Colle delle Fenestrelle

The Colle delle Fenestrelle is located in the Parco Naturale delle Alpi Marittime and dates back to the fortification line of the Vallo Alpino, although the paths have since been transformed into usable mountain bike trails.

Description

We start in the small hamlet of San Giacomo. Between a small rifugio, a bar and a few houses as well as a parking lot, there is not really much here apart from a legendary landscape with completely intact nature. The uphill over a gravel road along the stream allows bikers to immerse themselves deeper and deeper in the national park, before heading right at Gias del Praiet, partly pedaling and then pushing, up to Colle delle Fenestrelle. The pass crossing at almost 2500 meters above sea level is a real highlight when it comes to alpine biking. Sweeping views towards Bacino del Chiotas and southwards to the last 3,000-metre peaks before the Alps fade into the sea leave nothing to be desired.

The trail descent is just as undemanding. At difficulty levels S1 and S2, the route descends steadily on typical military trails. Between long flow passages in the intermediate section, there are always hairpin bends. In this style, you wind your way back down to the Gias del Praiet. Afterwards, the route briefly descends on the gravel road before reaching a few trail cut-offs, which are quite a challenge. At difficulty levels S3 to S4, you have to prove once again whether you have what it takes for a flawless descent. If this is too technical for the biker, a bypass on the gravel road is also possible.

Note: a crossing to the north would be possible, but offers no trail descent from Lago della Rovina - so all the meters would have to be destroyed on asphalt and then climbed again on asphalt in order to complete a round trip.

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