SI N03

A long stage with a significant elevation gain leads to the enchanting village of Castelluccio di Norcia, overlooking its famous Piano Grande from above. Starting from Madonna delle Coste, the ascent heads towards the hill between Monte Ciambella and Costa Castelluccia, reaching Forca dei Capelli at an elevation of 1625 meters. Continuing north, the route skirts the Pantani and gains the namesake Forca, then follows the boundary of the Sibillini Mountains National Park until reaching Rifugio Genziana. Here, one enters the territory of the Forca Canapine ski resort, passing by Rifugio Colle le Cese, Rifugio Monti del Sole, and near Rifugio Perugia. At this point, there is a view over Piano Grande, which is navigated at a mid-slope level along the peaks that define its western side. After a long series of ups and downs, dominating the plain from one side, you reach Castelluccio.