T.0.3. Gerola – Rifugio Alpe Stavello

The itinerary develops along the Valtellina side of Monte Rotondo, climbing from Gerola Alta towards Rifugio Alpe Stavello along a network of historic paths, stone-paved mule tracks and agro-silvo-pastoral roads that form the southern access to the Bocchetta di Stavello. This section represents the Valtellina segment of itinerary T.0.3 and is characterised by a harsh alpine environment of great scenic and historical value, with limited cycling suitability, predominantly of an hiking nature.

The route starts in the centre of Gerola Alta, initially following rural roads and pastoral tracks leading towards the higher alpine pastures. The ascent passes through the Castello area and continues in the direction of Laveggiolo, alternating compact dirt sections with older mule tracks, where gradients progressively increase and technical difficulty becomes more pronounced.

Beyond the Alpe Colombana area, the route takes on a distinctly more alpine and hiking-oriented character. The mule track narrows, the surface becomes increasingly uneven, and stone paving, steps and steep sections appear, significantly limiting rideability and requiring MTB and e-MTB users to push their bikes for extended stretches. The exposure of certain sections and the presence of tight switchbacks demand constant attention and solid experience in alpine terrain.

The climb reaches its conclusion at Rifugio Alpe Stavello (approx. 1,900 m), located in a panoramic position just below the Bocchetta di Stavello. This point represents the natural endpoint of the cycling itinerary from the Valtellina side, as well as an important logistical reference for high-mountain hiking. At the refuge it is possible to stop and, for e-MTB users, carry out an optional battery recharge.

Beyond Rifugio Alpe Stavello, the continuation towards the Bocchetta di Stavello and the ridge dividing the Valvarrone presents characteristics not compatible with continuous MTB use, due to high exposure, steep gradients and the predominantly hiking nature of the trails. This upper section should therefore be considered reserved for hikers, forming a historic and panoramic link with the Lecco side of the massif.

A new cycle network has been created in the Upper Lake Como area. There are 23 routes in two large areas along the lake's shores, for a total of 380 kilometers. Two routes are for beginners, 10 for intermediates, 8 for advanced cyclists, and 3 for experts. The difficulty scale and route tracking were verified by CAI experts, and an international evaluation standard was adopted in agreement with the Lombardy Region.

DOWNLOAD THE DIFFICULTY SCALE

Along the routes, there are many panoramic points where you can admire the stunning beauty of Lake Como. The app provides all the information you need to safely navigate the routes, including directions to equipped areas, places of art and culture to visit, and events scheduled in the towns along the chosen route. You can also watch videos of the best panoramic views.

THE CYCLE ROUTES OF THE WESTERN NORTH LAKE COMO - There are 8 new routes at mid-mountain and high altitude, for a total length of 134 kilometers. The routes connect to existing connections between mountain towns and lakeside towns, where there is already a cycle path. The routes start in Sorico and pass through Montemezzo, Vercana, Trezzone, Livo, Peglio, Dosso del Liro, Gravedona ed Uniti, Stazzona, Dongo, Garzeno, Pianello del Lario, Musso, and end in Cremia.

DOWNLOAD THE MAP

THE CYCLE ROUTES IN THE VALSASSINA - There are 15 routes that allow you to climb from the lake to the Valsassina and Valvarrone, taking advantage of the trails on Mount Legnoncino; the loop circuits in the North Valsassina; the connections with the Valsassina cycle path; and the routes of the Val d'Esino.

DOWNLOAD THE MAP

WHAT ARE INTERNAL AREAS AND THE "UPPER LAKE COMO AND VALLI DEL LARIO" STRATEGY? - The "North Lake Como and Valli del Lario" Area Strategy was launched in 2018 as part of the National Strategy for Internal Areas 2014/2020. It involved 31 municipalities in the Valsassina, Valvarrone, Val d'Esino, and Riviera (Lecco) communities and the Valli del Lario and Ceresio communities (Como). The National Strategy for Internal Areas (SNAI) is a strategic plan designed to enhance and develop internal areas, which are often characterized by challenges such as depopulation, lack of services, and fewer economic opportunities. The goal is to promote the sustainable development of these areas by investing in infrastructure, services, the local economy, and the preservation of cultural and natural resources. The "Upper Lake Como and Valli del Lario" Area Strategy, implemented in the period 2018/2023, has made it possible to implement 31 projects for a total of 20 million euros, of which 5,285,000 euros were used to promote interventions to recover and enhance the heritage and to strengthen the cycle and hiking routes between the lake and the valleys.

DEPARTURE/ARRIVAL

TYPE/PERIOD

Duration/Length

CHANGE IN ALTITUDE

DIFFICULTY

Cities crossed by the itinerary

Watch the itinerary video

Fotogallery

Point of Interest

Itinerary Data

Install app