MTB: Ante Summit of Punta Elgio
Difficulty
Medium
Period
Summer

The majestic environment of the upper Formazza Valley is perfectly complemented by this very satisfying route, which extends from the characteristic hairpin bends of the San Giacomo Pass to the alpine pastures stretching out towards the Val Bedretto.
On a beautiful day, the route, as well as being a great cycling excursion, is also completely rewarding from the point of view of the landscape, particularly the ascent to the ante summit of Punta Elgio, which, although you may need to complete some sections on foot, doesn’t in any way compromise this pleasant excursion. The fun descent to Lago del Toggia then completes a panoramic route that will stay with you for a long time.

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Description

From the hamlet of Ponte, follow the Formazza Valley state road as far as Sottofrua, then continue, passing the Toce waterfall, as far as the Walser village of Riale. At the junction follow the dirt road on the right that climbs immediately with a constant gradient via stony hairpin bends. After the last few bends and a flat stretch, the road heads left and, after passing the Maria Luisa refuge, reaches Lago del Toggia. Follow it along the dirt road which continues along the left-hand side of a false plateau until the end, near the San Giacomo Pass. From the hill, head in a south-westerly direction, leaving the road and climbing along narrow paths that take you over several grassy bumps, on foot where necessary, until you reach the col at 2489 m (8166 ft). Head towards the now visible Punta Elgio and climb the steep slope that leads to the ante summit on foot. Going downhill, you can follow some fun paths and meadows in a south-easterly direction to join the route that skirts the lake, ending the excursion along the same uphill route to Ponte.

Useful info

Route

Ponte – La Frua – Riale – San Giacomo Pass – Ante Summit of Punta Elgio – Riale – Ponte

Starting point

Ponte 1286 m (4219 ft)

Highest point reached

Ante Summit of Punta Elgio 2618 m (8589 ft)

Overall ascent

1332 m (4370 ft)

Lenght

38 km

Cyclability

Partial

Best time of year

July – September

Difficulty

IM

Maps

CNS f.265 Nufenenpass, f.1271 Basodino / IGC f.11 Domodossola and Val Formazza

Access

From Gravellona Toce, follow the SS33 Ossola Highway until the exit for the Antigorio and Formazza valleys. Continue towards Crodo and Premia and the Valle Formazza until you get to the hamlet of Ponte di Formazza.

Ideal for
Everybody
You will discover
Nature
Sport
Guide to itineraries and useful info
Ideal for
Everybody
You will discover
Nature
Sport
Guide to itineraries and useful info
Choose your
mountain guide
IAT di Formazza
Frazione Ponte, 5 28863 Formazza (VB) See map
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tour or nature guide

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