One hundred passes in Triveneto
Presentation
This 1,750km route, comprising 100 passes and an approximate vertical drop of 45,980m, was designed by Gianni Solenni of the Confrérie des Cent Cols (member no. 3720) and has been updated and modified by Enrico Alberini (member no. 5065) and Gérard Birelli (member no. 5553). Located entirely in Italy, this 90% route takes in the three regions that make up what is known as the Triveneto: Trentino-Alto Adige, Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia. The route is almost entirely asphalted.
Theme
The Club des Cent Cols, founded in 1972, is affiliated to the French Cycling Federation under No. 6384, offers you this permanent walk based on a simple theme: "One hundred passes".
One hundred passes, either to enable you to join the Confrérie du Club des Cent Cols, or to enable you to progress up the Confrérie's "Tableau d'Honneur" (Roll of Honour), or in any case to help you discover or rediscover these high points of cycle tourism and mountain biking, such as the Dolomites.
Description and characteristics of the regions visited
Although it starts on the Lombardy shore of Lake Garda, this route takes in 90% of the three regions that make up what is known as the Triveneto: Trentino Alto Adige, Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia.
The route departs from the town of Salò, which for a brief period (September 1943 to April 1945) was the capital of the Republic of Salò on Lake Garda. Vobarno is reached along a little-travelled local road that is a little narrow, with a few short sections at 13% or 14%. At the entrance to the village of Eno, a by-pass on the right takes you back and forth to the first pass of the day, the Cocca. You then plunge downhill towards another, much smaller but equally beautiful lake, Idro. It is well worth stopping to admire the lake on the descent before reaching the shore at the village of Idro.
After reaching the other shore at Tre Capitelli, a floodlit tunnel with openings overlooking the lake begins. CAUTION.
As soon as you leave Anfo, take the road to the left at the Passo Maniva sign, where a series of passes begins, leading to the foot of the imposing Adamello massif. The next descent takes you to the edge of Lake Idro at San Antonio. Here too, it's well worth stopping to admire the magnificent panorama.
We quickly leave the mountains of Lombardy to enter Trentino along the Val Rendena. Madonna di Campiglio is one of the pearls of the Brenta Dolomites. This famous winter and summer resort is famous for, among other things, the "Tre-Tre" slope, used for World Cup skiing competitions. This is the western part of the Brenta massif, which can be reached from the north via the Palade and Mendola passes in the northernmost part. In the eastern part of the massif, you can pass through the villages of Andalo and Molveno, whose lake lies beneath the peaks of Grostè, Brenta and Cima Tosa. After descending from Passo Ballino, you return to the north shore of Lake Garda at Riva del Garde. From here you climb to the San Giovanni pass and, following the signs, tackle the Santa Barbara pass with its deadly 14% climbs, which have been the scene of challenges during the Giro. You then climb another important peak, the Bondone, with its many tourist resorts. Here too, the terrain is ideal for cycling races, and until a few years ago also for motorcycling. It was here that Charly Gaul wrote one of the most famous pages in cycling history.
After crossing the Val Lagarina, the itinerary takes you past other lakes to admire: the Caldonazzo and Levico lakes, which are simply stunning. From Levico, an important spa town, you can make a diversion to Panarotta, a tourist resort at an altitude of 1800m. The Giro's professional riders took a chance on this route in a time trial. But, as you might imagine, many other races take place on these climbs. The climb to Panarotta is not included in the route (optional).
Continue along the old national road (avoid the new one, which is too busy) and head east, crossing a number of passes to reach the 1er Fiera di Primerio is close to the Dolomites, unique in the world for their structure, beauty and majesty. If you look north from Fiera di Primerio, you will see the Pale di San Martino group. The Passo Cereda is a difficult climb, so it's worth taking a quick look. Crossing it, you enter the Veneto, in the region known as Agordino. Still heading north-east, you skirt another interesting region, Cadore, where you'll return after completing a loop. Via the Passo della Mauria, you enter Friuli and follow the SS 52 d'Alemagna for a long time, a major artery with numerous passes. A short round trip to climb the Col de la Pura allows us to see and appreciate Lake Sauris at an altitude of almost 1000m.
ATTENTION Do not descend to the lake, as the road to Ampezzo passes through a very long and dangerous tunnel.
At Ampezzo, we return to the SS 52 for a short while. At Prinso, in fact, you turn right to go back and forth to reach the Forca di Priuso. Back on the state road, the itinerary turns right again, at Preone, onto the provincial road to climb the Sella Chiampon and Chianzutan, before reaching Tolmezzo, an important centre of Carnia. From here you reach Paularo, climb the Forcella di Lius and descend to Paluzza, birthplace of ski champion Manuela Di Centa.
From here, although not included in the initial route, you can climb the Col de Zoncolan, one of the most difficult climbs in Europe, on the easier side. But if you want to try the opposite slope, the most difficult and most famous, simply follow the route up Valcalda and descend directly to Comeglians, just 3 km from Ovaro, the starting point of the terrible Zoncolan.
The normal itinerary continues through the Val Pesarina, leading to the Forcella Lavardet and then on to 2 other passes (Razzo and Rioda), from where you can once again admire Lake Sauris. If the day allows, you can admire the enchanting panorama: lake, pastures, peaks. Leaving Friuli and returning to the Veneto region. Here we are on the eastern edge of the Dolomites. A few more climbs and you're in the heart of this splendid massif. To reach the "Tre Croci" pass, we pass by the Tre Cime di Lavaredo. At Misurina, you can admire the Cristallo, the Sorapiss and the Croda Rossa. From Cortina d'Ampezzo, you can also discover the Tofane, at the foot of which you will arrive at the end of the ascent of the Falzarego and Valparola passes. Then there are the super Dolomites at Corvara in Badia, the heart of the Dolomites, where a special language is spoken: Ladin: Sassongher, the language of the Sella group, and climbing the Passo Fedaia here is the Marmolada ... then, down and over the Dolomites: Sassolungo, Catinaccio, the Vajolet Towers, reached by a tough 6 km climb. But it's not over yet. Following the itinerary, you return, so to speak, very close to the Pale di San Martino in the Val di Fiemme to climb the Passo di Lavazè, the pass of the Latemar group. Leaving the Dolomites behind, we continue along the border between Veneto and Trentino, sometimes on one side, sometimes on the other. We climb the PassoManghen on the easier side ... or so they say, and find ourselves at the bottom of the Val Sugana, passing through Levico. This town could be used as a stage, as we pass through it twice.
We follow the old road, now restored, that the Sultzens, Austrian soldiers, used to reach the front from their rear bases and we arrive on the plateau of the Seven Communes where the Great War took place and where we stay for quite a long time. Every inch, every little hill, every pass, every valley was conquered several times, lost and recaptured alternately by the 2 enemy armies in a war of attrition and position. Many vestiges still bear witness to this Great Conflict, to all the blood spilt and the countless memories: trenches, forts, pillboxes, cemeteries. You can even still see the holes made by the grenades (bombs). The "Big Bertha", the Austrian super-gun, although positioned near the Caldonazzo lake, sent its projectiles as far as here.
Climb the Passo de la Borcola and re-enter the Veneto region to cycle around Monte Pasubio, another defensive bulwark beyond Monte Grappa. By mountain bike, you can get as far as the so-called "Italian Tooth", at the small (command?) pass where a sign jumps out at you: "No foreigners allowed here". Just make a return trip to Bocchetta Campiglia and its war memorial.
Returning to the route, after Pasubio you enter Lessinia, a land of meadows and vineyards, with characteristic villages and passes which, although little-known, are nonetheless difficult. Watch out for the very steep descent of the Passo Fittanze della Sega, which leads back into Trentino. This pass on the Trentino side is one of the most difficult in Italy. All that remains now is Mont Baldo, a foothill mountain over 2000m high that serves as the watershed between the Garda and Val Lagarina.
After the beautiful tourist resort of San Valentino (Col de), there are 2 passes (Bocca di Créer and Navene) in succession, leading to the south of the massif. More climbing on the Passo del Casello and you arrive at Torri del Benaco on the eastern shore of the large lake.
From there you can return to Salò, the starting point, by following the road that runs along the lake for around sixty kilometres, passing through Garda, Bardolino, Peschiera del Garda, Sirmione (it's a good idea to visit the village on the lake) and Desenzano.
Original text by Gianni Solenni, translated from the Italian by Jean-Paul Zuanon and Bernadette Barradi and modified by Enrico Alberini and Gérard Birelli.
Optional passes and points of interest
There are 15 optional passes of tourist interest that have been removed from the main route to reduce the overall height difference. However, if the tour is done in several stages, they can be added. Tracks are also provided.
- At point 1, the signpost indicates the Passo Cavallino refuge on the right, 4km away. From this junction, take the SP to the Passo Cavallino della Fobbia (1080m, 8.5km return journey). At the pass, turn left towards Cavaca and in 4 km you'll reach the junction with SP 56 at Santellone ;
- At the entrance to Roncone, leave the SS 237 for Boca di Bodin (977m, 2.5 km return journey);
- From Tione via Zuclo you can climb the Passo Durone (985 m, approx. 14 km return journey);
- From Passo Mendola, it is possible to reach the summit of Monte Penegal, which offers a fine view of Bolzano and the Adige valley;
If you want to stop off in Bolzano at san Michele, you can take the cycle path that runs along an old railway line with lighted tunnels and through the Bolzano vineyards;
- Shortly after Predellano, turn left onto the SP towards Drio Silano, which leads to Forcella Brentana (1263m, 9.6 km return);
- At Imer-Mezzano go under the SS 50 and climb towards Sforzelà del Zat (1222m, 5.25 km return);
- At Don Gosaldo leave the SP3 and take the SP347 to the left towards Forcella Aurine (1296 m, 6.9 km return);
- From the Forca di Priuso you can continue on the SS 552 to the Forca di Monte Rest (1061m, 12.7 km in one direction) via a succession of 9 hairpin bends;
- From Paluzza you descend towards Sutrio and climb up to the Sella di Zoncolan (1740 m), which is the gentlest slope;
- From Comeglians, descend a few kilometres to Ovaro and climb the steepest and best-known side of the Zoncolan;
- From Misurina, you can make the tough climb to the foot of the fantastic Tre Cime di Lavaredo. On the last bend before the Auronzo Refuge, you reach the Forcella di Longeres (2248m, 7km) along a path. This tough climb offers magnificent views of Lake Misurina and the Cadini mountain range;
- After the Passo Giau a Caprile the SP 251 climbs to the Forcella di Staulanza (1771m, 9.8 km);
- Shortly before Paneveggio on the left the SS 50 leads to the Passo Rolle (1988m, 6.5km return);
- Shortly after Molina di Fiemme, turn right onto the SS 48 towards Passo San Lugano (1097m, 6.3 km return journey). The tunnel before San Lugano can be avoided by taking the old road;
- After Levico Terme towards Monterovere, the SS 349 turns left towards Passo Vezzena (1414m, 3.5km return journey);
- From the Passo di Valbona starts a tarmac track which after 500m leads to the Forcella Molon (1767 m). Cycling is not permitted on this track!
- From the Passo di Xomo, a local road on the right leads to two neighbouring passes: Bocchetta Campiglio (1207m) and, halfway down, Bocchetta del Xetele (1179m) is clearly visible on the left, accessible via a path a few hundred metres further on;
- At Prà Alpesina, at the crossroads between the SP3 and SP 230, turn left towards the Passo Pozza di Cola (1289m, 2.8 km);
For eating and sleeping :
Almost all the route takes place in tourist areas. So there are often restaurants, hotels, bars and inns. There shouldn't be any problems here. But here's a suggestion.
In Salò, the starting and finishing point of the tour, the Italian members of the CCC organised their meeting a few years ago at the Hotel Panoramica. It could be a good base camp, as we are now well known there. The hotel is very good and so is the restaurant.
Miscellaneous information
Minutes, Updates
Thank you for sending us your comments on this Randonnée Permanente, whether positive or less so.
Don't hesitate to write a report on your Randonnée Permanente Cent Cols. This report can be submitted for publication in the Club des Cent Cols magazine or on the club's website (centcols.org ).
And don't hesitate to attach photos of your trip.
We welcome any information you may have on any errors (mileage, altitude) that you may have noticed in our documents, as well as any changes that may have occurred on the route (changes in road numbering or road conditions, prohibitions or creation of new roads, etc.).
We'd also like to list the accommodation we can recommend to other participants, so please let us know about your experience.
Reference documents
The passes mentioned in our documents are passes that comply with our "Rules of the Game" (passes named on a map or signpost). The full list of passes can be found in the Catalogue des cols d'Italie, which is on sale at the Club des Cent Cols, see the "shop" section of the Club's website.
Mapping: TCI Atlas maps are sufficient for this walk.
Web page
All this information will be posted on the "permanent hikes" pages of the Club des Cent Cols website (centcols.org ), as well as the list of those who have registered/arrived, including, if you authorise us to do so, your first and last names.
And don't forget to send postcards to the manager whose address is on the route map. E-mail address:
Controls
Participants must have their route card checked at the start (Salo) and at each of the route points indicated above. Each check takes the form of either a wet stamp requested from a shopkeeper or an administration office, or an explicit photo (e.g. bike in front of a commune or pass sign). The 12 control points are as follows:
- Salò: Stamp compulsory on departure
- Passo di Campo Carlo Magno
- Passo Mendola
- Valico di Mone bondone
- Passo Duran
- Sella Chianzutan
- Misurina
- Passo Pordoi
- Passo di Oclini
- Passo Pian delle Fugazze
- Bocca del Creer
- Peschiera del Garda
Passes over 2000 m.
- Passo del Sella
- Passo Pordoi
- Passo Giau
- Passo di Valparola
- Giogo di Bala
- Passo Gardena
- Passo Falzarego
- Goletto di Crocette
- Passo Fedaia
- Passo di Rondendino
- Passo Manghen
- Passo di Valles
- Sella del Culac
- Goletto di Ravenola
- Sella d'Auccia
- Passo di Vaia
Rules of the game for permanent walks
All participants in this permanent trail agree to respect the Rules of the Game. governing it.
For further information
Contact the Head of Permanent Rides
Jean-Marc CLEMENT
10 rue de Normandie
31120 Portet sur Garonne
FRANCE
Tel: +33 (0)5 61 76 30 12
E-mail: [email]randos@centcols.org [/email]
Français
English (UK)
Italiano
Deutsch
Español
Nederlands (België)
