• 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

from Sondrio e Valmalenco

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

la Valmalenco
La mulattiera del Valdone
Torre Santa Maria
Verso Chiesa, lungo il fiume Mallero
Verso Chiesa, su tratto artificiale
Cagnoletti
Take me here: MTB - Il sentiero Rusca - ciclopedonale

On the same topic

Show all

Between lake and mountains the 10 most beautiful trees in the Province of Como

From the neoclassical villas to the wildest forests, the landscapes of the Lake Como region and the trees they contain enchant with their variety.
  • Active & Green

Four curious places that enchant in Lombardy

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

Pump Track

The Pump Track is a track consisting of small jumps, bumps and parabolic curves, designed to be ridden without ever pedaling!
  • Active & Green

Sports in Monza

Outdoor activities in the heart of Brianza
Sport a Monza
  • Active & Green

Hiking with kids in Lombardy - Trails for tourists and athletes

Hiking is an excellent way to enjoy exercise, and Lombardy has some amazing trails for kids and adults to explore in winter. Find out more.
  • Active & Green

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
La raccolta delle castagne - Parco Regionale del Campo dei Fiori (VA)
  • Active & Green

Gema promenade - source of the Frascesca

Easy route and especially suitable for families with children
Source Frascesca
  • Active & Green

Discover the province of Varese

5 must-see places to visit in Varese
A dirt path crosses a rural landscape at sunset, surrounded by golden fields and green vegetation. To the right, there is a small stone chapel with a cross on its facade, while to the left, large trees can be seen under a cloudy sky illuminated by the warm colors of the sunset. The atmosphere is peaceful and serene, with the contrast between the golden light and the lengthening evening shadows.
  • Active & Green

The Park Colonie Padane is open!

Come and discover the park!
  • Active & Green

12 blooms to see in Lombardy

With the arrival of spring, Lombardy is tinged with beautiful blooms. All to discover the most beautiful ones!
Blooms in Lombardy
  • Active & Green

Gera d'Adda: legends flowing between Adda and Milan

Between the Adda and Martesana rivers, places tell the story of Lombardy's history and industriousness
Gera d'Adda: legends flowing between Adda and Milan
  • Active & Green

Caspoggio Wild Park

Adventure Park
  • Active & Green

On the wings of winter

In winter at the Parco del Mincio to spot flocks of migratory birds.
The Vallazza Natural Reserve
  • Active & Green

Gardens Monza

Relax and nature among the rose gardens in Villa Reale of Monza and in the parks of the province.
Mete verdi lombardia
  • Active & Green

Foliage in Lombardy

From Via Francigena to the Cadorna Line. Discover where to see the autumn colours in Lombardy
Via Francigena Corte Sant'Andrea Lodi
  • Active & Green

Learn from nature in the lowlands of the Po Valley

Take a lesson, and much more, from the educational farms on the Lombardy Plains, learning about the environmental and cultural wealth of our countryside.
Natura maestra nella Bassa del Po
  • Active & Green

Thematic trail - The districts of Chiesa in Valmalenco

In addition to natural beauty, signs of art and culture contribute greatly to the identity of the Valmalenco area.
Photos by Felice Battaglia
  • Active & Green

Sustainable tourism in lombardy

There is a way of sustainable travel capable of establishing a deep connection with the places that are visited.
Sustainable tourism in Lombardy
  • Active & Green

Bruschera Oasis

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

Trekking with Alpacas

Alpacas la Foppa: the first alpaca farm in Valmalenco.
  • Active & Green