The route from Chiesa to Chiareggio and the subsequent stretch to Passo del Muretto follow the Sentiero Rusca from Sondrio for almost their entire length. Average gradient and difference in altitude are feasible, apart from the last bit after Chiareggio. To avoid pedalling on the busy road, at Valrosera (just after the quarries), take the wide rough track on the left that takes you down to the Mallero riverbed and then up the valley to the plain after San Giuseppe. The route then continues along the valley bottom close to the river to Chiareggio. The following climb on the Muretto road, in part paved, is very steep (over 15%) and will require medium pedal assist, but it takes you to the splendid Alpe dell’Oro balcony with views over the surrounding valleys and Monte Disgrazia.

(Texts and technical data by Federico Pollini)

• Departure/return place: Chiesa in Valmalenco, 950 m
• Arrival place/maximum quota: Alpe dell'Oro, 2010 m
• Ascending sections total length: 15,2 km
• Descending sections total length: 15,2 km
• Plain sections total length:  0 km
• Average ascent grade: 7 %
• Maximum ascent grade: 16 %