Duration: 2–4 days Distance: 35–60 km per day Difficulty: Easy to Intermediate DailyElevation Gain: 500 – 1400 m D+
Ride the Wild Heart of the Italian Alps
Explore Valle Maira and Valle Varaita on a 2 to 4-day MTB and e-MTB tour through the Western Italian Alps. Ride the historic military roads of the Gardetta Plateau and the Strada dei Cannoni, crossing panoramic passes and remote Occitan villages on tailored routes suited to easy and intermediate riders.
Gardetta Plateau & the Historic Military Road
Ride across the Gardetta Plateau (Altopiano della Gardetta), one of the most spectacular high-altitude landscapes in the Italian Alps and an iconic MTB and e-MTB destination in Valle Maira. Surrounded by dramatic peaks and wide-open mountain scenery, the historic Gardetta military road climbs through remote passes and high Alpine terrain above 2,000 metres, following tracks originally built for military use. Today, these gravel mountain roads offer an extraordinary way to explore the history and wild landscapes of the Cottian Alps by bike. The route can be combined with different climbs, descents and connections through Valle Maira — from a spectacular single-day ride to a key stage of a complete multi-day mountain bike adventure.
The Gardetta Plateau has been a strategic mountain frontier for centuries. Armies crossed these valleys during conflicts between the Kingdom of Sardinia, France and other European powers, shaping the military history of the Cuneo area. This strategic role led to the construction of military roads, fortifications and defensive positions across the high mountains. Today, MTB and e-MTB riders follow these same historic routes past abandoned bunkers and military shelters perched above 2,000 metres. With WolfTrails, the ride becomes a journey through Alpine landscapes and history, uncovering places and stories that are easily missed when simply following a GPS track.
Another legendary ride starts in Valle Maira and reaches the historic Strada dei Cannoni, one of the great high-altitude military routes of the Cottian Alps. Passing through Elva and climbing towards Colle di Sampeyre, the route opens onto spectacular ridgelines between Valle Maira and Valle Varaita, with endless views across the surrounding peaks. From here, several adventures are possible: descend into Valle Varaita, loop back into Valle Maira, or combine the Strada dei Cannoni with other trails and historic routes for a longer MTB or e-MTB journey. Remote, panoramic and rich in history, it is the perfect complement to the Gardetta Plateau — and another example of the many different adventures that can be built from the heart of Valle Maira.
Where you stay and eat is an essential part of every WolfTrails journey. We select accommodation for outstanding service, comfort and character, often choosing hidden local gems over better-known locations. From authentic mountain stays to premium hotels and dining, every detail can be tailored to your group.
The tour follows generally non-technical gravel tracks and historic military roads, making it suitable for riders with basic cycling/mountain biking experience and reasonable fitness. Daily distance, elevation gain and pace can be adapted to the group, whether riding an MTB or e-MTB.
Is the Valle Maira Bike Experience based in one location or point-to-point?
Both formats are possible. The tour can use one accommodation as a comfortable base for different daily rides or become a point-to-point journey through the surrounding valleys. Accommodation, luggage transfers and local logistics can be organized around the chosen itinerary.
Can the tour combine the Gardetta Plateau and Strada dei Cannoni?
Yes. Depending on the number of days, seasonal access and group level, the itinerary can combine the Gardetta Plateau with the Strada dei Cannoni, Colle di Sampeyre and routes between Valle Maira and Valle Varaita.
Why is it called the Valle Maira Bike Experience?
Because it is not limited to one fixed route. Each experience is designed around the group’s fitness, riding style and interests, combining highlights such as the Gardetta Plateau, the Strada dei Cannoni, historic military roads, remote villages and prehistoric sites. Daily rides can be adapted for MTB or e-MTB while preserving the wild character of Valle Maira.
