MTB ROUTE: Ornavasso-Alpe Cortevecchio

SEASON From April to October

The route starts in Ornavasso. The route runs alongside the left bank of the Rio San Carlo (river) looking downstream and climbs toward the Santuario della Madonna del Boden (Sanctuary of Our Lady of Boden. Boden = plain, in the Walser language of Ornavasso). Located in a position overlooking the town, the sanctuary is still today a busy Marian destination (the apparition of the Madonna which took place on 7 September 1528 is venerated). Just before the sanctuary, take the agro silvo pastoral road (special rural road closed to traffic) which in the upper section retraces the old military access road to the trenches high up on Monte Mason and Cima Tre Croci. The first stretch of the road climbs in a splendid beech wood with slopes not particularly challenging but when you reach the village of Ca'd'Arola the climb is really hard with ramps that compel most cyclists to continue on foot. At Scirombei it is worth taking a detour (about 500 m) up to the panoramic viewpoint of the Capanna Legnano (Legnano Hut) where there is a telescope for observation of the surrounding landscape. The last few kilometres now await you. Only the last part is challenging and it takes you through the tablelands of Pogalti and Corte Mezzo to the final destination of our excursion: Alpe Corte Vecchio with the Rifugio Brusa Perona (refuge) owned by the CAI (Italian Alpine Club) of Gravellona Toce.

Before reaching Cortevecchio it is worth taking a detour (additional 1.3 km on tarmac road) to climb to Rossombolmo. From here with a panoramic tour on foot you can reach Cima Tre Croci (45 min.) or by following the ridge for 10 minutes you come to the Cappella del Buon Pastore (Chapel of the Good Shepherd) where you can enjoy an incredible view over the lakes and the Swiss mountains.

AUTHOR Alessandro Pirocchi