Monte Bicco: how to get there and trails

Where Monte Bicco is located

The summit towers over Frontignano, a hamlet of Ussita, in the Sibillini National Park. The Bicco ridge curves down to the north as far as the mouth of the val di Bove, a glacial cirque shaped by the glaciers that once covered the area.

How to get to Monte Bicco

The starting point is Frontignano, a few kilometers from Ussita. From the village, take the SP134 toward Castelsantangelo sul Nera and, at the junction, follow the signs for Frontignano. Leave the car in the Frontignano parking area, at about 1,350 m.

The Selvapiana and Cornaccione chairlifts are not running. The lifts in operation change with the season. It is therefore best to check on the lifts before setting out and to plan on walking up from the bottom.

Trails and hikes on Monte Bicco

The most complete route is the Val di Bove loop, marked E8, which the Park routes along trails 257, 272, 271 bis, 271 and 270. It is about 14.4 km long, with about 1,230 m of elevation gain and about 5 hours of walking from Frontignano, and is graded EE (experienced hikers). From a saddle just below the summit, a short detour leads to the top. The loop then continues toward Monte Bove Sud. Until December 31, 2026, route E8 is subject to the ban on passage, including on foot, issued by the Comune di Ussita with ordinance no. 48 of August 25, 2026 for the construction site of the Frontignano-Cornaccione gondola lift.

A shorter alternative is the Bicco ridge loop, which also starts from Frontignano: until December 31, 2026, check with the Park whether it is affected by the ban. The last stretch is demanding: it is exposed and has crumbly rock steps, so a minimum of confidence on rock is needed. With snow the ridge is more delicate, and in winter crampons and an ice axe are needed.

When to visit Monte Bicco

The Bicco is visited all year round. In summer, hikers walk the trails and the south-facing slabs. In winter the mountain is interesting for mountaineering and is a ski mountaineering destination. The route runs above 1,700 m on the ridge and is exposed in places. Before setting out, check the weather and snow conditions.

What to see near Monte Bicco

From the summit there are views of the val di Bove and the peaks of the Bove group, where chamois can be spotted. Along the trails stands the Cristo delle Nevi, a statue at about 1,830 m overlooking the valley. Before counting on the mountain hut next to the statue, check whether it is open.

Nearby summits include Monte Bove Nord (2,112 m), Monte Bove Sud (2,169 m) and Monte Cornaccione (1,769 m). Another loop links the Bicco to Cima di Passo Cattivo and Cima di Vallinfante. An overview of the other summits is on the page the peaks of the Sibillini Mountains.