Sasso Bianco to Sondrio: an enduro ride via Torre Santa Maria

We used the Orobici Valtellinesi ASD shuttle to reach Piastorba. The original ride notes also describe reaching the summit from Postalesio or Sondrio on an e-MTB. From Sasso Bianco, follow the GPS track along enduro trails to Torre Santa Maria, then the Rusca cycle route towards the Cassandre footbridge. The lovely Gombaro path leads to its namesake bridge in Sondrio.

Piastorba to Sondrio: 32.46 km, moving time 3:32:27 and 993 m of ascent, as recorded for this outing. GPS route (route page in Italian).

The original notes classify the terrain as S2–S3: Alpine trail-riding skills are required.

A short route description

From Piastorba, the climb follows the Valtellina side on concrete ramps, often steep. Colma di Colina offers an excellent panorama. The road alternates level sections and climbs on the way to Lake Colina.

From the lake, a newly restored path led towards the ridge when we visited. Its gradients usually allowed pedalling, although never without effort. The ridge opened a wonderful view towards the head of Valmalenco and Monte Disgrazia.

Sasso Bianco was on our right. We reached it by pushing or carrying the bike; the original notes describe an e-bike alternative around the steepest part.

The descent has two distinct parts. The first is open Alpine terrain. On our ride there were no especially difficult moves in that section, but loose stones were common. The second enters woodland and becomes a classic Valtellina trail of leaves, roots, embedded rocks and tight switchbacks. Riders comfortable with nose turns will find plenty to practise.

After Torre Santa Maria, continue towards Sondrio via the Cassandre footbridge and the old part of Mossini. The Gombaro path makes a lovely final approach to Sondrio, where Piazza Garibaldi is a good place to finish with a beer.

Valmalenco MTB guide · Valmalenco GPS routes.