San Marco, Cantedolto evitando lo stradone

An alternative version of the classic Cantedoldo route, designed primarily for e-MTBs and for those who want to reach Passo San Marco while avoiding the long climb on the provincial road as much as possible. The Cantedoldo is one of the best-known descents in the Upper Brembana Valley: long, mostly smooth, and never extreme, but with a few technical sections that make it interesting nonetheless. In this variation, the climb also becomes an integral part of the route, utilizing various trails and passing through the areas of Piazzatorre, Ponte dell’Acqua, and finally the historic Via Priula to reach Passo San Marco. I recommend this route especially for e-MTBs: it’s certainly possible on a regular mountain bike, but considering the gradients, trail surface, and length of the climb, I’d personally opt for the classic road access.

Toward Piazzatorre

From the valley, you begin climbing toward Piazzatorre, leaving behind the classic direct route up to Mezzoldo and Passo San Marco.

The goal of this alternative route is precisely to use the main road as little as possible, replacing it with dirt roads and trails.

The first part features a fun , undulating stretch with constant ups and downs, offering a much more engaging ride than a long climb entirely on asphalt.

On an E-MTB, you can maintain a good pace, though a few sections may require some technical skill and leg strength.

Ponte dell’Acqua – Via Priula – San Marco Pass

You then continue toward Ponte dell’Acqua, where you’ll come upon the historic Via Priula.

This is where the most distinctive part of the climb begins.

The Priula allows you to gain elevation toward Passo San Marco on a surface that’s decidedly more interesting than the provincial road, but it shouldn’t be considered a simple dirt road.

There are steep inclines and some technical sections where, even on an E-MTB, you’ll still need balance, good motor control, and the ability to tackle steep gradients.

A few short sections may require pushing the bike, but overall, this route allows you to reach the pass with a high percentage of rideable terrain.

You finally arrive at Passo San Marco, at an elevation of nearly 2,000 meters.

The customary photos are taken, and then we finally change direction.

San Marco Pass – Cantedoldo

The long descent begins at Passo San Marco.

The first part is relatively easy and allows you to lose elevation quickly on a trail without any particular difficulties.

You then cross several open areas and meadows, gradually continuing toward theAlpe Cantedoldo region.

The terrain gradually becomes more interesting until you reach the point where the actual descent of Cantedoldo begins.

Cantedoldo Descent

From here begins one of the classic descents of the Upper Brembana Valley.

The Cantedoldo is long, fast, and mostly flowy, with an overall difficulty level that’s fairly accessible for those who already have some mountain biking experience.

Most of the descent is ratedS2, but there are several S3 sections where the terrain becomes more technical and requires greater attention.

It is not an extreme descent and does not feature the continuous technical challenges of other trails in the valley: the beauty of the Cantedoldo lies above all in finding your rhythm and letting the bike glide for quite some time.

The more technical sections break up the flow just enough to keep the ride interesting.

It’s precisely the combination of length, smoothness, and a few technical sections that makes it one of the best-known descents in the area.

Return along the Brembo

Once you’ve finished the Cantedoldo, there’s still one last beautiful stretch to wrap up the ride.

Take the trail that runs parallel to the Brembo River, thus avoiding ending the ride simply on the road.

The difficulty is mostly S2, and the trail is pleasant and smooth.

You just need to pay a little attention at certain points where the trail runs above the river and is slightly exposed.

These aren’t particularly difficult sections, but especially when the ground is wet or covered with leaves, it’s best to stay focused.

Continue along the river until you return to the starting point and complete the loop.

In summary

This is a variation on the classic San Marco–Cantedoldo Pass route, designed for those—especially E-MTB riders—who prefer to avoid the monotony of the long climb along the provincial road.

Instead of heading directly to the pass, you climb toward Piazzatorre, follow several trail connections, and reach Ponte dell’Acqua.

From there, you’ll take the Via Priula to reach the San Marco Pass: a much more interesting climb, though also more technical and featuring some steep sections.

From the pass, the long descent toward Cantedoldo begins, primarily rated S2 with some S3 sections.

The day ends with the beautiful S2 trail that follows the Brembo River—slightly exposed in some spots—back to the starting point.

Overall, this is a much more interesting ride on an e-MTB than on a conventional MTB: not so much because of the descent—which is suitable for both—but because of the decision to make the long climb to Passo San Marco as off-road as possible.

Technical Details

Route Style: AM / E-MTB

MTB: Possible, but this route isn’t one I’d recommend for a regular MTB

E-MTB: Yes, recommended

Rideability of the climb: High, with a few short challenging sections

Ascent difficulty: Medium-high due to gradients and some technical sections

Carrying/pushing: Limited

Via Priula uphill: Rideable with an E-MTB and good technique, with some challenging climbs

Cantedoldo: Mostly S2 with some S3 sections

Final trail along the Brembo River: S2

Exposure: Limited; be careful at certain points on the final trail along the river

Highlight: Reaching Passo San Marco while avoiding most of the classic road climb, then enjoying the long descent down Cantedoldo