Biking itinerary on lake garda: from Vesio to Tremalzo - Refuge Garda and Nota Pass

Starting out from Vesio di Temosine, follow the signs for Polzone. After less than 1 km, turn right on the unpaved road to Val S. Michele valley that skirts the meadows and cornfields. Once you pass a small dam (at 5.3 km), head for the Tremalzo Pass. Beyond the bridge, you'll go uphill and take a winding road. The steeper ascent will require changing gear speeds: don't overexert yourself right away because the road is difficult and steep.

After 13.37 km, you'll take the road to the right, which is the only stretch that gives you a chance to rest a bit as you head to the Pisù Falls. At Malga Ca dall'Era you'll leave the woods and head to the alpine meadows on a road with a 10% gradient (in 1.5 km, there is a 129 m difference in altitude!) that puts your physical condition to the test. Once you reach Cocca Pass, the most difficult stretch is behind you. In just 4.8 km, along an unpaved road with a gradient that does not surpass 6%, you'll reach Malga Ciapa. After 600 meters you'll encounter Garda Refuge, which is built below Mount Tremalzo.

You are still 1.8 km away from the highest point of the itinerary. When you enter the tunnel after 3 hours and 22.30 km from the departure, you need to change clothes. Once you exit the tunnel, you'll come across an incredible series of curves along a tough descent. The first part of the road is full of potholes and bumps. After 7.30 km downhill, you'll reach the beech trees on Nota Pass: the road to the left takes you to the nearby A.N.A. Vesio refuge, then heads to the Segala chalet (A.N.A. Limone refuge) and Lake Ledro, but you'll take the road on the right and follow the signs for Tremosine. The unpaved road, which turns into an asphalt road further ahead, takes you to the bottom of the Bondo Valley. After you cross the bridge on the left, the road levels out and takes you to Pertica, then Vesio.

INFO

• Zone: Mount Tremalzo
• Map: KOMPASS n. 096
• Departure: Parking lot in the center of Vesio
• Access: from Riva del Garda, take the S.S. n. 45 bis road for Limone sul Garda, junction for Tremosine-Vesio
• Length: 39.80 km
• Difference in altitude: 1,313 m
• Maximum altitude: 1,863 m
• Time: 6 - 7 hrs
• Bikeability: Total
• Difficulty: very difficult
• Beauty (1-5*): *****

Base: Malga Ciapa, Garda refuge, A.N.A. Vesio refuge on Nota Pass
Note: although this itinerary, which covers a considerable difference in altitude, requires physical preparation, it's worth the effort due to the beautiful scenery and the route. Due to the altitude, it is inaccessible in the winter and early spring.

Text: Claudio Kerschbaumer

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Useful Advice:

• Mountain hiking or trekking is an adventure and an experience that brings you in contact with the mountains and nature. Since some itineraries can be difficult for an amateur or untrained excursionist or mountain climber, caution is advised.

Clothing:

• Clothing must not be exaggerated and always suitable for the season, taking into account the type of excursion, altitude and weather, which can change quickly in the mountains. Bring in your backpack sunglasses, a hat, a change of clothing, waterproof jacket with hood (the change of clothing, be it heavy or light, should depend upon the season underway).

Equipment:

• Besides wearing the right shoes (mountain or trekking boots), bring a water bottle or another beverage, a first aid emergency kit, maps, and a Swiss Army knife.

Safety:

• Always notify someone of your excursion, and if you are not accompanied by family members or friends, speak with the staff at the reception desk in your residence or hotel, and let them know of your plans. Bringing a mobile phone with you during the excursion is very helpful and might come in handy.

These measures might seem extreme, but there are many potential dangers in the mountains, and you want to avoid them. In fact, it is better to be safe than sorry!

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