol Hut. Follow the quick unpaved road down to Malè. Variant to Passo Groste’: Time: 2 hours - difference in height: 900 mt. approx. - distance: 6 km - grade: difficult Go on and turn left near the ski-lifts onto a road to Malga Vagliana – Passo Grostè. Initially paved, the road turns unpaved and climbs with very steep stretches up to the Graffer Alpine hut. Here the route goes further on a short , but really tough slope on a stony ground up to Passo Grostè, which offers a breath-taking view over the Brenta, Adamello-Presanella and Ortles-Cevedale ranges, as well as on the valleys underneath. Variant to the Malghette Lake Time: 1 hour - Difference in Height: 200 mt. approx. - Distance: 3 km. approx. - Grade: easy Cycling: total except for a brief stretch from Malga Vigo to the Malghette lake (15 minutes) On the opposite side of the road, take an unpaved road besides the Rio Falzè Residence and enter the fir wood. Cross the meadows on a flat ground up to the Malga di Vigo, situated slightly lower than the Malghette lake. Reach the lake on foot by the path No. 265. This extra effort will be rewarded by a spectacular view.

AZIENDA PER IL TURISMO

Valli di Sole, Pejo e Rabbi www.valdisole.net

Viale Marconi n. 7 - 38027 MALÈ (TN) Tel. 0463.901.280 - Fax 0463.901.563 - info@valdisole.net

Uffici informazioni ed Accoglienza Turistica I.A.T. - Tourist Office: 38027 MALÈ, P.zza R. Elena (TN), Tel. 0463.901.280 - Fax 0463.902.911, male@valdisole.net 38020 MEZZANA-MARILLEVA (TN), Tel. 0463.757.134 - Fax 0463.757.095, mezzana@valdisole.net 38025 FOLGARIDA (TN), Tel. 0463.986.113 - Fax 0463.986.594, folgarida@valdisole.net 38020 PEIO (TN), Tel. 0463.753.100 - Fax 0463.753.180, peio@valdisole.net 38020 PASSO TONALE (TN), Tel. 0364.903.838 - Fax 0364.903.895, tonale@valdisole.net 38024 COGOLO (TN), Tel. 0463.754.345 - Fax 0463.754.455, info@promoturpejo.it 38025 DIMARO (TN), Tel. 0463.974.529 - Fax 0463.970.500, info@dimarovacanze.it PLAN: A.P.T. Valli di Sole, Pejo e Rabbi - ROUTE STUDY AND DEVELOPMENT: Silvano Andreis (Cicli Andreis - Malè) GRAPHICS BY: Paolo Marinelli – TEXT BY: Silvano Andreis, Fortunato Turrini – TRANSLATION: Maura Porrati - All rights reserved PHOTOGRAPHY BY: S. Andreis, G. Bernardi, A. Dalpez, V. Mariotti, T. Mochen, M. Simonini, A.P.T. Val di Sole archives PRINTED BY: Esperia srl - First Edition 1999 - Updated reprint 2005

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