Faisec Sant' Ambrogio

A beautiful loop trail in the Monte Misma area, particularly well-suited for the winter season and for times when snow in the mountains makes higher-altitude routes difficult.

The route is approximately 41 km long with 1,150 m of elevation gain and alternates between climbs on secondary roads, enjoyable stops for food and drink in the woods, and several descents.

Technically, this ride is within the reach of many cyclists: the descents are mostly S1/S2, with a few well-defined S3 sections. The greatest challenge is the detour through Cesulì and Monte Pranzà, where you’ll need to push your bike uphill for about 80 m of elevation gain.

Ascent toward Faisec

The first part climbs toward Colle Gallo, passing through the Madonna del Ciclista area.

After a rather challenging initial stretch, the climb becomes more gradual, allowing you to reach the village of Faisec without any particular difficulty.

From here, you gradually leave the easier roads behind to take the trails.

Faisec - Cesulì

The suggested route takes the detour toward Cesulì.

A beautiful trail through the woods begins, with continuous ups and downs and sections where you pick up speed.

It’s especially fun on an e-MTB because many of the short climbs can be tackled while staying in the saddle.

On a standard MTB, however, the section becomes more physically demanding: there are no particular difficulties, but the succession of climbs requires a lot of effort.

Once you reach Cesulì, a beautiful view of Lake Endine opens up.

Cesulì – Monte Pranzà: approximately 80 m of elevation gain (pushing the bike)

From here begins the main non-rideable section of the route.

To reach the Monte Pranzà area, you’ll need to push your bike uphill for about 80 meters.

It’s not a particularly complicated or exposed portage, but with an E-MTB, you still have to manage the bike’s weight.

With a standard MTB, this section is naturally easier to tackle on foot.

Those looking for an even more rideable route can skip this detour and follow the more direct Faisec connection toward Santa Maria del Misma.

Monte Pranzà - First Descent

Once you reach the top, put on your protective gear and the first descent finally begins.

The trail initially follows the Pranzà ridge, but it’s not an exposed ridge: you’ll mostly stay within the woods.

The route continues with several ups and downs before gradually turning into a full-fledged descent.

The difficulty varies considerably.

There are fast, easy S1 sections, alternating with more technical S2 sections.

In the final section, there are some steps and more technical sections that reachS3 difficulty.

However, these are localized sections: it is not a continuous S3 descent, and those who don’t feel up to it can walk past the individual obstacles.

Toward Sant’Ambrogio

The route continues by linking the successive descents toward Sant’Ambrogio.

Here, the technical difficulty decreases slightly and remains mostly in theS2 range.

These are fairly fast, well-defined trails through the woods, geared more toward fun and flow than toward seeking out difficult technical sections.

The Misma area offers a wealth of possibilities and variations: the classic Faisec route also continues toward Santa Maria di Misma and then on through other trails in the area. ?cite?turn0search0?turn0search2?

Connection to Carrezzola

Once the main part of the descents is over, there’s a long connecting stretch back to the starting area.

However, it’s not just a road transfer.

Following the route, you’ll still use trails and short climbs, with several fun spots to stop for a bite and a drink—especially enjoyable on an E-MTB.

Toward the end of the ride, you reach the Forcella del Cagnolo area, from which you can finish with the Carrezzola. The Carrezzola is indeed one of the classic downhill routes in the area leading to Villa di Serio. ?cite?turn0search11?

It’s a nice way to break up the return trip and finish the ride back on the trail.

Difficulty: What to Really Expect

This is a technically fairly accessible ride.

Most of the descents range from S1 to S2. There are some S3 sections, especially toward the end of the first descent from Pranzà, but they are few and localized.

Riders with a reasonably solid S2 skill level can therefore tackle the ride knowing that on the few sections above their level, they can simply dismount.

Exposure is also very limited.

The biggest challenge is probably more physical than technical: about 41 km, numerous ups and downs and climbs, and the Cesulì-Pranzà variant with about 80 m of elevation gain to push through.

On an E-MTB, the character of the ride changes significantly, and the numerous stops for food and drink become one of the most enjoyable parts of the route.

When to Do It

I especially recommend this ride during the cold season.

The relatively low elevations make it a good alternative to Alpine trails during the winter.

As for drainage, however, I’d remain cautious: the trail surface has a lot of rock and seems to dry out reasonably well once the rain has stopped, but I haven’t tested it enough to consider it a route with guaranteed drainage.

It’s best, therefore, to tackle it after a few days without rain.

Technical Details

Trail Style: AM / Trail

Distance: approximately 41 km

Elevation gain: approximately 1,150 m D+

MTB: Yes

E-MTB: Yes, very suitable

Rideability: High

Pushing: about 80 m elevation gain on the Cesulì–Pranzà route

Carrying the bike on your shoulder: Not significant

Climbing difficulty: generally moderate, with an initial steep section and the push section toward Pranzà

First descent: S1/S2 with a few localized S3 sections

Subsequent descents: mostly S2

Overall difficulty: S2 with some S3 sections

Exposure: Limited

Technical difficulty: Medium-low

Physical effort: Moderate, especially due to distance and continuous re-ascent

Drainage: To be verified; it is best to wait a few days after heavy rain

Recommended season: particularly well-suited for winter

Highlight: Wide variety of trails and places to eat and drink, with technical difficulty that’s never excessive