• 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

Lago d'Iseo - Best trails

Discover Lake Iseo's best trails with the new trekking guide!
  • Active & Green
Lago d'Iseo - Best trails

Sesto Calende

Sesto Calende: between history and nature.
  • Active & Green
Sesto Calende: gateway at Lake Maggiore, along Ticino river

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

Bruschera Oasis

On the shore of Lake Maggiore, it is a small paradise, a place of passage and nesting of various species of birds.
  • Active & Green
Visit the Bruschera Oasis and the cane thickets on Lake Maggiore

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

  • Active & Green
Lombardia da brivido - Faccia del Diavolo

The High Route of Valmalenco – 8th stage

Rif. Cristina (2227 m) - A. Acquanera (2116 m) - Piazzo Cavalli (1710 m) - Caspoggio (1098 m) - Torre di Santa Maria (772 m)
  • Active & Green
Alpe cavaglia

Hiking with the Family

  • Active & Green
Trekking @inlombardia adobestock

Dicovering Monte Lesima

Trekking in the province of Pavia
  • Active & Green
Dicovering Monte Lesima

Fly Fishing in Lombardy

  • Active & Green
Fly Fishing in Lombardy

Train & Bike Valtellina

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

Monumental trees in Lombardy: 12 incredible specimens

Among the scenic and cultural riches of Lombardy, one can discover outstanding green monuments.
  • Active & Green
Monumental trees in Lombardy: 12 incredible specimens

Nature in Lombardy: five landscapes to die for

  • Active & Green
Bellagio (CO) - Villa Melzi d’Eril

Gardens Bergamo

An unforgettable journey through the wonders of the Bergamo landscape
  • Active & Green
Gardens Bergamo, the green side of Lombardy

The High Route of Valmalenco – 4th stage

Chiareggio (1612 m) - Rif. Longoni (2450 m) - A. Sasso nero (2304 m) - Rif. Lago Palù (1947 m)
  • Active & Green
Vista sul Lago Palù

In between the lake and the sky

Episode 2
  • Active & Green
In between the lake and the sky

Lake Iseo

Visit Lake Iseo between art and nature.
  • Active & Green
Lake Iseo

Four curious places that enchant in Lombardy

Surprise yourself with authentic and singular places surrounded by fabulous views
  • Active & Green
Adobe stock Gaudi Grosio

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

Legnone, Pizzo Tre Signori and Valvarrone

Narrow, wild and dominated by the peak of Legnone, Valvarrone seems tailor-made for those who like their mountains harsh
  • Active & Green
Legnone, Pizzo Tre Signori e Valvarrone

Sports for all tastes in Valle Camonica

There is a summer Camonica Valley and a winter Camonica Valley. A white valley dedicated to winter sports, but also green with meadows and forests
  • Active & Green
Camonica Valley - Tonale