Monte Sighignola / Balcone d'Italia from Melano

Demanding ramps right from the start, but the stretch between the two customs offices is a classy leg-breaker (fortunately just beyond the border it eases off). The views are spectacular at the top and on a weekday morning there was not too much traffic either.

I find this climb more abundant than starting from the mills. Passing through Rovio the gradients are still hyper demanding but less aggressive than the parallel alternative. It is very impressive, especially on the way to Rovio, then after Arogno you enter the forest with gradients between 10/15％. The view at the top repays

The altimetry presented does not do the route justice... After customs there is a section of hairpin bends of around 300-400 metres with peaks around 20％. There is also a short section at the Arogno crossroads at 15％. Not a particularly scenic but athletically challenging climb, so know what you are getting into before you tackle it. I would emphasise that the section from Lanzo to Sighignola has recently been resurfaced and the surface is now perfect.

Nice climb, two very steep sections just before and just after the Swiss customs, otherwise quite rideable. The asphalt from Lanzo to the summit has just been resurfaced, in this section the road is now perfect.

A classic climber's climb that is very famous in the area, it is considered one of several graduation tests for those living in and around Como.

Alternative ascent to the one from Maroggia, sharing the middle and final parts
The part up to the customs post (unattended) is really demanding.
The ascent to the Sighignola has a rather ruined asphalt surface, be careful on the descent
Possibility of refreshments on arrival, fountains present in the villages crossed.