Passo del Cuvignone from Casalzuigno

Only cycled downhill here, but definitely worth taking a rest in Arcumeggia. The cobblestones make it almost impossible to walk around here in cycling shoes, but the village is dotted with murals.

The Cuvignone can be done from two different starts, from Casalzuigno via Arcumeggia and from Cittiglio. Although the latter is the more emblazoned section, the former, for both altimetric and logistical reasons, is interesting. The arrival in Arcumeggia, in fact, gives the possibility of filling up the water bottle and 'feeling' the leg before tackling the toughest part of the climb. Because, while it is true that up to the S. Antonio junction the climb is not particularly difficult, from there on the slopes become steep, with an average of 9％ and few stretches where you can breathe. The road is narrow, the ground is dirt, and it is almost all in the shade, which makes it preferable especially for those who want to tackle it in the summer.
For this reason, the ascent does not offer great views, except for a couple of brief glimpses where the lake can be seen.
The descent to Cittiglio is particularly technical, and also requires a lot of attention due to the increased presence of car traffic.
Nevertheless, it remains a mythical climb of the Varese Pre-Alps, and one that absolutely must be done.

It is said that the toughest slope is from Cittiglio but don't trust me I would put them on a par.
The climb is mostly covered by vegetation, so in the summer you will be cycling in the shade, and at the top the panorama is practically absent, so if you love climbs with breathtaking views, forget it, it is not for you, unless you stop three kilometres from the summit to see the lake in the few glimpses that the climb offers.