Via Crucis to Santuario Santa Maria del Summano (Route 457)

Steep but monotonous climb in the middle of the woods; better other ways to get to the top.

Summano route, from the base to the summit: 1000mD+ in 4km. Maistrack doesn't give discounts. The climb is decidedly challenging, undoubtedly EE: it takes you up the southern side of the mountain, often climbing rock steps, with exposed points and a vertical trajectory; at Prà Minore (beautiful grassy plain halfway up the hillside) you breathe a sigh of relief, and looking up the cross now seems just a step away... but it's just an illusion of perspective: the ramps continue without respite! Every time I vomit my heart out, but every time getting to the top is an achievement: from up there the Summano, the last isolated and pointed lookout of the Vicenza Prealps, offers a spectacular 360° balcony over the Little Dolomites, the Asiago Plateau and the entire Venetian plain. Relaxing return via the Via Crucis: a wide, long and boring mule track that runs along the same side as the outward journey, but with a gentle, constant slope and hairpin bends. The upper part, from the Sanctuary to Prà Minore, is very bumpy and stony.

The Maistrack is decidedly challenging, undoubtedly EE: it climbs the southern rib of the mountain, along vertical and rocky shortcuts that cut across the entire Via Crucis, intersecting it at the hairpin bends. As you ascend, turning to look at the view and the steep, exposed path you've just taken, you feel as if the plain is at your feet! At Prà Minore, a bucolic and peaceful plateau halfway up the hill, you breathe a sigh of relief, and looking up, the cross seems close... but it's just an illusion: the climbs continue relentlessly! Some high-altitude sections were muddy and slippery due to the melted snow. Every time I throw up, but every time reaching the summit is an achievement: Summano is a spectacular 360° panoramic balcony overlooking the Little Dolomites, the Asiago Plateau, and the entire Veneto Plain. A tedious but relaxing return journey along the Via Crucis: a long, wide dirt road that follows the same slope as the outward journey, with a moderate, steady gradient and a series of switchbacks. The upper section of the route, from the Sanctuary to Prà Minore, is quite rocky.

My favorite ride, close to home, perfect to reset everything. Nature, silence, and pure energy.