• Active & Green
    • Cycle Tourism
    • Sport

Cycling from Aprica to Val Belviso

Highest point 2320 m
Total elevation gain 1550 m
Total elevation loss 1550 m
Total climb 18 km
Total descent 16,5 km
Total distance 25,4 km
Duration 6-8 h
Cycling rate (%) 80%

This route extends wholly through a valley belonging to the Orobic Alps.  Val  belviso  is  the  last  eastern  valley,  it  is  long,  deep  and  nar-row, but along the path going south from Alpe Magnolta to Passo di Venerocolo it seems bright and wide. The outline of Monte Torena  –  the  last  high  peak  of  Orobic  Alps  –  dominates  the  other  side  westwards reflecting its shape into the waters of the huge artificial lake on the valley bottom. Once you get to the pass dividing us from the  Province  of  bergamo,  you  will  find  some  alpine  lakes  wedged  among  the  rocks  and  the  grassy  small  hills.  The  descent  runs  on  a  trail at first and then turns into a dirt road through the whole valley, both alongside the lake and under the dam. In San Paolo the Rifugio Cristina is a nice place to grab calories and shelter. You can  start  from  the  car  park  nearby  Magnolta  ski  runs  and  take  the dirt road climbing up to the left of the cableway. The sign indicates  Malga  Magnolta  and  Passo  Venerocolo.  You  can  easily  cycle on the first half of the uphill dirt road, which then gets much steeper  from  the  mountain  huts  in  Corna  Alta  (1457  m)  to  the  finish  of  the  cableway  (1870  m),  so  that  you  may  need  to  carry  your  MTb.  This  is  a  challenging  ascent  but  in  summertime  you  can  use  the lift up to Magnolta. Halfway up the second ski lift, at 1940 meters, the track becomes a flat trail, which goes into the wood, turns south and enters Val belviso. you have to ride for about 13 km on a flat path going sometimes gently uphill, going past Malga Magnola (1997 m) and crossing the Valle del latte and the Valle di Pisa.  You have  to  pay  attention  to  some  exposed  stretches.  The  first  part  of  the  descent  from  Passo  di  Venerocolo  (2314  m)  to  the  dirt  road  at  2000 meters above Malga di Campo (1816 m) is steep and not very flowing. The downhill ride alongside the artificial lake and through the  remaining  part  of  Val  belviso  does  not  hinder  your  fun.  The  route ends with the ascent on a paved road from Ponte Ganda (906 m) to the resort town of Aprica.


Other links

In bicicletta da Col d'Anzana alla Val Fontana

On the same topic

Doing sports in Varese

From rowing on the lake to gliding. From cycling to trekking. From golf to horse riding. Tips for playing sports in Varese
  • Active & Green
Doing sports in Varese

Gardens in Lombardy

The botanical gardens of Lombardy are real jewels to visit, so come on, what are you waiting for?
  • Active & Green
Gardens in Lombardy, discover what to see

Val Masino, the untamed heart of the Rhaetic mountains

Outdoor activities and chilling in Europe's little Yosemite. Mountains and valleys where nature rules supreme and the man who enjoys it respects its beauty
  • Active & Green
Val Masino, cuore selvaggio delle Retiche

Shades of fall - excursions to discover the foliage

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

Secret nature in Bergamo and Brescia

Hidden parks and botanical gardens, amidst old palaces and monasteries, to rediscover the bond between nature, history and art.
  • Active & Green
(Ph: I Mille)

Fly Fishing in Lombardy

  • Active & Green
Fly Fishing in Lombardy

Gardens Sondrio

In the green heart of Lombardy, in parks and gardens a path among thousands of species of plants
  • Active & Green
Gardens Sondrio, the alluring face of Lombardy

The ReGiS: Network of Historic Gardens.

A Network for the enhancement and proper management of historic gardens and parks open to the public in Lombardy
  • Active & Green
The ReGiS: Network of Historic Gardens.

Virtual trip to Lecco: nature and art

An online tour, through green landscapes and culture
  • Active & Green
Sentiero del Viandante

Where to keep cool in Lombardy

If you are looking to cool down a little in the summer heat, here are a few suggestions.
  • Active & Green
Where to keep cool in Lombardy

The 10 Most Beautiful Trees in Varese, The Garden Province

Between scenic historic gardens, large forests and lakeside villages, the province of Varese is a treasure trove of arboreal jewels.
  • Active & Green
The 10 Most Beautiful Trees in Varese, The Garden Province

Action sports in Lombardy

From Lake Garda to Val Brembana, 5 action sports destinations offering a hefty dose of adrenaline
  • Active & Green
Action sports in Lombardy

Brabbia Marsh

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

Famous uphill cycling routes: Valfurva

The spectacle of the glaciers on the Confinale circular trail and great uphill cycle trails make this mountain popular with hikers and keen cyclists
  • Active & Green
Le salite dei campioni: la Valfurva

Ciclovia del Po

It stretches from the confluence of the Ticino and Po rivers to Parpanese harbour in Arena Po. The track is suitable for both walkers and cyclists with sections through Oltrepò river bank towns and others along the Po itself.
  • Active & Green
Fiume Po

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

Five panoramic viewing points in Brianza

  • Active & Green
Five panoramic viewing points in Brianza

The unforgettable experience of a mountain hut holiday

Mountain huts in Lombardy: discovering the secrets of the mountains
  • Active & Green
L’indimenticabile esperienza di una vacanza in rifugio

Spring in Valcamonica

4 ideas to enjoy the most sparkling season of the year in Val Camonica.
  • Active & Green
Signs of Spring at a Unesco Site

Castelveccana

Breathtaking views and green woods characterize Castelveccana, a charming village situated on the shores of Lake Maggiore.
  • Active & Green
Castelveccana and its districts, among cycle tourism, history and culture