Mountain bike
6:43 h
32.65 km
1895 m
1895 m
DifficultIt is the descent with the longest elevation drop in all of Valtellina (1852 m) and is a sought-after destination for all bikers. During the ascent, you pass through the Passo del Mortirolo, traveled annually by cyclists riding the legendary Giro d'Italia climb. Great views and bright landscapes can be admired from Monte Varadega, while larch woods, alpine pastures, huts, and meadows accompany bikers along paths and mule tracks to Grosio.
THE ASCENT
From Grosio Public Weighing Parking (by car or bike). Crossing the town of Grosio, take the road on the right that climbs 1204 m of elevation over 16.3 km to Passo del Mortirolo (2.303 hours). From Passo del Mortirolo, pedal for 30 minutes on asphalt to Alpe Varadega (sign step 1 - 1945 m). From here, a military road with uneven ground climbs steep sections and some hairpin turns up to 2345 m, where the surface becomes more rough and rocky (some push sections). Then you reach 2500 m (sign step 2), just below Cima Varadega (presence of military fortifications). The ascent is demanding and exhausting, a precursor to the long and difficult descent.
THE DESCENT
From Monte Varadega to Grosio 10.7 km 1852 m. The first section has tight hairpin turns and a rocky surface up to the junction for Rifugio Cros dell'Alp. Entering the woods, the path, though challenging, offers better flow even if the continuous presence of hairpins explains the name of the route. Upon reaching Baiton (sign step 3, 1450 m), you ride on a short dirt road section before turning right onto a mule track that descends to Grosio.
