Between Mountain and Lake – 1 Day

Technical data:

• Start location:  Varallo (450m.)
• Total distance:  50km.
• Ascent / Descent: 1400m. (Up); 1400m. (down)
• Highest altitude point: Alp Sacchi 1332 m.
• Surface of route: Asphalted 50%, Graveled 40%, Path 10%
• Grade of difficulty: Hard
• Standard time: 6 -7 hours
• Cycling Tracks: 95%
• Map: Kompass 97 Omegna-Varallo-Lago D’Orta 1:50000

This trip is intended for those people who enjoy a longer and harder itinerary.  This trip takes a fascinating route between Valsesia and Orta Lake, passing through one of the most panoramic Alpine Pastures in the area of Valley Alpe Sacchi.  You will discover fantastic environments encircled by the fairy-tale atmosphere of beech and fir woods.

Meeting-place:  You will meet your guide in Varallo and starting out from Varallo you will reach Alpe Sacchi along the steep asphalted road and country lane (not asphalted).  Within 12 km this leads to a spectacular Alp.  Your effort will be well repaid by the splendid view you will have from your panoramic rest place across Orta Lake.  You will be able to closely observe traditional alpine life as you will visit the Alpe Sacchi farm where it will be possible to taste the handmade typical products.  Here the road becomes graveled.  You will carry on through another splendid alp, Alpe Ranghetto, with a wonderful view of Monte Rosa (4634m.)  Now you will descend over the Cusio slope across other characteristic Alps until reaching Le Quarne and eventually to the little Nonio Lakes.  Here, for those who wish, you may have a refreshing rest.   Then you will ascend again along the Valsesia side, along the road that leads to Colma Pass (942 m.) in order to reach Varallo again.

Clothes and equipment:  Mountain biking clothes (1 x short and 1 x long sleeved top), cycle helmet, light wind jacket, sun lotion and sunglasses, snacks and something for lunch, water bottle, camera.

Ideal time to go:  From April to October

Bookings & reservations:  Normally for these Zuba trips reservations and payments must be made at least one month before the start date of the trek.  (It may possible to add some people to your trip after the reservation).

What’s included:  Personal qualified local English speaking guide

What’s’ not included:

• Airport Transfer - you may wish to rent a car - Zuba Ski can arrange transfers
• Drinks & Pack lunches
• Accommodation you may wish to book with Zuba Ski for before and after the actual tour
• Personal Travel Insurance
• Mountain bike hire – Please advise Zuba Ski if you would like to rent a mountain bike, as this can be arranged for you at an extra cost

Notes:  The itinerary could change at the guide’s discretion.

Period:  From April to October