The best MTB trails around Borno

21-06-26 Borno Ski Arena : chairlift closed / refuge closed ...I do not agree with this choice even though work is planned for the renovation of the structures, in the official communications from the municipality it was clearly written that they would not affect the normal running of the services...

It is a grassy saddle located on the ridge of the Costone, just above the Croce del Costone and before the terrain becomes rockier towards the Pale di San Fermo. It is a transit point, not a summit, but it is very scenic and represents an important junction for various itineraries.

🏔️ Monte Altissimo (Val Camonica) — Identity and main characteristics Monte Altissimo is a mountain in the Bergamo Prealps, 1703 m high, located between the lower Val Camonica and the lower Val di Scalve. It is the highest peak in the mountain group that separates these two valleys and overlooks the Borno plateau. Two very different sides Southern side: steep, rocky, almost devoid of vegetation, with a difference in altitude of about 1500 m from the Oglio valley floor. Northern side: gentle slope towards Borno, covered with fir trees and dotted with mountain huts, chalets and ski slopes of the Borno Ski Area. 🚶‍♂️ Hiking — The main itineraries Monte Altissimo is very popular with hikers thanks to the good network of trails (difficulty E). Here are the best-known and documented routes. 1) From Erbanno – Trail 197 or 155 A steep and challenging itinerary, with a significant difference in altitude. Trail 197: Start: Erbanno (Darfo Boario Terme) Passes through: small church of San Valentino (690 m), Malga Mine, junction with trail 194 From the cross: spectacular view of the lower Val Camonica and Lake Iseo Summit reachable in 15 minutes from the final junction Trail 155 (more direct and strenuous): Difference in altitude: about 1460 m Steep sections, some chains on a slightly exposed traverse Remarkable panorama over the meadows of the “Segable” Arrival at the Monte Altissimo refuge and the ski lifts 2) From Gorzone – Trail 154 A wilder route on the south side, with a long and tough climb. 3) From Borno – North side (ski slope areas) A gentler and more panoramic itinerary, often chosen for loop tours that include refuges, mountain huts and small churches (as in your story). 🏞️ What makes Monte Altissimo special Sharp contrast between the two sides: one severe and rocky, the other gentle and wooded. Wide panoramas of the lower Val Camonica, Lake Iseo and Presolana. Network of mountain huts and chalets still active in summer. Presence of the Monte Altissimo refuge at the summit, also reached by ski lifts. Possibility of very varied loops, combining woods, slopes, ridges and small isolated churches.

The Malga di Val Sorda is not a "classic" alpine pasture hut with grazing activities, but a hiking landmark located in the large meadow of Val Sorda, along the paths that lead from Croce di Salven towards Pratolungo, Malga Guccione, and finally Monte Altissimo. Online information describes it as part of the valley's pasture and pool system, crossed by CAI trails 186 and 187. 📍 Location The hut is located in the central pasture of Val Sorda, reached after about 1h10 of walking from Croce di Salven along trail 186. It is a junction point between: trail 186 (towards Pratolungo and Altissimo) trail 187 (steeper, climbs towards the Val Sorda refuge/structure)

🏞️ Lago di Lova — Borno (Valle Camonica) 📌 Identity and characteristics Lago di Lova is a small alpine lake located at about 1300 m altitude, in a glacial basin between: Pizzo Camino (2491 m) Monte Mignone (1742 m) It is fed by two small streams and flows downstream, forming the San Fiorino stream. The environment is typical of the Lombard Prealps: red fir woods on the south side, wide pasture on the north side, luminous and very tranquil atmosphere. 🚶‍♂️ How to get there From Borno – Navertino (the most classic) Elevation gain: about 400 m Time: 1 h – 1 h 15’ Path initially asphalted up to the Trattoria Navertino, then dirt and steep in some sections. Mixed terrain: cobblestones, dirt, dense forest. From Ossimo Superiore Steep mule track up to Baleggie, then a flat traverse towards the lake. From Villa (Lozio) Ascent to Colle del Mignone (1526 m) and descent towards the lake. All itineraries are for pedestrians or MTB only: motorized vehicles are prohibited. 🏡 Services and atmosphere At the lake, you'll find Chalet Lova, highly appreciated for its sandwiches and typical dishes, with outdoor tables and a picnic area. The place is ideal for: families, hikers, photographers, scenic breaks before heading up towards Mignone or Varicla. 🔗 Hiking connections Lago di Lova is a central hub for several CAI itineraries: Colle Mignone → Monte Mignone → loops towards Agol, Averta, Varicla Rifugio Laeng (via 110/182) Malga Mignone (steep but direct ascent) Rifugio San Fermo (upper part of CAI 82) ⭐ Why it's special It is one of the most iconic and accessible places on the plateau. It offers a perfect mix of forest, water, and pastures. It is a starting point for more challenging itineraries but also an ideal destination for a short trip. It has a serene and bright atmosphere, much loved by families and photographers.

🐄 Malga Mignone — Borno (Valle Camonica) 📍 Location Malga Mignone is located above Lago di Lova, along the ridge that climbs towards: Colle Mignone, Monte Mignone, the junction for Rifugio Laeng, the panoramic trail towards Rifugio San Fermo. It is an important hub between trails 103, 104, 109, 110, 182 and the upper section of CAI 82. 🏞️ Environment The mountain hut is located in an area: grassy and open, with a view of Lago di Lova and the peaks of the Camino group, surrounded by huts and summer pastures. It is a perfect place for an intermediate break before climbing towards Varicla or towards the San Fermo ridge. 🚶‍♂️ How to get there From Borno – Navertino → Lago di Lova The most common route: Departure from Navertino. Climb through the woods to Lago di Lova (trail 109). Skirt the lake. Take the trail that climbs towards the hut: steep, suitable for hikers accustomed to elevation gain. From Lago di Lova → Colle Mignone → Malga Mignone Climb on steep grassy slopes, but with an intuitive direction. Possible loop with return on dirt roads. 🔗 Main connections From Malga Mignone, trails depart or pass towards: Rifugio Laeng (via trails 110 and 182) Rifugio San Fermo (continuing left, section not always marked) Monte Mignone (1743 m) Colle Mignone (1535 m), a crossroads of various itineraries ⭐ Why it's an important point It is the crossroads of almost all itineraries in the Lova–Varicla area. It offers wide views and a very bright environment. It is an excellent point for medium-difficulty hiking loops. It allows you to modulate the trip: more challenging climbs (Mignone, Arano, Laeng) or gentler ones (return to Lova).

Reachable from Borno, following a restored mule track with a concrete road surface (the last section is closed due to landslide restoration work with a signposted detour) with gradients of over 20%

Lake Lova is a picturesque hiking destination located above Borno, on the Altopiano del Sole plateau in Val Camonica. It is appreciated for its alpine landscape, tranquility, and the variety of trails that surround it. The lake is located at approximately 1,392 meters above sea level and can be reached via several hiking trails, including the Sentiero della Memoria (Path of Remembrance) that starts from the church of San Fiorino in Borno. After a short paved stretch to the Trattoria Navertino, you take a dirt path that winds through larch and fir trees, with steep sections and slippery cobblestones. The hike is immersed in a natural environment typical of the Lombard Prealps. The hike is immersed in a natural environment typical of the Lombard Prealps, with natural fountains and good cell phone coverage. A longer alternative is the Monte Mignone – Lago di Lova circular hike, approximately 11.1 km long with an elevation gain of 837 meters, to be done counterclockwise. This route offers spectacular views and passes through pastures and woods, with the lake as its focal point. Lago di Lova is also a hub for other trails: from here, you can continue towards the Rifugio San Fermo or the Rifugio Laeng, following CAI trails 106 and 182. Parking is available near the lake, making it accessible even for less experienced hikers. From a scenic perspective, the lake is nestled in a green valley surrounded by woods and pastures, with calm waters reflecting the sky and surrounding mountains. It's an ideal destination in all seasons, but particularly captivating in autumn for the colors of the foliage.