The best MTB trails around Sale Marasino

The Vello - Toline Cycle Path is one of the most spectacular and evocative lakeside walks in Lombardy, created from the disused old coastal road of Lake Iseo. The route winds along the water's edge for about 5 kilometers (one way) between the hamlet of Vello (municipality of Marone) and Toline (municipality of Pisogne), offering breathtaking views of the sheer rock faces and the Castro gorge on the Bergamo side.

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

The Rifugio Croce di Marone is located at 1,166 m on the southern slope of Monte Guglielmo, above Marone, and is one of the most convenient and frequented starting points for climbing the Guglielmo. 🏔️ Hut identity and location The refuge is located in the Croce di Marone area, reachable via the road that climbs from Marone → Cislano → Madonna della Rota, crossing the Valle dell’Opol. It is situated in a panoramic and strategic point for: Monte Guglielmo (1948 m) – classic and very frequented ascent Malga Guglielmo di Sotto and di Sopra Rifugio Almici Piani di Caregno The refuge is open all year round, has a restaurant, electric light, hot water, and about 15 beds. 🚗 How to get there By car from Marone Follow the signs for Zone. After about 4.5 km, past the cable car underpasses, you will find a sharp right turn with a sign for the refuge. The road becomes narrow and steep in the final kilometers. Paid parking with scratch card (3 € up to 4 hours, 5 € for longer). On foot from Zone (Englar) You can leave your car at the Englar restaurant (640 m). Ascent along the road/CAI 226 trail → approx. 1h20’–1h50’ depending on whether you cut corners. 🚶‍♂️ Main excursions from the refuge 1. Monte Guglielmo (E – approx. 2h) This is the shortest and most direct route to reach the summit of Guglielmo: Initial mule track Junction for Malpensata Section with white-blue 3V trail markers Malga Guglielmo di Sotto → Malga di Sopra Rifugio Almici → summit with the Monument to the Redeemer The panorama over the Sebino and the Prealps is considered one of the most beautiful in the area. 2. Rifugio Almici (1861 m) – 2h Simple and panoramic route along the mule track. 3. Piani di Caregno – 3h30’ Longer but very scenic route. 🏞️ Environment and atmosphere The area is characterized by: beech and fir woods open pastures views of Lake Iseo and Val Trompia presence of the 3V trail nearby It is an ideal spot for short excursions, longer treks, or family days out.

The monument is located at the Croce di Marone pass (approx. 1167 m), a historic crossing point between Lake Iseo and Val Trompia. It is situated next to the parking area and at the start of the road/mule track that climbs towards Malpensata and Monte Guglielmo.

Lake Iseo offers spectacular panoramic views, ideal for trekking and photography. The best spots include Corna Trentapassi (1244m) for a 360° panorama, the Parzanica viewpoint, the Eremo di San Defendente, and the summit of Monte Guglielmo. Monte Isola and the Piramidi di Zone also offer unique views. And let's not forget the view from above over Pisogne.

when they say lose your head, unique landscapes that will steal your heart

A unique view of the lake, on clear days you will be captivated

Ciclabile Vello Toline. I did it for the first time today, wonderful. Monte Altissimo, Strada della Forra, Tremalzo and Vello Toline are the routes that left me speechless. Absolutely worth trying.