Guided MTB tour on the Gardetta roads
Guided e-MTB Tour through the Gardetta Plateau
On Saturday, October 3, as part of the Maira Occitan Trail, certified cycling guide Pietro Agnese invites participants to join a free guided e-MTB tour along one of the most spectacular routes in the Maira Valley. Participants are only responsible for the e-MTB rental (if needed) and lunch.
This unforgettable e-bike excursion will take you through the breathtaking landscapes of the Gardetta Plateau, Colle Fauniera, Rocca la Meja, and other iconic places rich in Alpine history and Occitan culture. Discover the valley at a relaxed pace, accompanied by a local guide who knows these mountains inside and out and shares their stories every day.
Below is the programme for the day.
e-MTB Tour: Discover the Most Spectacular Views of the Maira Valley
A unique experience combining nature, history, and adventure as you ride an e-bike along one of the Maira Valley’s most scenic routes, accompanied by a certified cycling guide.
Programme
8:30 am – Meet in Marmora
Welcome at the Tourist Consortium office, e-bike and helmet distribution, route briefing, and preparation for departure.
9:00 am – Start of the tour
Departure from Marmora, immediately entering the beautiful alpine scenery of the Vallone di Marmora.
11:00 am – Lake Resile
Stop at the picturesque Lake Resile, a small glacial lake nestled among the mountains. From here we’ll also enjoy views of the famous “King of Stone” – Monviso, the mountain where Italy’s longest river, the Po, begins.
11:30 am – Ride towards Rifugio Fauniera
We continue across high-altitude alpine pastures, surrounded by stunning scenery that reveals a new panorama around every bend.
1:00 pm – Lunch at Rifugio Fauniera
Lunch break at the mountain refuge, located at 2,300 metres above sea level. From here we’ll enjoy sweeping views over the Cuneo Plain and, on clear days, as far as the Langhe hills and the Ligurian Prealps.
2:00 pm – Colle Fauniera
After lunch we’ll reach Colle Fauniera, one of the most famous climbs in international cycling. We’ll stop at the monument dedicated to Marco Pantani, one of Italy’s greatest cycling champions.
2:45 pm – Colle della Bandìa
The route continues on unpaved roads. We’ll pause to visit the two 19th-century military barracks at Colle della Bandìa, together with the nearby World War II bunkers, part of the extensive Alpine defensive fortification system.
3:00 pm – Rocca la Meja
Photo stop beneath the spectacular Rocca la Meja, the unmistakable symbol of the Gardetta Plateau.
4:45 pm – Colle del Preit and return to Marmora
We’ll reach Colle del Preit, where the route returns to paved roads, before enjoying a pleasant descent back to Marmora, bringing to a close a day filled with unforgettable scenery and memorable experiences.
Costs
- Lunch: Planned, currently being finalized.
- e-MTB and helmet rental: €55 (VAT included)
Information and Bookings
Dronero Tourist Office
Phone: +39 0171 917080 / + 39 379 1789427
Address: Piazza XX Settembre 3, Dronero
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 9:00 am–12:30 pm and 2:00 pm–5:30 pm
More information: https://www.mairaoccitantrail.it/en/contacts/