Passo di Monte Carbonè

Passo di Monte Carboné

Around Entracque in the border region between Italy and France, there are countless fortifications from the Second World War, which today form an extraordinary network of trails for mountain bikers. One of the top tours rides up to the Passo di Monte Carbonè with a unique trail descent.

Description

The starting point of this enduro tour is the village of San Giacomo and the Rifugio San Giacomo. From here, the route initially leads a few meters on asphalt, later on gravel over a former military road, past barracks that are now used for tourism, and steadily uphill along the river. With moderate and medium gradients, you slowly work your way up. In the area of Pra del Rasur, with its alpine pastures and agricultural land, the valley widens and offers breathtaking views.

From the Gias sottano del Vei del Bouc, an Alpini trail or Mulattiera trail leads further uphill. Sections are still rideable, but due to the steep climbs, the bike occasionally has to be pushed. At Lago del Vei del Bouc, an impressive mountain lake that is perfectly embedded in the landscape, you turn left and follow an initially somewhat dilapidated military path that continues uphill in countless hairpin bends. Meter by meter, you fight your way up until you finally reach the saddle or pass crossing Passo di Monte Carbonè. This is where the bike tour ends. The summit can be climbed on foot, but is very exposed and requires caution. Ibex can often be seen warming up in the sun or making their rounds, especially in a northerly direction.

The descent begins surrounded by a magnificent mountain panorama with a view of Lago della Roccia. The level of difficulty is between S2 and S3, and the sometimes steeper sections should not be underestimated. Concentration and an active position on the bike are essential to master the sometimes trial-heavy passages. Above the Lago del Vei del Bouc, the path has deteriorated in places, meaning that the bike has to be pushed occasionally.

Finally, you reach the mountain lake again and continue the descent on the ascent route. The level of difficulty here is around S2, and the meters in altitude just fly by during the descent. Back in the alpine pasture area, you roll down the transfer road to the starting point.

Conclusion: All in all, a very inviting short tour, which is particularly attractive in autumn when the vegetation is ablaze with bright colors.

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.