Mountain bike routes

Technical difficulty: medium
Physical difficulty: difficult
Bike-friendly: 100%
Type of route: mixed asphalt, dirt, path

After reaching the neighbourhood of Arpuilles in the Municipality of Aosta, take the road called “dei Salassi” indicated by a signpost and continue to a crossroads located on a hairpin bend, where a sign indicating the “Colonia Città di Collegno” (Collegno settlement town) can be found.

Leaving the car near the abandoned settlement of the town of Collegno, the Ru Neuf runs towards the north until it reaches the asphalt road.
On abandoning the dirt path, you take the road that soon becomes a farm track and leads to a crossroads after passing through a couple of villages; veering to the right, you descend for around a km until you reach the road coming from Planet and leading to a few of the hamlets and mountain pastures above. On reaching this point, start to ascend again, past the Romparmé and Ronc villages where you can stop to fill up your flask and admire the panoramic view over the central valley and the mountains that surround the city of Aosta.

Following the road until you reach a signpost of paths indicating the crossroads between the Pointe Chaligne and the Alp Arsy, continue further until reaching a crossroads located on a hairpin bend. Veering to the right you enter a larch wood with a stunning landscape via a grassy path. After widening, the grassy trail is replaced by a steeply sloping farm track. After travelling along this for a few dozen metres, you catch sight of a road on the right that, following the yellow arrow which indicates the path, reaches a little stream. After crossing this, you come out of the wood and go along a path that reaches the stunning Alp Arolla from where you can enjoy a breathtaking view over the Grand Combin and Valpelline. Going beyond this you reach the farm track that comes from the neighbourhood of Buthier and leads to the Alp Chaligne. Here, after a few km, you reach the Chaligne Mountain Hut where you can stop, refresh yourself and sleep, if necessary.

Once again on the excursion, you go back down along a short stretch of the road taken for the ascent until you come to a level farm track that follows the now underground Ru Colet. Ru Collet continues on level ground through the woods and turning around the Tardiva peak reaches the comba d’Arsy (valley) and the pasture of the same name from where you can enjoy a fantastic view over the large opposite valley of Menouves. The exertion is over. A small, slightly sloping white road sets off from the pasture. Following the white road and taking care over the water collection ducts, you reach the military road of Condemine Gran Testa. Continuing along this road towards the east until you reach the hairpin bend in the road that takes you to Buthier, you will be able to see the milestones with progressive kilometre markers.

Continuing on the asphalt, take the crossroads for Petit-Buthier and once the road ends, follow the farm track, turning to the left and crossing the fields until you reach the Moré-Buthier village where the Lo-Couis farm company is located. Continuing further towards the south, you take the first path on the left that, via a number of spectacular rises and descents in the wood, reaches the ru Neuf near an asphalt hairpin bend where there is a signpost indicating the Via Francigena route. After crossing the hairpin bend, you come upon the farm track overlooking the ru that soon re-emerges, running alongside the woody path and indicating a picture postcard landscape. Continuing beyond the climbing centre, you pass a few municipal roads at several points before returning to the point of departure.

Technical difficulty: difficult
Physical difficulty: difficult
Bike-friendly: 90%
Type of route: mixed asphalt, dirt, path

Follow the A5 Torino-Aosta motorway taking the “Châtillon-Saint Vincent” exit and continue along the Regional Road 46 until reaching the neighbourhood of Breuil-Cervinia (2000 metres).

From the square of the Breuil cable car facilities, go uphill along the dirt road located on the orographic right side of the valley and a sequence of ascents that are steep but never impossible brings you close to the artificial lake of Goillet before arriving at the station of the facilities called Cime Bianche Laghi, 2831 metres above sea level (alternatively, you can use the facilities for ascending in Breuil).

From Cime Bianche Laghi, continue along the dirt road which leads upwards towards the Cime Bianche hill. On reaching 200 metres altitude above the cable car arrival station, you can look out over the valley to admire the Rollin basin and the Gran Lago. After having descended towards the Cime Bianche lower pass, you rise again for around 500 metres (almost completely bike-friendly) along the Du Col cable car line. On reaching the summit, the long descent to the mountain station of the Salette Du Col cable car begins. After taking path 107, continue (an uphill stretch where you need to carry your bike) towards the higher Manda to then descend again towards the former bobsleigh slope in Cervinia.

Technical difficulty: medium/difficult
Physical difficulty: medium
Bike-friendly: 100%
Type of route: mixed asphalt, dirt, path

Brusson (1332 metres above sea level) can be reached by taking the Verrès motorway exit on the Regional Road no. 45. After 16 km you come to Brusson where the itinerary starts.

Leave from Brusson and turn towards Ayas. On reaching the crossroads for col de Joux, veer to the left and start the ascent, following the col de Joux Regional Road no. 33 that takes you to the hill at an altitude of 1640 metres above sea level. The ascent which is a bit monotonous due to the asphalt is particularly appreciated in summer when you can recover from the heat by passing through the centuries-old spruce grove before reaching the hill. Before arriving at col de Joux you can drink and replenish your water supplies at the Napoleon fountain where it is said that the leader stopped to quench his thirst with his troops on his way to the Alps. After reaching col de Joux (6.90 km) turn to the left and follow a clear stretch of a farm road that first runs along an irrigation canal. After a few kilometres you reach Sommarèse (1536 metres above sea level – 10.70 km). From Sommarèse you can descend or alternatively, on coming to the last house, more expert excursionists can turn left and follow an extremely fun single track that leads to Eresa (1166 metres above sea level). Those who want to follow a single track, located in the centre of the village can turn left and continue towards the col d’Arlaz (1040 m). On reaching the canal (15.90 km) turn left and then continue alongside the canal. Those who have followed the road leading to Emarèse (995 metres above sea level) should then turn left and follow the service farm track of the irrigation canal called Ru d’Arla in order to reach the col d’Arlaz (1040 metres above sea level). On arrival at the hill, turn left and follow the irrigation canal, after around 1 km passing a beautiful waterfall before reaching Orbillaz (1116 metres above sea level), hamlet of Challand-Saint-Anselme. Leaving from the village, before descending (18.60 km) turn left and continue to run along the canal, following a gentle farm track that takes you back to Brusson. Just 2.5 km after the Arcesaz village (1155 metres above sea level) you can find a steep climb, along just a few hundred metres. Passing by the forest nursery, cross the bridge in order to get to the meadows overlooking the Brusson village.

Technical difficulty: medium
Physical difficulty: medium
Cyclability: 100%
Type of route: mixed asphalt, dirt road, path

The "Ciclovia dello Zerbion" mountain bike or e-bike route winds along paths, country roads, forest tracks and the characteristic ru, ancient irrigation channels. It connects the high-altitude panoramas to the valley villages of Saint-Vincent and Châtillon, with refreshment points along the way for a break.

Start from the Promiod hamlet of Châtillon, at 1,521 metres above sea level. You start pedaling, reaching, after about 3.5 km, the highest point of the route at 1,773 metres. You then descend towards the village of Perrière, then climb back up towards Amay and reach the panoramic Col di Joux.
From here, descend towards Sommarèse and Eresaz. If you have time, take a short detour and walk to the geosite “Borna da ghiasa,” a cavity in the rock from which a constant flow of cold air blows.

Continue towards Emarèse, and from there descend to Saint-Vincent. Pedal through the town, passing by the parish church and the archaeological site below and near the tourist office.

Finally, head towards Châtillon, where your mountain bike ride ends at the train station, with the satisfaction of having admired, along the way, enchanting views and traditional villages.

Technical difficulty: easy / medium
Physical difficulty: medium
Bike-friendly: 100%
Type of Route: trails and unpaved footpaths – short section of asphalt road
Footpath signposts: 23 – 23A

From Cogne square, cross through the Sant’Orso meadows until you reach Buthier cross, go over the wooden bridge over Valnontey torrent, turn right and begin to descend staying on the left-hand side until you reach the hamlet of Crétaz.

Continue along, staying on the left-hand side, and cross the “Stagno di Les Fontaines” nature area until you reach Epinel sports field.

From here, cross over the wooden bridge, climb up a steep asphalt road, turn right and join the road heading towards Cogne for about 200 metres, then turn left and climb uphill again along a steep asphalt road which leads up to the town after a hairpin turn.

From here, continue to your right along the unpaved country road up to Mougne tower (Tarambel), where a narrower section of flat pathway leads you to the hamlet of Crétaz.

Once in Crétaz, head down to the playground, cross the wooden bridge and begin to climb back up towards Cogne along the same trail you followed at the beginning until you reach your starting point.

Technical difficulty: esy / medium
Physical difficulty: medium
Bike-friendly: 100%
Type of Route: unpaved footpaths – short section of asphalt road
Footpath signposts: 23 – 22

From Cogne square, cross through the Sant’Orso meadows until you reach Buthier cross, go over the wooden bridge over Valnontey torrent, turn left and begin to climb uphill on the left-hand side towards Valnontey valley.

The trail steadily climbs uphill, alternating between flat stretches and short uphill sections until you reach the village of Valnontey (1667 m).

From here, continue through the valley, staying on the left until you reach the hamlets of Leutta, Pra-Su-Pia and Fietselin (1722 m), where you cross over a bridge and continue up to the Vermiana mountain pasture (1731 m).

From here, turn back onto the same path until you reach the village of Valnontey, where you cross over the torrent again and follow the trail on the right-hand side, descending towards Cogne along the underpass which crosses the asphalt road; keep heading downhill through the forest until you reach the hamlet of Son-le-Prò (1580 m), where you join the asphalt road and arrive in Cogne.

Warning: cycle at walking pace along the trails, through the S. Orso meadows and on the Cogne-Champong lower footpath; these routes are used by families with pushchairs, the disabled and the elderly.

Technical difficulty: difficult
Physical difficulty: difficult
Bike-friendly: 90%
Type of Route: unpaved farm road (initial asphalt section) – trail – asphalt municipal road
Footpath signposts: 10 – 10D - 8

Undoubtedly the jewel in Cogne Valley’s crown for MTB lovers.
Before the village of Lillaz, take the farm road to your left that leads up to Urtier valley.

Once you’ve passed the village of Les Goilles Dessus, Crêt chapel and the Tsavanis mountain pasture, cross the small bridge on your left and continue along trail No 10D up to the crossroads for Invergneux pass.

From the crossroads, you leave the farm road and the route becomes tougher: more experienced bikers will be able to pedal for certain sections, while for everyone else it’ll be bikes over the shoulder!

Once you reach the pass at 2,908 metres, you descend along Grauson valley until the Pila mountain pasture (waterfalls) (1,916 m); once you’ve passed a short section of forest, you can take a detour to your right where, once you’ve crossed the small bridge, you come to several Alpine huts.

The trail continues with two possible variations towards the village of Gimillan: the first one is easier, passing through Révèntì, the second one involves another climb crossing the Pian della Cretetta.

The descent from the pass to the Pila mountain pasture is more technically difficult and is only recommended for advanced bikers with suitable gear.

From Gimillan you descend along the road towards the regional capital. Once you’ve passed the village of Montroz, you can take a detour to your left down the “old” municipal road that passes the Park’s Visitor Centre.

Once you’ve reached the roundabout, take the first left and pass through the village of Molina (Via Filon Liconi) then join the municipal road leading to Lillaz.

Technical difficulty: medium
Physical difficulty: difficult
Bike-friendly: 100%
Type of Route: unpaved farm road (initial asphalt section)
Footpath signposts: 10 – 13

Before the village of Lillaz, take the asphalt farm road to your left that leads up to Urtier valley.

Once you’ve passed the village of Les Goilles Dessus, Crêt chapel and the Tsavanis mountain pasture, continue until you come to the end of the unpaved road arriving at the hamlet of Peradzà where you’ll find Sogno di Berdzé lodge (2580 m).

From here, you descend retracing the same section down to your starting point.

Detour: along the farm road after the Tsavanis mountain pasture: cross the small bridge to your left and continue along the country road until you reach Ponton lake; descend along the same route.

For experts: potential climb (technical) from the lodge up to Fenêtre di Champorcher pass and descent towards Miserin lake, Miserin and Dondena lodges and the village of Champorcher.

Technical difficulty: difficult
Physical difficulty: difficult
Bike-friendly: 90%
Type of Route: Asphalt municipal road – trail – country road
Footpath signposts: 3A – 2 – 2C – 23A – 23

From Cogne, at the roundabout near Molina, you climb along the old municipal road towards Gimillan (1790 m). The first 3.5 km are uphill along an asphalt road.

From the upper part of the village of Gimillan you take trail No 3A which gradually climbs uphill for about 2 km with a wide panoramic view (short initial technical/difficult sections) until you reach the Tsavanis mountain pasture at 1867 m.

The trail descends through a forest, or down a steep, technical descent of about 1 km, towards the village of Epinel (No 2) or the hamlet of Crétaz (No 2C). These are some of the most difficult descents in the region, involving an endless series of narrow hairpin turns and challenging single tracks.

From upper Epinel you take country road No 23 and then join the trail on your right next to Tor de Mougne, which leads into regional road No 47 a few metres from Crétaz petrol station.

From Crétaz to Cogne you follow the municipal road that cuts through the hamlet of Crétaz and leads back to your starting point on the regional road.

Technical difficulty: easy / medium
Physical difficulty: medium
Bike-friendly: 100%
Type of Route: trails and unpaved footpaths – short section of asphalt road
Footpath signposts: 23 – 23D – 15B – 15 – 23B

From Cogne square, take the asphalt road towards the village of Valnontey. After about 1 km, turn left near the hamlet of Son-le-Prò and head down the unpaved footpath which leads into the forest along a short, steep uphill section, cross the bridge over the Alpine skiing slopes (the highest one) and after a series of short climbs you reach Sylvenoire glade (1686 m, with a Bar/Restaurant).

Continue along this flat section through the picturesque plateau and descend towards Champlong. At the final descent, before you reach the meadows, turn right and head down trail No 23D which crosses the Champlong geological site, a giant landslide caused by the floods of 2000, until you reach Valeille bridge (1630 m).

Descend towards Lillaz on the right-hand side and follow the signposts until you reach the falls along an easy stretch of flat unpaved road. Once you’ve returned to the village, cycle along the left-hand side of Urtier torrent towards Champlong and follow the Lillaz–Cogne footpath, continuing at walking pace until you reach the town of Cogne.

Alternatively, once you’ve crossed Champlong bridge and the house on the left and finished a section of the footpath, head uphill to the left along trail 23B; this route crosses through Sylvenoire forest again with a series of short uphill and downhill sections. Cross the bridge again over the Alpine skiing slopes (the lowest one this time) until you come to the hamlet of Son-le-Prò, where you join the road towards Cogne.