This stage offers a rich and varied hiking experience, crossing ancient mines, alpine pastures, and imposing limestone peaks. Get ready to tackle a route of medium difficulty, but rather long with some technical sections and breathtaking panoramas.
Don't forget to bring your "Orobie Passport" with you to collect stamps from the huts along the route and keep a special memory of your adventure!
The seventh stage of the Giro delle Orobie is a varied hike that ranges between ancient mines, green pastures, and imposing limestone peaks. Starting from Rifugio Curò, you initially descend towards Valbondione, then ascend through Colle delle Miniere and Passo della Manina. You continue along the hillside below Monte Pizzul, climbing to Sella dell'Asta and going around Monte Barbarossa. After a challenging ascent to Pizzo di Petto (equipped section), you descend towards Passo di Fontanamora and cross Monte Ferrante. The stage concludes with a descent towards Rifugio Albani, offering spectacular views of the surrounding valleys.
Route Description:
From Rifugio Curò to Colle delle Miniere:
You start from Rifugio Curò (1895 m) and follow the mule track that descends towards Valbondione (attention: do not take the direct variant!).
After passing the section carved into the rocky wall, you continue to the first switchback (approximately 1750 m).You leave the wide trail 305 that descends to Valbondione and turn left, following a trail along the hillside that crosses some gullies (pay attention!).
You intersect with trail 306 that descends to Lizzola, but you continue uphill through a sparse wood.After a short climb, you reach the Colle delle Miniere (1920 m), a place rich in history and charm.
From Colle delle Miniere to Passo della Manina:
You descend into the valley of the Bondione stream, crossing pastures down to approximately 1600 m, where you cross the stream on a wooden bridge.
You descend briefly along the valley, then resume the ascent to the left, towards Baita del Crostaro (1701 m) and the ruins of Baita del Fles.
Finally, you reach Passo della Manina (1821 m), a panoramic pass with views over the surrounding valleys.
From Passo della Manina to Rifugio Albani:
Colle delle Miniere: A testament to past mining activity. Passo della Manina: A panoramic pass with views over the valleys. Pizzo di Petto: Challenging ascent with an equipped section. Passo di Fontanamora: High mountain environments. Monte Ferrante: Views over the Scalvine valleys. Rifugio Albani: A welcoming mountain hut in a panoramic position. Useful Tips: Here are the English translations of the useful tips:Check the trail conditions before starting.Wear hiking boots and appropriate clothing.Bring enough water and food with you.Pay attention to exposed sections and the equipped section on Pizzo di Petto.Remember to get your Orobie passport stamped at Rifugio Albani.
