The project
The San Giacomo pass has a strong symbolic value for the area in which it is located, in fact it can be considered an umbilical cord of intense cultural and commercial exchanges between the two regions. Today, even more so, from the point of view of leisure and sport.
The project involves the construction of a stopping point for cyclists with some beds that will serve as a support on a hiking trail that will be even more popular with the development of the cycle path.
The new cycle path corresponds to the missing link in a route that from Airolo, at the foot of the Gotthard Pass, will arrive as far as Lake Maggiore from where numerous other connections can open up. The route will be signposted for about 80 kilometers and in the Italian part it will wind from Formazza along the Antigorio Valley up to Domodossola. 30 e-bikes will also be purchased and charging and delivery points for the rented vehicles positioned.
The future
The route will be signposted for about 80 kilometers and in the Italian part it will wind from Formazza along the Antigorio Valley up to Domodossola. 30 e-bikes will also be purchased and charging and delivery points for the rented vehicles positioned. «We are sure it was a more than spot on choice, tourism linked to the bicycle is increasingly widespread and is less inclined towards a hit and run conception. To be reborn, our valley also needs this, an increasingly sustainable tourism that is harmonized with the environment» concludes the mayor of Formazza, Papa.
The remaking of the paths
In addition, the itineraries subject to enhancement are already signaled and used, no new construction interventions are planned. The upgrading interventions are concentrated on the existing track or path (in the case of the Swiss section) and essentially consist in the restoration of the water regulation works, in the control and arrangement of erosion phenomena, in the restoration of the collapsed retaining walls as per the pre-existing typology, without soil alteration and minimal earthworks. The accommodations provide for naturalistic engineering techniques with the use of natural materials (stone and wood). The arrangement and regularization of the walking surface does not involve the use of materials (asphalt and bitumen) that reduce its permeability.
The Riale-Passo San Giacomo track will continue to be closed to vehicular traffic except for refugees, mountaineers, dam personnel and the collective transport shuttle with bike trolley.
The statements
“Thanks to this itinerary, mountain bike enthusiasts will be able to reach Ossola on the pedals from the internal cantons of Switzerland. Moreover, the post-pandemic scenario foresees an increase in the demand for outdoor tourism. For the territory it is a new opportunity to be able to generate an employment induced.”
Francesco Gaiardelli, Tourist District of the Lakes
“The barracks, abandoned for decades and now in very bad condition, will be completely redone. It is impossible to recover something existing. The project involves the creation of a support point for those who will face the crossing on two wheels from Italy to Switzerland.”
Bruna Papa, Mayor of Formazza
