Passo di San Chiaffredo

Passo di San Chiaffredo (Valle Maira)

There are some hidden trail gems to be found in Val Varaita, whereby the alpine tour to Passo di San Chiaffredo with its seemingly endless carrying section is a tough nut to crack - but makes up for it with a varied and panoramic trail descent.

Description

The tour starts in the picturesque village of Casteldelfino in Valle Varaita. At the beginning, you follow the local road up the valley at a leisurely incline until you reach the Pontechianale reservoir. From there, the route continues towards the Vallanta Gorge - now with a much steeper ascent, especially in the section up to the Grange Gheit.

At an altitude of around 1950 meters above sea level, the mountain bike is barely rideable. The long and challenging ascent to the highest point of the tour at around 2800 meters above sea level is done on foot - partly pushing, partly carrying. But the effort is worth it: the scenery along this section is at its most impressive. Lago Bertin in particular, picturesquely nestled between bizarre rock formations, is a highlight of this tour. The upright stone structures and the wild, almost mystical mountain panorama are also fascinating further up. The highest point is reached at the Passo di San Chiaffredo at 2764 meters above sea level. From here, you can enjoy impressive views of the surrounding high mountain landscape.

The descent is long, technically demanding and requires safe riding on trails of difficulty S3. Again and again, you pass through blocked passages that require a high level of concentration and precise line choice. Smoother sections provide some respite, but the hairpin bends in particular demand your full attention.

A traverse to the south begins at Pian Meyer, which also remains technically challenging. The difficulty only decreases somewhat in the Lago Secco area - here the trails are in the S2 range. The entire descent impresses with its variety: rugged rocky landscapes, alpine lakes, pine forests and finally sparse stands of larches lead back to lower altitudes. The circular route ends in Casteldelfino.

Note: This tour rides through high alpine terrain. The composition of the trail can change significantly in changeable weather conditions. Good preparation, surefootedness and alpine experience are essential.

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