Passo dei Contrabbandieri sul Tonale

A challenging route just the right amount, with great views! We'll meet in Ponte di Legno (BS), climb up to the Bozzi hut and then climb over the Tonale DH trails via the Smugglers' Pass.

A quick roundup of technical data: distance: 30km - time on the move: 3.20 hours - total elevation gain: 1500m - maximum elevation: 2650m - cycleability: 95% - suitable for MTB AM/ENDURO.

Leaving the car in Ponte di Legno we head towards the famous and beautiful Houses of Viso, initially through secondary roads and then on promenade.

Arrived at the houses begins a beautiful winding climb on dirt road with even gradients, around 10%, always accompanied by a wonderful view.

Reaching the Bozzi refuge at a good 2478 meters, after a nice cupcake to recharge the batteries, we resume the climb to the Passo dei Contrabbandieri at 2680 meters.

The climb to the pass is rideable only in the first section, in the last 15 minutes or so and 600 meters long you will need to load your bike on your shoulders and grit your teeth for the last effort.

From the pass you will have a beautiful view and you will also notice the remains of World War I; it really deserves a short stop.

Now it is all downhill for the first 5 minutes you will have to get off the mtb until you reach the lifts; then through a path in the middle of the meadows you will reach the Scorpion Bay refuge, where we cross the Tonale bike park trails.

You'll find trails of varying difficulty; take the one that suits you and have fun like there's no tomorrow among jumps, parabolics and bumps.

Once you reach Passo del Tonale head on the trail to Ponte di Legno; this last trail is less bike park, mostly undergrowth and roots, not very technical, accessible to all.

With a smile on our faces we reach the car, sure to return for more descents in the very fun Tonale bike park!