Colle della Bicocca

The round tour from Sampeyre in Valle Varaita to the legendary Strada dei Cannoni and the trail descent over the Colle della Bicocca is one of the most scenically impressive and technically rewarding undertakings in the Western Alps.

Description

You start in Sampeyre. From here, you cycle uphill on asphalt and later on a forest road with a steady, easy gradient. Tip: If you want to save energy, you can alternatively use the chairlift as a shuttle to Colle di Sampeyre (note opening times!). At Colle di Sampeyre (approx. 2300 meters above sea level), you change from Valle Varaita to Valle Maira and follow the Strada dei Cannoni - a historic, panoramic military road that is one of the most impressive high-altitude trails in the region. With views of the striking Monviso, Monte Pelvo and far into the Piedmontese mountains, the route continues to Colle Terziere and finally to Colle della Bicocca.

This is where the descent begins - initially through open Alpine pastures, later through dense larch forests. The trail winds its way through countless hairpin bends, repeatedly interrupted by root passages and rocky sections. Technically, the route is mostly in the S2 range, but remains easy to ride throughout and offers lots of fun. The destination is Borgata Chiesa, a small, idyllic village.

Important note: The high altitudes around the Strada dei Cannoni are used for agriculture - grazing cattle and shepherd dogs are to be expected. If you encounter them, give them a wide berth on foot.

The way back to Sampeyre leads along a mixture of side roads, trail cut-offs and short asphalt passages, past small hamlets and along paths with little traffic - a harmonious end to an impressive tour.

To view the detailed tour description, the topo map, the altitude profile and to download the GPX track, you need a user account on Ride-mtb.com with a subscription. Log in now or become a subscriber.