On the old First World War road amongst the Fortifications and the Adamello glacier.
A very interesting trail at high altitude cycling through the Austrian forts dating back to the the First World War. The route winds through the village of Ossana to Passo Tonale with wonderful views of the snow capped peaks of the Presanella.
The closest bike assistance: Lodo Sport, Vermiglio.
Please note that the practicability of the itineraries in a mountain environment is strictly linked to the contingent conditions and is therefore influenced by natural phenomena, environmental changes and weather conditions. For this reason, the information contained in this page may have changed. Before leaving for a tour, make sure the path you will approach is still accessible by contacting the info offices of the local tourist board.
From the vilage of Ossana taking an uphill climb along the old road to Passo Tonale and acrss the 'Cross Country' centre in Vermiglio follow the cross country ski path in the direction of Volpaia and then the dirt road which rises in the direction of Velon. After the bridge over the Vermigliana torrent go uphill to the left in the direction of Maso Cadin, alongside the ruins of the old military base from the 1914-1918 war. After having bypassed the huts, continue right on a small road until crossing the dirt road which rises to Forte Tonale. From here descend for 100 m and on the left you will arrive in a short time in the proximity of the baita di Velon, which after having bypassed, the road will rise gradually in the direction of Tonale; passing first of all the torrent and then a clearing you arrive in Malga Pecè. During the First World War this malga was the seat of the Austrian-Hungarian second in comand. The shrapnel can still be seen on the trees surrounding the malga. The road, beyond the malga is often crossed by streams, and goes uphill through dense woodland. After a few sharp bends the woods thin out allowing a wonderful view if the valley, and after a few steep tracts you will be near the state road SS42. Just before the road, turn left and ride uphill in the direction of the locality, Cantiere Presena and after 1 km on the right continue along the path (Sentiero della Pace) crossing some slopes and finally arriving in Passo Tonale.
A vist to the 'Ossaria' is recomended, built in 1924, it houses the remains of 831 soldiers who fought in this area; this is the border between Lombardia and Trentino and was at one time the border of Italy and Austria. Continue on the SS42 for a few hundred metres until reaching the ticket office of the Adamello ski lift located on the other side of the road. From here there is a small road (with some quite steep stretches) which you take in the direction of Malga Cadì - Ospizio San Bartolomeo (1.971 m - thought to have been built in 1127 and governed by a Prior, it gave food and shelter to passers by) crossing the brand new bike park, and once again in the direction of the Val di Sole, across the mountain pastures in the sight of the impressive snow-capped mountains of the Presanella. A gradual descent will bring you to the ruins of the ex-Fort Mero (1.841 m) surrounded by larch trees, which together with the ex Forts Tonale, Strino, Zaccarana and Pozzi Alti (constructed at the end of the 1800s and the beginning of the 1900s) was the line of defense of the Hapsburg Empire with the use of cannons, mortars and machine guns.
The road continues unevenly until reaching a junction where you can ascend to Forte Zaccarana (2.026 m - about 40 minutes ride) located in a dominant position on the eastern side of Mount Tonale. Coming down once again and continuing beyond the junction on a you will be in Valle di Strino, after a gradual descent you will cross a small road in the valley wich goes to Malga Strino. Carry on uphill for a short distance to the junction, go right towards Masi di Strino-Malga Mezzolo, after having crossed the Rio Strino and the mountain slopes. This is a very panoramic location from where you can see Adamello-Presanella. At the end of the forest road you can admire the sight of the Val di Sole, and subsequently taking a fairly difficult downhill road to Val Verniana. Cross the stream and turn right and flank the fields until arriving at the huts of the same name. From the last lodge retake the uphill forest road to Val Saviana and continue for about 600m across the stream and the fields. Continue left uphill and head for Malga Boai, followed by a descent which leads to a forest road in place of the path. Admire the beautiful view of the mountains opposite which run from Tonale and through the Val di Sole. Downhill and continuing on the forest road you arrive in the valley and cross the old centre of Cortina. Take the 'pendege' road and continue uphill and down hill until reaching Fucine di Ossana.
We recommend always carrying a repair kit: inner tube, pump, mastic, patches and an emergency repair kit.
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