• 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: MTB - Il sentiero Rusca - ciclopedonale

On the same topic

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
Camonica Valley - Tonale
  • Active & Green

Livignese Park

Park of considerable environmental interest, for the naturalness of the typically alpine landscape and for the richness of the fauna patrimony.
Livignese park
  • Active & Green

The Wayfarer's Path in Varenna

From Varenna walk along the The Wayfarer's Path and discover this ancient route connecting Lake Como and Valtellina
  • Active & Green

The High Route of Valmalenco – 3rd stage

Alpe Ventina (1960 m) - Forbicina (1656 m) - Val Sissone - Rif. Del Grande (2600 m) - Chiareggio (1612 m)
Salita in Val Sissone
  • Active & Green

Places suspended between land and water

Between the trails and panoramic views of the Lombardy countryside, nature meets expanses of water, for a truly unique experience.
Luoghi sospesi tra terra e acqua
  • Active & Green

Routes for Walkers of All Levels

Besides many shelters of Valmalenco, easily attainable from families and who approaches to the world of hiking for the first time, we signal some simple itineraries suitable for all. 
  • Active & Green

Castelveccana

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

Cycling from Tresenda to Prato Valentino

  • Active & Green

It's harvest time in Lombardy 

In the vineyards and cellars of Lombardy, you can take part in the ancient rituals of grape harvesting and pressing and get to know the land where some of the region's best wines are produced
È tempo di vendemmia in Lombardia 
  • Active & Green

Where to Go Paragliding in Lombardy

A race and a jump in the void. Adrenaline and wonder. Discover where to paraglide in Lombardy
Parapendio in Lombardia
  • 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

Bergamo three small natural jewels: Val Vertova, Val Sedornia and Val Sanguigno

Off the beaten tourist track, but close to the Valle Seriana, there are three small valleys, just waiting to be discovered, either on foot or mountain bike
Bergamo tre piccoli gioielli naturali: Val Vertova, Val Sedornia e Val Sanguigno
  • Active & Green

6 slopes for the last skiing of the season

Bormio, Colere, Adamello Ski, Livigno, Madesimo and Santa Caterina Valfurva, ideal destinations for a ski-in, ski-out Easter
6 slopes for the last skiing of the season
  • Active & Green

Varese Motorland

A land to explore on 2 wheels...
  • Active & Green

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.
(Ph: I Mille)
  • Active & Green

Valtellina Nascosta: third installment

Continuing our journey to discover the Hidden Valtellina, we present five more must-see destinations.
  • 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

A holiday in the heart of the Alps: Valmalenco

Holidays in nature and culture, hiking in the high mountains, right up to the glaciers where the deep silence lets you listen to the voice of the mountains
Una vacanza nel cuore delle Alpi: la Valmalenco
  • Active & Green

Foppe di trezzo

Trip outside the town of Trezzo d'Adda to discover a small but very suggestive WWF oasis.
Foppe di Trezzo
  • 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