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Panoramic
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Stelvio National Park
This itinerary retraces the steps of the herdsmen who led their herds up from the valley floor to the mountain pastures.
Paths wrapped in alpine atmospheres that even today, still preserve a mysterious charm linked to the ancient legends of witchcraft and the occult that occurred in these places.
It is said that at the sound of the Ave Maria, a stream of burning embers were seen rising from the locality Scala towards the hamlets of Mondadizza, Le Prese, Frontale, and Fumero: these were the witches who abandoned the Sabbath, and retreated at the first light of dawn.
Details
The Li Strìa trail, while presenting no technical difficulties, is still rather challenging due to its steep uphill sections. From Sondalo the route begins along a flat cycle path, before turning right onto an unpaved road (S496) near the quarry. Once you reach the Valle di Scala just past the village of Mondadizza, continue along the S487 road. The climb becomes increasingly arduous until you reach the Scala Piana pasture, where your efforts will be rewarded by magnificent views. From here continue downhill through the forest until you reach a small walkway belonging to a hydraulic dam. Proceed uphill (without crossing the stream) until you reach the Fontanaccia car park at the mouth of Val di Rezzalo. This stage offers no refreshment points along the route, remember to take suitable clothing, water and a snack.
Details
The Li Strìa trail is very technically difficult due to the steepness of its uphill sections, on often challenging terrain. From Sondalo the route begins along a flat cycle path, before turning right onto an unpaved road near the quarry. The uphill climb is made more difficult by the loose ground and a good deal of concentration is required. Once you reach the Scala Piana area, your efforts will be rewarded by magnificent views. The stage ends at the Fontanaccia car park at the mouth of Val di Rezzalo. This stage offers no refreshment points or charging stations along the route. Remember to take suitable clothing, a snack and a spare battery.
Easy variant: This trail is recommended for expert mountain bikers only, who are prepared to push their bike along some very steep sections. Those who would like to reach the start point of stage n. 7 at Fontanaccia without taking on these steep uphill sections can opt for an easier route: From the Palazzatto dello Sport in Sondalo take the Sentiero Valtellina cycle path to the village of Le Prese. From here head along the main road to Frontale, then continue along the paved road to Fumero, the last village before the Val di Rezzalo, until you reach the Fontanaccia car park.
From Fontanaccia it is also possible to go to Scala via a new forest trail, to enjoy spectacular views over Sondalo.
Click to see the map of the easy route on ValtellinaOutdoor
Charging station: Palazzetto dello Sport di Sondalo.
Photogallery
