• 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

The Salt Route

From Varzi to the sea
  • Active & Green
Via del Sale

Sempione park

  • Active & Green
Sempione Park

Gardens Como

Lake Como is famous for its villas with fantastic gardens: let's discover them together!
  • Active & Green
Gardens Como, discovering Lombardy

Skiing in Teglio

Sport and fun for all the family, in a ski heaven with a gorgeous view on the Alps.
  • Active & Green
Skiing in Teglio

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

Cliff climbing in Sondrio and Valmalenco

Climbing aficionados will find many great spots in our area.
  • Active & Green
Arrampicare in Valmlenco

Adrenaline 9 thrilling experiences in Lombardy

Rafting, Kitesurf, scalate sul ghiaccio... Esperienze ad alto tasso di adrenalina. Guida a 9 sport estremi in Lombardia
  • Active & Green
Adrenaline 9 thrilling experiences in Lombardy

Parco dello Stelvio, Bormio and Valdidentro

Walks and strenuous hikes in the heart of the Stelvio National Park surrounded by unspoilt nature and in close contact with mountain fauna
  • Active & Green
Il parco dello Stelvio, Bormio e la Valdidentro

Artist’s giant benches

The hunt is on. Discover six of the brightly coloured, supersized Big Benches by Chris Bangle that are adding to the scenery in Lombardy.
  • Active & Green
Ph: I Mille

Fontanili park

Parco dei Fontanili: the ideal place to live in the green and spend your free time.
  • Active & Green
Fontanili Park

Ten Snowshoeing Treks in Lombardy

Choose a route through the woods or try out a panoramic trail on your snowshoeing trek!
  • Active & Green
Ten Snowshoeing Treks in Lombardy

Sesto Calende

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

Lombardy on the road..

Lombardy: wonderful views to see on the road.
  • Active & Green
Lombardy on the road

Boat trips on Lombardy's rivers

The waterways of Lombardy are perfect to discover the unspoilt green heart of the region
  • Active & Green
Boat trips on Lombardy's rivers - Navigli Milano

A green escape in Milan

  • Active & Green
A green escape in Milan

Cremona: an amazing town!

Cruises on the river, an extraordinary way to discover Cremona
  • Active & Green
La Motonave Mattei

Gardens Milan

Spring is the best time of year to enjoy a green Milan with unexpected views
  • Active & Green
Gardens Milan, guide for visiting

Rock climbing walls

The Campo dei Fiori crag is an open-air gym for all lovers of sports and alpine climbing.
  • Active & Green
Rock climbing walls

Trekking with Alpacas

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

The green heart of Milan

Culture and nature: in the heart of Milan, our itinerary explores the city's most beautiful gardens and green areas
  • Active & Green
The green heart of Milan