Livigno by MTB: Alpisella, Gallo and Trela passes

A wonderful day on quiet trails, tyres crunching through mountain pine scrub and conifer woods. Some rides stay with you, making you want to return every year as though searching for something you left behind.

Alpisella and the springs of the Adda

Start in Livigno at 1,800 metres and head into Val Alpisella towards the pass. After around an hour of pedalling, the summit opens up views of the surrounding mountains. The descent begins on gravel, but after a couple of kilometres take the singletrack on the left.

It passes the springs of the River Adda, where we refilled our bottles. At Lake Cancano, turn left and follow the signs for Alpe del Gallo. Soon you reach the viewpoint over Lake Livigno shown in this trail video.

Alpe del Gallo and Val Mora

After traversing above the lake, climb to Alpe del Gallo, reach a hut and cross southwards with views over Val Mora.

An exciting descent reaches the valley floor. Turn right and follow the river downstream. A long trail returns to the Cancano lakes; follow the eastern shore south to the junction for Malga Trela. Climb the steep trail first to the farm and then to Passo Trela, the third pass. A beautiful descent leads below Trepalle, keeping to the right of the stream.

Returning to Livigno

Enter Val Tort, cross the wooden bridge and regain a little height through two switchbacks. A trail through larches and conifers then takes you back to Livigno.

GPS track for the three-pass loop (in Italian).