Alpe Pradecolo from Colmegna

Honestly, I tackled it from Colmegna via the hallucinating Via Toretta that climbs to Agra very sharply with very hostile gradients (even close to 20％) and from Luino that rejoins the road that climbs from Colmegna between Dumenza and Runo. The ascent is characterized by the last 7 km when after Due Cossani you reach a crossroads with the road going up to Alpe Pradecolo on the right. From that point begins a very challenging climb with gradients at least for the first 4.5 km never below 8％ and often and continuously between 10 and 11％. In the first km the small road is completely immersed in the forest and is characterized by an endless series of hairpin bends also equipped with mirrors to check who is approaching in the opposite direction. The roadway is very narrow and not always in perfect condition. When you reach Alpe Pianello, you pause for a moment for a few hundred meters before resuming climbing sharply near a Benedictine monastery. From this point to the end of the ascent there are little more than 2 km remaining, however challenging, until the end near Rifugio Campiglio where the asphalt ends. The view from the terrace of the hut/bar/restaurant is magnificent over Lake Maggiore and the Alps all the way to Monte Rosa. For those who would like to try something really extreme, I recommend continuing to Curiglia and then going up to Curiglia'Alpone di Curiglia, a climb that climbfinder does not accept because it is closed to traffic but passable for those who dare even with a BdC, at least until Sarona, then it becomes a badly paved mule track. By MTB it is possible to rejoin at the Pradecolo Alp'Alpe Pradecolo.

Beautiful climb, definitely tough, the last 6 kilometers you don't get below 9%. View at the top is fantastic. Reasonable asphalt, but descend slowly because of the hairpin turns and narrow road. Very little traffic.

Beautiful indeed beautiful, encore!!! I will return there. Discovered by pure chance, I particularly suffered it because of the San Martino in my legs. The Ascent is very smooth with numerous hairpin bends. The first two km scenic then inside in the woods you lose the lake. You find it again at the top with a breathtaking view. Super friendly and recommended hut at the top. Asphalt very acceptable , counting the impervious place. Probably super to do in summer!

beautiful climb from colmegna, quite demanding right from the start, alternating between hard climbs and a few passages to take a break. in the first part you pass through some very pretty villages. the last 7 km are instead woodland, with many hairpin bends, the average gradient is high but fairly regular so you struggle less than expected. this part is beautiful. the asphalt is a little worn but the traffic is almost zero. at the top there is a refuge where you can eat on the terrace with a spectacular view over the lake

Last 7km is a steep climb through the forest. Nice view from the Rifugio at the top

One of the most beautiful climbs in the Varesotto region and perhaps in the entire Insubria region. After five streets, you climb up a narrow forest road with narrow hairpin bends, not very busy and somewhat untidy. The view from the Pradecolo Elk is sublime.