MTB tour to the Passo del Madriccio

Indeed, one should have already a bit of stamina and training before this tour can be dared. But for sure you will not forget it in a hurry! It’s the beginning of September, the weather forecast promises a sunny day with moderate temperatures. Our starting point is Spondigna (890 m a.s.l.), where the Passo dello Stelvio Road branches from the road to the Passo Resia and drive along the cycle route through the Arena di Prato wetland towards the village of Prato. The first rough ascent follows. Until the village of Ponte Stelvio we follow the road, then a forest path (marker: Sulden/Solda) forks on the left up the slope: with this cutoff we save the first bends of the road to Solda and Gomagoi. We continue along the asphalt road to Solda di Fuori and through the village of Solda until the valley station of the cable car (1,920 m a.s.l.).

After about 1,250 m a.s.l. it's a real pleasure to use the cable car up to the Città di Milano Mountain Hut. Like this we save approx. 700 m in height. But here the most demanding part of our tour starts. We take the gravelled road, which runs parallel to the chair lift up to the Madriccio Hut (2,820 m a.s.l.). After a real deserved lunch break we attack the last section of our ascent. Partly pedaling, partly walking (like through the snow fields) we reach the ridge at 3,125 m a.s.l. An unbelievable view on the Ortles Alps is the reward for our efforts. Now we are really curious, how the descent down into the Val Martello valley will be... The first section is nearly impassable, too steep, the stones are slippery and edged - so that means, we have to carry our bikes downhill.

But soon the surface becomes better and we can enjoy a brisk ride! However we have to pay attention constantly, because again and again there are short sections, where we must drive slowly. Alltogether it is a great feeling with gorgeous views! Shortly before the Nino Corsi Hut, the trail turns left towards the Genziana Hut. Now we have asphalt under the wheels and start our ride downhill through the Val Martello to Morter near Laces where we take the cycle path back to our starting point. This gorgeous mountain bike tour offers woods, glaciers, rocky deserts, high alpine heath, varied paths and sceneries in the Stelvio National Park, and for sure will stay in our memory for a long time. By bicycle at an altitude of more than 3,000 m a.s.l., not a daily experience.

Author: AT