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Stelvio National Park
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Expert riders only
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Single track
This stage, which overlooks Santa Caterina Valfurva, is particularly interesting from a naturalistic point of view.
From the Valley of Gavia to the Valley of Forni the trail traverses the mountain that is the symbol of Valfurva: the peak Tresero.
In the nineteenth century, the first forms of modern mountaineering were born, where foreigners using local guides, made the first daring ascents of our mountains and glaciers, leading to refuges and bivouacs being built above 3,000 meters, many still in use today.
ATTENTION: crossing the Alpe stream in the Ponte delle Vacche area is very difficult due to the high amount of water present and the absence of the bridge, which was torn down by heavy rain.
Details
From the Malga dell’Alpe take the new S519 path that runs above the SS300 road from the Gavia Pass until you reach the unpaved road that takes you across the main road. From here head downhill along a winding path through the forest that leads to the Ponte delle Vacche bridge. From there head up the S561 path towards the disused Alpe Tresero, and continue on to Dosso Tresero where you can stop for a packed lunch and admire the sweeping views over Valfurva. Take the S525 path that leads first to the Alpe Cerena pastures, then on to the Stella Alpina refuge, which offers food and lodging. From here the route continues along a paved road to the Forni refuge.
ATTENTION: crossing the Alpe stream in the Ponte delle Vacche area is very difficult due to the large amount of water present and the absence of the bridge, which was torn down by heavy rain.

Details
This technical stage starts by following the new S519 trail that runs above the SS300 road from the Gavia Pass in the direction of Plaghera. Cross the Ponte delle Vacche bridge and head up to Dosso Tresero where you can stop for a packed lunch and admire sweeping views over Valfurva. A very technical single track leads first to the Alpe Cerena pastures, then on to the Stella Alpina refuge, which offers food and lodging. From here the route continues along a paved road to the Forni refuge.
This is a long stage on high-mountain trails, recommended for expert riders only.
Easy variant: Those who would like to reach the start of stage n. 9 at Forni, avoiding the more technical sections of the route, can take the main road down to the Plaghera pasture, then path S508 down to Santa Caterina along the Sentiero delle Sorgenti (the spring trail) and continue along the paved road until reaching the Forni car park.
Charging stations: Malga dell’Alpe and Stella Alpina refuge.
ATTENTION: crossing the Alpe stream in the Ponte delle Vacche area is very difficult due to the high amount of water present and the absence of the bridge, which was torn down by heavy rain.
