• 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

Ferrata del Torrione Porro

It is a moderate difficulty ferrata that develops in Valmalenco.
  • Active & Green
Ferrata del Torrione Porro

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)

Ski Touring in Valmalenco

Valmalenco is a synonym to ski touring. Every spot of the valley is suitable for nice ascents.
  • Active & Green
Cresta delle Belleviste - Valmalenco

Le bine

You want to see the Lataste frog, one of the rarest amphibians in Europe, then come to the Le Bine nature reserve.
  • Active & Green
Le Bine

Valmalenco sports centers

Valmalenco offers all nature lovers and sports enthusiasts various facilities-sports centers, each with its own special features.
  • Active & Green
Valmalenco sports centers

Sports in Monza

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

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
  • Active & Green
È tempo di vendemmia in Lombardia 

A green week in Valtellina

Escape to the mountains just a two-hour drive from Milan for a rural retreat with trekking, typical pizzoccheri pasta and towns that are absolute hidden gems
  • Active & Green
A green week in Valtellina

Galbusera bianca

Rediscover the taste of life slowly immersed in unspoiled nature, visit the Oasis of Galbusera Bianca.
  • Active & Green
Galbusera Bianca

Oasis of San Giuliano Milanese

Urban oasis of San Giuliano Milanese: the demonstration of the green that wins in the middle of the cement.
  • Active & Green
Oasis of San Giuliano Milanese

Fontanili park

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

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

  • Active & Green
Lombardia da brivido - Faccia del Diavolo

Parco delle Orobie della Valtellina

A nature park just waiting to be discovered on long hikes or on the saddle of a mountain bike
  • Active & Green
Il parco delle Orobie

Walks for everyone

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
Walks for everyone

Valle Intelvi: 4 excursions in the land between two lakes

The Val d’Intelvi offers visitors some unmissable walking routes that are suitable for everyone to explore on foot or by bike
  • Active & Green
Valle Intelvi

Shades of fall - excursions to discover the foliage

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

Lake Iseo

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

From the metropolis to the province: Milan's top 10 monumental trees

In an area as rich in history as the Metropolitan City of Milan, there is no shortage of valuable green monuments.
  • Active & Green
From the metropolis to the province: Milan's top 10 monumental trees

Gardens Pavia

Not just the city: a walk through botanic gardens and oasis for a green break
  • Active & Green
Gardens Pavia, discovering Lombardy

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.
  • Active & Green
Natura maestra nella Bassa del Po