Cima Grem, Cima Foppazzi e l'infinita Val Nossana

A majestic loop in the heart of the Seriana Valley, dedicated to those seeking the essence of alpine riding: brutal climbs, panoramic ridges, and a descent that seems to go on forever. A far more comprehensive and spectacular alternative to the area’s classic routes, taking you up to 2,000 meters through high-altitude meadows and wild valleys.

Ascent: killer gradients and heavenly ridges

The ride starts in Premolo with a no-nonsense approach: the climb toward Belloro is immediately demanding. From here, a short descent leads us onto the mining trail, a narrow and technical section (S3/S4) for those who love to start off with a bang (alternatively, you can stay higher up on easier variants). After a few kilometers of respite on a scenic road with views of Alben, the “monster” arrives: a 450-meter concrete section with gradients up to 30%. Perfect surface, but your heart will be in your throat all the way to Alpe Grem.

From the Alpe, the challenge to the summit begins:

• MTB: About 360m of carrying/pushing.
• EMTB: You can ride for a good 60-70%. The final reward is the last 50 meters: a beautiful ridge to ride in one go (easier on an e-bike, but exciting for everyone) up to 2050m.

At the Summit: The Balcony of Bergamo

From the summit, the view sweeps 360° over the giants of the area: Arera, Alben, Menna, and Vaccaro. After taking in the view, descend 100 meters of technical terrain (or an easier meadow route) to Bocchetta di Grem. Here you can choose to descend or, as highly recommended, climb another 120 meters to Cima Foppazzi (2089 m).

The Descent: The Val Nossana Journey

From the summit, purists return via the ascent route, but for those who want to take a risk, there’s the Freeride option: a ridge line that then connects to the main trail via a short rideable section. The descent into Val Nossana is a test of endurance:

• The Terrain: A constant alternation of S2/S3, rarely S4. It is a long and physically grueling descent that requires clear thinking.
• The Terrain: The further down you go, the more broken and rocky the trail becomes, though it remains enjoyable in its All-Mountain style.
• The Setting: You cross a dry riverbed (staying on the orographic left side) immersed in a wild environment. Exposure is typical for the mountains, but be careful not to get distracted by the view at points where the trail runs along a cliff edge.

At an elevation of 850m, you connect with the trails leading to Baita Fop. From here, the difficulty drops (S1/S2) with some fun sections, before finishing off with an easy S0 ride through the meadows back to Premolo.

Trail style: All-mountain

Personal rating: Views 9/10; Descents 8/10

MTB: Yes

EMTB: Yes, but you’ll have to push on some sections

Duration: approx. 5–6 hours (on MTB)

Portage: 350–450 m on MTB, sections requiring pushing on eMTB

Ascent difficulty: Very challenging

Descent difficulty: Moderate S2/S3

Exposure: Short, standard exposures typical of mountain trails, but nothing unmanageable as long as you don’t go full throttle and keep your foot on the right side of the slope

Exhausting: YES

Water sources: No