Ala - Balme nature trail

Ala - Balme nature trail Oct. 2 with Roberto, nice fall outing in Val d'Ala, 30 km with about 1000 meters elevation gain, mostly dirt terrain with few stones, classifiable MC+/MC. It starts on the orographic right of the Stura d'Ala River. The most spectacular passages are the short portage section before the Gorgia di Mondrone and the Gorgia itself with the 14-meter-long bridge initially made of wood (erected by Cai Torino in 1878) and recently updated with modern technology mixed with wooden parts. Magnificent then is the view of the Uja di Mondrone, the "Matterhorn" of the Val d'Ala, with the first winter ascent (1874) in the southern Graian Alps. Continuing to the orographic right of the Stura d'Ala, we also meet a group of riders and horses. The stretch from Balme to Pian della Mussa on dirt road is not very rideable, there are many ramps. The asphalt stretch to Pian della Mussa is made a little difficult by the strong wind, but the view of the snow-covered Bessanese and the open Refuge give us energy. After the polenta and stew stop we enjoy the descent with few technical passages and entrances into pretty hamlets such as Cornetti di Balme and Tomà. From Mondrone we descend on the orographic left to Ala.