Top 14 Mountain Passes around Solto Collina

Convenient starting point for reaching various places including Monte Sparavera. The parking lot can accommodate about thirty cars, and along the road about 7/8 more. Remember to get the scratch-off parking permit, available for purchase in the municipalities of Peia or Ranzanico (it is not the same one needed for M.Farno).

📌 Characteristics of Passo Spino (Sebino version) It is a small wooded pass, not marked by structures or refuges. It is located on the road/mule track that connects the two main passes in the area: Croce di Marone Forcella di Sale It is a transit point for MTB riders and hikers who follow the “Malghe in rete” loop. The section between Forcella di Sale and Passo Spino is predominantly downhill, with some short uphill sections. 🥾 Why it is important Passo Spino is useful as a reference point if: you are doing the Croce di Marone → Forcella di Sale → Noase → Sale Marasino loop you are riding the panoramic mountain road that connects the two main passes of Sebino you are climbing or descending by MTB along the “Malghe in rete” route It is not a panoramic viewpoint like Croce di Pezzolo or the Almana ridge: it is more of a technical passage along the ridge. 🗺️ Quick summary Forcella di Sale = pass at 1150 m, start of the Sentiero Benedetti Passo Spino = immediately after, on the road that continues towards Noase Croce di Marone = connected to both via the same mountain road

La Forcella di Sale is a pass at about 1150 m above Sale Marasino, a junction point between the Iseo Lake slope and Val Trompia, and direct access to the Filippo Benedetti Equipped Path towards Punta Almana. 📍 What it is and where it is located Official sources describe it as a take-off point for paragliding and a key passage for those climbing towards Almana or Guglielmo. Altitude: 1150 m Location: above Portole (Sale Marasino) Function: pass between Lake Iseo and Val Trompia, connected to Croce di Marone by a mountain road It is also the point where the Filippo Benedetti Equipped Path begins, one of the most scenic and technical stretches in the area. 🥾 How to reach it 1) From Sale Marasino (classic itinerary) The route starts from the car park above the village: first km on a steep asphalt road you reach Forcella di Sale after a few hairpin bends here is the gate that leads to the equipped path 2) From Croce di Marone A largely downhill connection, with short climbs, leads to Forcella di Sale passing through Passo Spino . 3) By MTB The road between Croce di Marone and Forcella di Sale is described as pleasant and panoramic, suitable for mountain biking . 🧗 Filippo Benedetti Equipped Path From the Forcella starts the most characteristic section of the hike towards Punta Almana: exposed passages short rocky sections where you need to use your hands it is not a via ferrata, but requires a sure footing and absence of vertigo spectacular panorama of the lake already from the ridge 🚴 For those climbing by bike The ascent from Sale Marasino is considered very hard: 6.7 km 918 m of elevation gain 13.7% average gradient last 2.5 km "almost vertical" according to reviews 🌄 Why it is an important point It is one of the two main passes of the eastern Sebino along with Croce di Marone It allows you to reach Punta Almana (via the ridge or via the equipped path) It is a take-off point for paragliding with a view of Monte Isola

Originally, the current Sanctuary dedicated to the "Madonna dei ciclisti" (Our Lady of Cyclists) was called "Madonna della Neve" (Our Lady of the Snow). Being a classic uphill route, also for some stages of the Giro d'Italia and Giro di Lombardia (in addition to many other minor races), it was later named so towards the end of the last century, considering that a small cycling museum was also created next to the church. To which, well-known cycling professionals donated their memorabilia.

PLEASE NOTE!!! Starting June 2025, parking at Forcella is subject to a fee. A small fee of €3 will be charged for parking. The goal is to use the proceeds to maintain Via Cadorna (this is what the municipality has declared. Whether this is fair or not, I'll leave it to others to decide), the main thoroughfare leading to Forcella.

Forcella Larga is a pass located along the hiking trail that connects Pizzo Formico (1636 m) to Montagnina, in Val Gandino, province of Bergamo. It is a panoramic point much appreciated by hikers for its view of the Orobie Bergamasche and Val Seriana. Characteristics of Forcella Larga: Altitude: About 1470 meters. Access: Reachable via the CAI 549 path, which connects Monte Farno to the Rifugio Parafulmine. Panorama: View of Val Seriana, Val Gandino and the surrounding mountains. Support points: Capanna Ilaria, located near the fork. Recommended route: The most common path starts from Conca del Farno, crosses Montagnina and reaches Forcella Larga before continuing towards the summit of Pizzo Formico. It is an excursion suitable for those who have experience in the mountains and want to enjoy a breathtaking view.

Capanna Ilaria is located at 1470 meters above sea level, in the Forcella Larga area, along the hiking trail that leads to Pizzo Formico (1636 m). It is a reference point for hikers who cross the Montagnina and head towards Rifugio Parafulmine. Characteristics of Capanna Ilaria: Altitude: 1470 m. Location: Forcella Larga, along the CAI 549 trail. History: The hut is a historic ruin, often used as a rest point. Route: Connections with Pizzo Formico, Monte Farno and Rifugio Parafulmine. Panorama: View of Val Seriana, Val Gandino and the Orobie. From Pizzo Formico, Capanna Ilaria can be reached in about 30 minutes, following the trail that crosses the Montagnina. It is a perfect place for a break before continuing towards the refuge or the summit.

nice to pass by and ring the bell.