Top 14 Mountain Passes around Parzanica

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

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.

You get there with effort and sweat but it's worth it, and shortly thereafter you can climb the Guglielmo

Thanks to the CAI we can know the direction for very simple walks. It is possible to park for free (arrive early, because it is a very popular destination).

If you start from Marone, the ride is long and demanding, but pleasant to the eyes..

Colli di San Fermo, or commonly known as San Fermo, is a small hamlet nestled among the Orobic mountains, strategically positioned between the suggestive Cavallina valley and the picturesque Lake Iseo. When you travel along the Cavallina valley and pass Grone, you find yourself in front of this picturesque mountain village. Renowned among cyclists in the province of Brescia and Bergamo, the hills of San Fermo offer panoramic roads and a privileged geographical position that make them a popular destination for two-wheel lovers.