MOUNTAIN BIKE
Dozens of kilometers of trails, military and forest roads, single tracks, technical climbs and descents: discovering the Maira Valley by mountain bike is a fascinating experience that will satisfy everyone, from beginner bikers to the most experienced cycle-alpinists and freeriders.
Below is a selection of itineraries starting from Campo Base, or requiring only short transfers. Riders are free to mix, modify, and vary the suggested routes, following one of the many trails that cross the forests and slopes.
BELLINO MOUNT
One of the highest roads in the Alps, a summit close to 3,000 meters, and an endless, spectacular downhill single track: these are the ingredients of this MTB super classic in the upper valley — a must in every biker’s curriculum.
Grade: BC/BC+ (S2), 32 km, elevation gain: 1,600 m, rideability: 95%.
ORONAYE TOUR
Three valleys, two countries, and everything you could ask for in an MTB tour: rideable yet demanding climbs, gravel roads and single tracks, some technical sections, and 1,400 meters of downhill trail with an exceptionally varied mix of terrain and landscapes.
Grade: BC/OC (S3), 40 km, elevation gain: 1,900 m, rideability: 85% (ascent), 90% (descent).
COLLE DI RUI
A route of exceptional scenic value, with the descent facing the Castello–Provenzale massif. Ascent on the military road of Bellino, portage through the wild Val Fissela, and a spectacular descent to Chiappera.
Grade: OC/OC (S3), elevation gain: 1,420 m, 27 km, rideability: 75% (ascent), 90% (descent).
COLLE D'ENCHIAUSA
A true “Grande Course” of cycle-alpinism: a long climb from forests to glacial terrain, and a long descent through the pastures of the Altopiano delle Munie and the harsh Valle di Enchiausa — technically very demanding.
Grade: OC/OC (S3), 34 km, elevation gain: 1,910 m, rideability: 75% (ascent), 85% (descent).
SOUBEYRAN AND VISAISA LAKE
Launch yourself from the summit cross of Soubeyran down 1,200 meters of technical single-track descent, with an exceptional view over two of the most beautiful lakes in the Maira Valley.
Grade: BC/OC+ (S3/S4), 24 km, elevation gain: 1,250 m, rideability: 85%.
MANIGLIA TOUR
Long, demanding, with plenty of portage over Colle Maurin, Colle dell’Autaret, and Colle di Bellino, featuring single tracks as tough on the way up as they are thrilling on the way down, with perfect alpine meadow terrain!
Grade: OC/BC (S2), 28 km, elevation gain: 1,940 m, rideability: 30% (ascent), 95% (descent).
CHAMBEYRON TOUR
A splendid high-altitude itinerary easily done in three days, with overnight stays in the charming village of Saint-Ours and at the Refuge du Chambeyron. An exceptional ride between Maira and Ubaye, which can be further enriched by the ascent to Colle Gippiera and Lago dei Nove Colori, nestled between the Brec and the Aiguille de Chambeyron.
MANGIOIA TOUR
A spectacular two-day tour in a unique high-mountain environment, with a technical variety of terrain and difficulty that matches the diversity of landscapes and settings encountered along the way. From Chianale, the tour can naturally be extended with one of the many routes starting from this jewel of the Upper Varaita Valley, such as the classic Passo della Losetta.
COLLE SARASIN AND PUNTA COLOUR
Through the high pastures on the sunny side of the valley, between Acceglio and Prazzo, with a beautiful climb on a dirt road and an exhilarating descent along the ancient mule tracks of Ussolo. An ideal outing for warm autumn days.
Grade: MC+/BC (S2), 20 km, elevation gain: 970 m, rideability: 95% (ascent), 95% (descent).
GARDETTA
A fantastic plateau at over two thousand meters, with the dizzying cliffs of Rocca la Meja rising above the lush green pastures — once the floor of a tropical sea, now the perfect terrain for Mountain Biking. The military road that crosses the entire plateau offers countless route options, for all tastes and skill levels.
WATERFALLS TOUR
A gentle ride between the Stroppia Waterfalls and the Castello–Provenzale, suitable for the whole family.
Grade: TC, 8.5 km, elevation gain: 350 meters.
COLLE CIARBONET
A spectacular military road, the beautiful hamlets of the Vallone dell’Unerzio, and a descent through the larches facing Rocca Provenzale are the ingredients of a short but very rewarding tour!
Grade: MC/BC (S2), 27 km, elevation gain: 1,260 m, rideability: 100% (ascent), 95% (descent).
THE NAPOLEONIC ROUTE OF MARMORA
A short but intense tour through the hamlets of the Vallone di Marmora, splendid examples of traditional Alpine architecture, and a fun single track descending from Colle dell’Encucetta to the Maira riverbed.
Grade: BC/BC (S2), 20 km, elevation gain: 1,000 m, rideability: 95% (ascent), 95% (descent).
THE NAPOLEONIC ROUTE OF ELVA AND STROPPO
An ideal tour for autumn and spring, on the sunny side of the valley, with a long paved climb toward Colle di Sampeyre and a descent along the ancient Strada dei Cannoni, an 18th-century creation by military engineer Ignazio Bertola.
Grade: MC/BC (S2), 23 km, elevation gain: 1,220 m, rideability: 100% (ascent and descent).
COLLE SAN MICHELE AND COLLE BETTONE
A varied and demanding tour, both uphill and downhill: a long climb on asphalt, dirt road, and single track; a descent through the larch forest; the crossing of the Elva basin; and the final descent along the Napoleonic Route of San Martino make this an unmissable ride, best enjoyed in the autumn months.
Grade: BC/BC (S2), 31 km, elevation gain: 1,600 m, rideability: 95% (ascent), 95% (descent).
Mountain sports are potentially dangerous activities and should only be undertaken with the proper equipment and preparation. We recommend checking the weather and avalanche forecasts before setting off on a hike and/or contacting a guide for accompaniment. Campo Base S.r.l. disclaims any responsibility for the advice and itineraries provided here, which should be personally assessed based on weather and snow conditions.
Gli itinerari sono segnalati dagli Accompagnatori Cicloturistici di DR Cycling Tours.
Ricorda: gran parte dei sentieri proposti sono molto frequentati dagli escursionisti a piedi! Moderare la velocità e dare loro precedenza è il modo migliore per consentire a tutti di fruire la montagna in sicurezza e divertimento.