Bormio to Livigno: the Schiaccia Marmotte MTB tour

A two-day mini tour for a taste of adventure on the wonderful trails of Alta Rezia, in the Stelvio National Park area.

This ride combines nature and memorable views. Breakfast at Rifugio Alpisella sets you up for the climb to the Alpisella Pass. The descent towards the Cancano lakes changes from gravel road to singletrack through mountain pines, passing the springs of the River Adda. Follow the south-western shore and head back into Val Pettini for lunch at Malga Trela or Rifugio San Giacomo. Another climb and descent lead towards the Decauville trail, where Bormio comes into view. From Milan, the approach follows Lecco and Sondrio into the upper valley.

Find all the tracks and maps (in Italian). The individual stages are linked below. Contact me if you are looking for a guide.

Day 1: Bormio – Livigno

30 km · 1,400 m ascent

GPS track and map (in Italian).

Leave Bormio around 9–9:30 in the morning and climb towards the Fraele towers and the beautiful Cancano lakes. After a refreshing stop at Rifugio San Giacomo, enter Val Pettini. Have lunch and relax at Malga Trela, then climb the lovely trail to the Trela Pass.

An exciting singletrack descent follows, where we often encounter marmots running alongside us. The long descent leads into the little Val Tort. A short climb on the hillside brings you onto a final beautiful trail through larch and pine woods. Arriving at Lake Livigno, the remaining decision is whether to have a beer at Rifugio Alpisella or in the centre of Livigno.

Day 2: Livigno – Bormio

36 km · 1,200 m ascent

GPS track and map (in Italian).

Set off in the morning, with an extra breakfast at Rifugio Alpisella. Climb to the pass of the same name and enjoy the views. Descend towards the Cancano lakes, first on gravel and then on singletrack through mountain pines, visiting the springs of the River Adda.

Follow the south-western side of the lake and return to Val Pettini. Stop for lunch at Malga Trela or Rifugio San Giacomo before climbing again and descending towards the Decauville. Bormio is now in sight, and the return to the starting point is close.

Getting to Bormio

Bormio is in Alta Valtellina. The approach from Milan follows Lecco and Sondrio; the original trip took around two and a half to three hours by car.