Monte Bellino 2.942 m. - Val Maira

This is one of the long classic mtb trails, repeatedly traveled and described on gulliver, mtb mag and other sites. It is a first for Giovanni B. and me.

The numbers of the trip are: Elevation gain 1600 m, Distance 34 km, Duration 5 hours total drive, 4 hours uphill and 2 hours downhill, 1 1/2 hours of various stops.

Emotions are many: the company of John B, Teddy and Nicolò on numerous ski mountaineering trips, the third mtb trip with John B. Ascent on asphalt for 4-5 km with continuation to Madonna delle Grazie at about 2000 m altitude. Wide dirt road that makes us turn left and allows us to see towering Rocca Meja and continue into the valley with herds and flocks scattered on the wide valley burnished september.

Fantastic weather, mild and windless, probably September is the best month to tackle this long trail.

The Colletta (elevation 2,830 m) allows us to see in front of us Mount Maniglia, which some intrepid mtb riders rode in 2018 (lazzadielle Sept. 3, 2018).

A long, narrow and yielding trail towards Colle di Bellino allows us to approach Mt. A last exhausting effort on a traverse to the right leads us to the summit.

Summit reached by ski mountaineering on April 9, 2017, with Laura Bruno. Photonic views of Maniglia, Monviso and glimpses of Rocca La Marchisa, another well-known winter destination.

Descent, another revelation: not all scree is OC! This fine scree, in condition, features a line with cyclable turns in an extremely rewarding and enjoyable BC+ setting.

From Bellino Pass, you descend on defined dirt path not always defined in the plain and the Towers of the Rocca Castello group loom on the left. From Rifugio Campo Base 1650 m, continue on asphalt road to Chiappera to Villar.

Fraternali publisher no. 11 Alta Val Maira - Trail map (1:25,000)