L6 - Anello Stazzona – Giovo – Jorio

This mountain bike loop takes you through the majestic mountain landscapes of the Upper Lake Como, up to Passo San Jorio, located on the border between Italy and Switzerland. The route passes three alpine refuges, Rifugio Mottafoiada, Rifugio Il Giovo and Rifugio San Jorio. The climb to Rifugio Giovo, a fundamental stop before tackling the final pass, follows the traditional route from the village of Garzeno. However, it is also possible to climb from Stazzona to create a loop that surrounds the majestic peaks of Monte Cortafon and Motto di Paraone, with a start and finish in the same municipality, which can be reached from the S.P. 5 from the municipality of Dongo on the lakeshore. The route winds its way mainly on asphalt roads and dirt roads, some of which have a compact surface and others with a more uneven surface. The climb to Passo San Jorio is a very exciting experience. You start from the square in front of the church in Stazzona, reachable by car from Dongo, you pedal uphill towards Cragno and subsequently, on dirt sections, you reach the panoramic Bocchetta di Sant'Anna and the suggestive locality of Monte Sassello to then reach Rifugio Il Giovo, located at an altitude of about 1,710 meters. The stretch becomes even more challenging up to Rifugio Sant'Jorio, located at an altitude of about 1,980 meters. During the descent back to Stazzona, you need to pay attention to the steepest sections along the historic military mule track; from Rifugio Il Giovo to descend, there are alternating more uneven terrain and more flowing sections on paved road. Along the route it is possible to refill water even if the fountains are only located in the first part of the itinerary. The climb in an e-bike is recommended, without the assistance of the engine this route

A new cycle network has been created in the Upper Lake Como area. There are 23 routes in two large areas along the lake's shores, for a total of 380 kilometers. Two routes are for beginners, 10 for intermediates, 8 for advanced cyclists, and 3 for experts. The difficulty scale and route tracking were verified by CAI experts, and an international evaluation standard was adopted in agreement with the Lombardy Region.

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Along the routes, there are many panoramic points where you can admire the stunning beauty of Lake Como. The app provides all the information you need to safely navigate the routes, including directions to equipped areas, places of art and culture to visit, and events scheduled in the towns along the chosen route. You can also watch videos of the best panoramic views.

THE CYCLE ROUTES OF THE WESTERN NORTH LAKE COMO - There are 8 new routes at mid-mountain and high altitude, for a total length of 134 kilometers. The routes connect to existing connections between mountain towns and lakeside towns, where there is already a cycle path. The routes start in Sorico and pass through Montemezzo, Vercana, Trezzone, Livo, Peglio, Dosso del Liro, Gravedona ed Uniti, Stazzona, Dongo, Garzeno, Pianello del Lario, Musso, and end in Cremia.

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THE CYCLE ROUTES IN THE VALSASSINA - There are 15 routes that allow you to climb from the lake to the Valsassina and Valvarrone, taking advantage of the trails on Mount Legnoncino; the loop circuits in the North Valsassina; the connections with the Valsassina cycle path; and the routes of the Val d'Esino.

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WHAT ARE INTERNAL AREAS AND THE "UPPER LAKE COMO AND VALLI DEL LARIO" STRATEGY? - The "North Lake Como and Valli del Lario" Area Strategy was launched in 2018 as part of the National Strategy for Internal Areas 2014/2020. It involved 31 municipalities in the Valsassina, Valvarrone, Val d'Esino, and Riviera (Lecco) communities and the Valli del Lario and Ceresio communities (Como). The National Strategy for Internal Areas (SNAI) is a strategic plan designed to enhance and develop internal areas, which are often characterized by challenges such as depopulation, lack of services, and fewer economic opportunities. The goal is to promote the sustainable development of these areas by investing in infrastructure, services, the local economy, and the preservation of cultural and natural resources. The "Upper Lake Como and Valli del Lario" Area Strategy, implemented in the period 2018/2023, has made it possible to implement 31 projects for a total of 20 million euros, of which 5,285,000 euros were used to promote interventions to recover and enhance the heritage and to strengthen the cycle and hiking routes between the lake and the valleys.

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