Mountain Bike
Monte Tamaro MTB
Monte Tamaro is one of the region’s most popular spots, providing thrilling Alpine experiences just a stone’s throw from the city. Amongst the many good reasons for visiting, we should mention the great routes for MTB enthusiasts, starting directly from the cable car arrival point at Alpe Foppa (1532 m).
Take advantage of this panoramic ropeway to considerably reduce the climb!
From Monte Tamaro, various MTB trails lead towards Malcantone from where they branch off. This is typical Sottoceneri Ticino terrain with its gently undulating hills and dense vegetation, picturesque villages and extensive chestnut woods. The trails proposed take advantage of the official MTB trail network which wends its way across this wonderful region.
These six trails all share the first section between the cable car arrival point at Alpe Foppa and Arosio, but each route has its own special characteristics which we would encourage you to discover in the relevant information sections.
The proposals cover circular routes starting and finishing at the Rivera cable car departure station. Some routes may be interrupted when you get down to the valley bottom, for example at Ponte Tresa (local public transport: boat/light railway), Caslano (boat/light railway), Magliaso (light railway) or Agno (light railway). The light railway runs between Ponte Tresa and Lugano and transports MTB at staff discretion. Between Lugano and Rivera there are many trains offering limited MTB transport services; find out in time what restrictions apply!
Information for e-MTB: link to the map containing the positions of the charging stations along the route!
With indicative times adapted to the electric MTB.
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Related Excursions
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Notes
You are free to interrupt/deviate from the route as you wish but bear are in mind that not all the public transports lines transport MTB throughout the day. For the longer routes we advise you to consider staying overnight in the various lodgings scattered across the area, some of which are equipped with ad hoc services for the lovers of the two wheels.
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Signalization
Unlike the official trails, our selection of routes does not feature one-way signage; this of course means that you will need to take great care when riding. In some sections you can find signage which may provide additional information and/or confirmation but bear in mind that it may be misleading. So, for this reason too, we would strongly advise you to do the following:
1. Download the GPS data provided, print the sheet attached to every proposal and download the free SwitzerlandMobility app which allows you to accurately find out where you are. It also contains the official MTB network. We would also advise you to get hold of Lugano Region’s official MTB map which does not include the “Monte Tamaro” routes but the official riding trails. It is also for sale at the Rivera cable car departure station.
2. Before setting out on the excursion, find out what level of technical and physical effort is required.
3. Be prepared for any eventuality before you set off and treat the routes with respect; plan ahead and in detail.
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Related activities
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Mountain Bike
Monte Tamaro – Up & down to the lake
Out of all six Monte Tamaro trails this circular route is the one that offers the smoothest ride down from the mountain to the plains below. It also affords an overview of how much this lush area has to offer.
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Mountain Bike
Monte Tamaro – Chestnuts trail
While riding this circular route, you’ll be struck by the extensive chestnut forests and the epic appeal of majestic Monte Tamaro with its breath-taking panorama. You’ll also be full of admiration for nature’s handiwork which in the Maglio del Malcantone area is particularly enthralling.
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Mountain Bike
Monte Tamaro – In the heart of the hills
This circular route allows you to get to the heart of the Malcantonearea, enabling you to experience some of its most stimulating trails. Natural landscapes, the countryside and culture in a unique MTB route.
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Mountain Bike
Monte Tamaro – Hills and mountains, rivers and lake
A circular route created so that in just one tour, mountain bikers can appreciate just how alluring and picturesque this hilly terrain is, with its panoramic mountains (Tamaro and Monte Lema) to marvel at. You can also ride alongside the scenic Magliasina and Vedeggio rivers down to the point where they flow into the famous lake.
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Mountain Bike
Monte Tamaro – On the traces of Lugano Bike
This circular route combines the final two stages of the beautiful, well-known Lugano Bike Nr. 66, enabling you to discover the region known as Malcantone. The final section across flat terrain makes it easy to get back to the starting point while enjoying the area’s particular geographical features.
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Mountain Bike
Monte Tamaro Bike – Nr. 362
This loop trail is quite an experience: the ascent from Alpe Foppa to Capanna Tamaro is rough, but the fantastic views of the valley, Lake Lugano and Lago Maggiore are worth the effort. The long downhill ride through forests and across alps to the Vedeggio River in the valley is a technical challenge.
