4.6
(42)
318
riders
15
rides
Mountain biking around Valdieri offers diverse terrain within the Gesso Valley, situated in the Protected Areas of the Maritime Alps. The landscape features granite mountains, including peaks over 3,000 meters, and numerous alpine lakes. Trails often include technical paths with roots and challenging sections, providing varied riding experiences. This region is known for its rich biodiversity and well-developed networks of mountain bike trails.
Last updated: June 23, 2026
4.3
(16)
89
riders
26.1km
03:13
1,130m
1,130m
The Colle dell'Arpione Loop is a difficult mountain biking route, covering 16.2 miles (26.1 km) with a significant 3700 feet (1128 metres) of elevation gain. You can expect to complete this challenging ride in about 3 hours and 13 minutes. The trail winds through a green natural environment, often described as an oasis of peace, with terrain shifting from gravel roads to technical singletrack sections. You'll ride through beautiful beech forests, ascending towards Colle dell'Arpione where grand views await before a fun descent. The experience is demanding but rewarding for experienced riders.
This route is considered a difficult mountain biking challenge, requiring a high level of fitness and advanced riding skills. Be prepared for technical sections where you might need to push your bike. It serves as an excellent training route if you are an experienced rider looking for a significant challenge. Plan your visit during suitable weather conditions for mountain biking in the Alps, as the demanding terrain can be affected by adverse weather.
This loop is situated within the stunning Parco Naturale delle Alpi Marittime, offering an immersive ride through its diverse landscapes. After reaching Colle dell'Arpione, the trail descends into the Desertetto valley, located at the edge of the natural park. The varied terrain and natural beauty make this a notable route for those seeking a substantial mountain biking adventure in the region.
4.8
(10)
91
riders
33.2km
03:38
1,150m
1,150m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.

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4.3
(3)
20
riders
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
5.0
(1)
14
riders
11.3km
01:46
760m
760m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
8
riders
38.0km
06:30
1,920m
1,920m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
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You can get there starting from Valdieri or Entracque
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https://youtu.be/hC4eceIyyMw?si=515BXh8fRIHsMTkt The climb to Valasco by mountain bike is arduous, not because it's steep, but because the otherwise wide path was built with large stones.
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https://youtu.be/hC4eceIyyMw?si=515BXh8fRIHsMTkt As Mandu wrote, rocky and easy all the way to the refuge
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https://youtu.be/hC4eceIyyMw?si=515BXh8fRIHsMTkt The red rocks give the area its extraordinary charm.
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https://youtu.be/hC4eceIyyMw?si=515BXh8fRIHsMTkt Beautiful high valley, absolutely flat, but the paths are quite rocky and bumpy.
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https://youtu.be/hC4eceIyyMw?si=515BXh8fRIHsMTkt A lot of activity on the way up to Rifugio Valasco
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Beautiful alpine lake in the Gesso valley, nearby we find the Livio Bianco refuge. Continuing on the mule track you could climb to the upper lake and the Valletta hill
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Valdieri offers a network of nearly 20 mountain bike trails. These routes cater to various skill levels, from moderate to difficult, allowing riders to explore the diverse terrain of the Gesso Valley and the Maritime Alps.
The mountain bike trails around Valdieri range from moderate to difficult. Out of the 18 available routes, 8 are classified as moderate and 9 as difficult. These often include technical paths with roots and challenging sections, requiring good fitness and advanced riding skills for the more demanding routes.
While many trails in Valdieri are moderate to difficult, there is at least one easy mountain bike route available. Riders new to the area or looking for a less strenuous experience should check individual route details on komoot to find the best fit for their skill level.
You can expect diverse terrain, from technical paths with roots and challenging sections to sunny pastures and fresh beech forests. The routes traverse the dramatic Maritime Alps, featuring granite mountains and numerous alpine lakes, offering varied riding experiences and stunning natural landscapes.
Valdieri's trails offer views of the dramatic Maritime Alps, alpine lakes, and the rich biodiversity of the Gesso Valley. You might encounter the beautiful Valasco Plateau, or pass by the Riserva Naturale delle Grotte del Bandito, a natural reserve featuring the only cave system in the Gesso Valley.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 60 reviews. Mountain bikers often praise the challenging technical descents, the stunning alpine scenery, and the rewarding loops that explore the Gesso Valley and its natural beauty.
Yes, Valdieri offers several excellent circular mountain bike routes. For example, the Colle dell'Arpione Loop is a popular difficult route known for its technical descents. Another challenging option is the Entracque – Ponte di Porcera loop from Valdieri, which requires good fitness and advanced skills.
The best time for mountain biking in Valdieri is generally from late spring through early autumn. During these months, the weather is more stable, and the trails are typically free of snow, allowing access to the higher alpine routes. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.
Beyond the natural beauty, Valdieri has historical roots dating back to the Bronze Age. You can find sites like the Ruins of Castello Bolleris, or explore the nearby town of Vinadio, which offers a glimpse into the region's past. The Valasco Hut itself was once a hunting lodge of Vittorio Emanuele II of Savoy.
Yes, Terme di Valdieri, located at 1,368 meters above sea level, is a key hub offering natural thermal springs and is a good base for exploring. You can find accommodation and other amenities there. The Valasco Hut also provides a stopping point for many excursions into the lateral or upper valleys.
Valdieri is situated within the Protected Areas of the Maritime Alps. While general access to trails is usually open, it's always advisable to check with the local tourism office or the park authority for any specific regulations or permits that might apply to certain protected zones or routes, especially for larger groups or organized events.
For those seeking longer rides, the Chapel of Desertetto – Colle dell'Arpione loop from Valdieri covers approximately 17 miles (27 km) with significant elevation gain. Another substantial option is the Lago di Valscura – Valasco Hut loop from Terme di Valdieri, which is about 15 miles (24 km) long and features challenging alpine scenery.


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