Monte Taou Blanc

Monte Taou Blanc (3438 m above sea level) is a breathtaking all-mountain tour in the heart of the Western Alps that is one of the best in the Alps.

Description

The starting point of the tour is the Rifugio Guido Muzio, picturesquely situated above the man-made Lago di Ceresole, whose reservoir was built in the 1930s. Right from the start, the route offers a spectacular panorama that steadily intensifies as you gain altitude on asphalt - until you reach the next impressive reservoir, Lago Serrù.

The Valle Orco, nestled in the border area with France, unfolds its full scenic splendor at the far end of the valley - a place that is difficult to put into words. The route continues uphill to the Rifugio Città di Chiavasso and the Laghi del Nivolet, where you leave the gravel road. From here, the high alpine section begins: the bike is now pushed in sections or pedaled with a lot of effort.

The landscape becomes increasingly barren and dramatic, you break through the 3000-metre mark before reaching the highest point of the tour with Monte Taou Blanc (3438 meters above sea level). The air is thin, the view is far-reaching - the summit offers a 360° panorama that stretches as far as the glaciers to the north. The modest summit cross indicates this: You really have arrived in the high mountains here.

The descent begins spectacularly: over rock slabs, fine gravel and alpine trails, you first surf down to Colle Leynir with difficulty S2 / S3. The trail runs far above the vegetation line and offers countless photo opportunities as well as first-class views. This is followed by a varied descent in which you cross the pass road several times and glide steadily downhill on beautiful trail sections - always at S1-S2 level, which makes the route attractive even for less technically experienced riders.

At the height of Lago Agnel, you come across a former military road, which allows for an easy, flowing downhill to Torrente Orco. After crossing the river, another rewarding section of trail completes the tour and takes you directly back to the Rifugio Guido Muzio.

Conclusion: This high alpine tour with almost 2000 meters of altitude difference is one of the most impressive tours in the entire Alpine region. Technically moderate, but with outstanding scenery, it offers an experience for fit bikers with a love of the rugged beauty of the mountains.

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