Between Mountain and Lake – 2 Days

Technical data:

• Start location:  Varallo (450 m.)
• Total distance: 35 km.(1st day); 25 km. (2nd day)
• Ascent / Descent:
• 1st day - 900 m.(up) more than 1000 m. (down)
• 2nd day - 650m.(up) and 500 m.(down)
• Highest Altitude point:  Sacchi Alp (1332 m.)
• Surface of route:  Asphalted 40%, Graveled 50%, Path 10%
• Grade of difficulty:  Quite hard
• Standard Time: 1st day 5 -6 hours, 2nd day 6 -7 hours
• Cycling Tracks: 95%
• Cartography: Kompass 97 Omegna-Varallo-Lago d’Orta 1:50000

Overview:  This is a wonderful two day itinerary which takes you from the Valsesian mountains to the shores of Lake Orta.  You will cycle through one of the most panoramic Alps of the Valley, Alpe Sacchi.  This route passes through green mountain pastures, beech and fir woods and you will travel down the valley until you arrive at the blue water of Orta Lake.  Here you will take the ferry from one shore to another in order to reach the historical and charming little village of Orta S.Giulio. The day after you’ll climb up to Madonna del Sasso, famous for it views over the lake.  From here you will cycle through a beautiful beech-wood and through charming Alps where eventually you will reach Valsesia again.  In Varallo you cycle along the ancient mule track that connects Cavaglia with Roccapietra.

1st Day:  Starting from Varallo you will cycle to Sacchi Alp along the 12 km. steep asphalted road and country lane (not asphalted). This is a really spectacular alp, your efforts will be well rewarded as during the rest stop your will enjoy wonderful views over Orta Lake.  Visiting the farm “Alpe Sacchi” you will have the opportunity to taste the typical local products.  From here the road becomes graveled.   You will continue to another beautiful Alp, Alpe Ranghetto. Here it is possible to admire the tremendous views of Monte Rosa (4634 m.)  Now you will start to travel down to the Cusio slope going through other characteristic Alps until reaching Le Quarne and eventually the little Nonio Lakes.  From this quaint village you will arrive at Pella, on the lake shore and will take the ferry to Orta S.Giulio.  Depending on the time, you will be able to visit this traditional and historic village or take the opportunity to dive in the fresh lake water and relax on the lake shores.  You will have dinner and overnight accommodation at Orta S.Giulio.

2nd Day:  Starting from the little pier of Orta you will be ferried again to Pella.   Here you will climb up again to Madonna del Sasso from where you can enjoy the splendid view over the whole lake and the surrounding mountains.  From here we will follow the graveled road and the pathways going into the beautiful beech-woods that cover these hilly and mountain areas until you reach the Valsesiano side.  When you reach the Sella della Crosiggia(979 m) you will be able to climb to the top of Monte Briasco (1185 m.)  Here during your break for lunch you will be able to admire the lake for the last time.  From here the descent route is starting, the track will take you through the Alp of Bondale and Piaggia, until you reach Cavaglia following the ancient mule track that leads to the mysterious and legendary S.Agostino Lake, from here you will return back to Varallo.     

Note:

• Each person will need to bring with them food for you lunch meals for 2 days (It is possible to buy pack lunches  Orta village).
• Luggage will be delivered from the starting place to the B&B and from here to the final destination.               

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, overnight toiletries, light weight change of clothes for evening.

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