Col d'Anzana

The tour starts close to the sports field of Campascio. From here a narrow asphalted road leads to the village of Cavaione which is located 800 metres higher. Here it ends and flows into a well developed gravel path that leads to the refuge Rifugio Anzana.

There the not very steep trail starts to go up and leads over Alpine pastures right to Col d'Anzana. The flat mountain pass offers a fantastic panorama and builds at the same time the borderline Switzerland-Italy. Except the shepherds you won't meet anybody up there. For hikers it is simply too far away and for mountaineers not enough demanding. So, it is the ideal area for mountain-biking.

The descent starts with a great panorama-trail that goes along the mountain ridge towards east. The panorama goes from the Ortler group to the Bergamasc Alps and down to the bottom of the valley of Valtellina. Some larch trees that grow up to over 2000 metres above sea level line the trail that continues slowly on an old military road. Endless serpentines with drystone walls lead downhill, and the constructors of these paths would probably not have imagined that they would someday be so much fun for other people. From the place of Lughina you can use the new, well developed gravel road or follow the old path with the large cobblestones. The latter is a real pleasure for the ones who love driving techniques. On the last 200-300 metres in height there is a rich selection of trails and paths that lead through orchards and vines down to Tirano.

In Tirano it is recommended to visit the Basilica della Madonna (pilgrimage church) and the old town with the historic Palazzi. The way back to Campascio is mainly done on natural roads and side roads, whereas about 200 metres in altitude have to be climbed. Passing by the little church Santa Perpetua dating from the 12th century is quite remarkable, it was constructed on a natural kind of a balcony with view to Tirano. For the ones who prefer enjoying one of the excellent vines from Valtellina that are available here or who do not want to cycle the last ascent, there is the possibility to take the Rhaetian Railway back to Valposchiavo.