Monte delle Scale by MTB: an exposed Alpine climb
- Mtb life
- June 3, 2020
Monte delle Scale in Alta Valtellina offers a steep, spectacular and inhospitable mountain bike outing on a path marked for experienced hikers.
A trail for those who enjoy exposure
The summit has a sweeping view of Bormio, the Stelvio Pass and the Cancano lakes, but its southern face does not give in easily. The steep path winds between pinnacles, sections fitted with cables and rocky gullies that shed stones and debris. On our visit it still bore the marks of winter. Carrying the bike, sometimes out over the drop, made it feel heavier with every step.
Warning
This route is not suitable for everyone.
Reaching the Cancano lakes
The Cancano lakes are the starting point for numerous MTB routes of different levels. From Bormio, follow the road towards Livigno, then the signs for the Fraele towers and Cancano lakes. A spectacular climbing road reaches the San Giacomo valley and its lakes.
Arriving at the summit
At the top, reassuring meadows reward the effort. The enduro descent has another small technical challenge before mountain pines begin to frame the trail and the riding becomes playful. On this outing I also added a trail I had not ridden before: from Alpe Trela towards Lago Nero, then into the beautiful Val Vezzola on an excellent little path.
