THE LOOP ROUTE OF GRANGE TIBERT -OCA
Photos
Good, after a rich breakfast you are ready to head out. No cars! You leave directly from here on your MTB.
The route develops largely at high elevation and demands a great workout and excellent orientation skill.
The highest point reached during the excursion is the famous Colle del Fauniera (2480 m) where, since June 2004, you can find a sculpture in honor of Marco Pantani.
Leave the Marmotte Hotel and head towards the valley along the dirt track that from the hamlet of Frere drops along the right side of the Maira stream to the hamlet of Maddalena.
Here you need to turn onto the pavement until Prazzo Superiore, where turning right you return to the river and pass a little bridge; continue along the forest track, towards the valley, and go up to Ponte Marmora.
At this point you will need to take the main valley road to San Damiano Macra.
At Macra, turn to the right and stay on the road to Vallone di Celle Macra; at the hamlet of Chiesa avoid turning to the left, and keep heading in a southerly direction.
A bit further on, the road becomes a dirt track with many bends and reaches the high mountain pastures of Grange Tibert (2174m).
From here follow the path to the left towards Colle Intresile (2516 m) then continue to the right along a track on the Grana side that leads to Colle Sibolet (2532 m) and Colle D’Esischie (2370 m).
When you reach the pavement, continue going up until you reach Colle Fauniera or Dei Morti (2480m).
You have arrived at the panoramic destination! A bit of effort but it was worth it, right?
Time for photos! Snap away and share with our hashtag:
#albergolemarmotte #vallemairabikeexperience #mairavigliosa
For the descent, travel about a kilometer along the valley Stura and take the first track to the right that heads to the Gardetta plateau.
After a couple of kilometers, turn right and, after a few hundred meters, turn right again toward Colle del Mulo (2527 m). Go down through Vallone di Marmora following the yellow marks of the Occitan path up to the hamlet of Garino. From here, a short rise on pavement takes you to the hamlet of Urzio and from here, a long path leads to the hamlet of Reinero and then to the parish church of Marmora (1548m).
At this point descend to Borgata Superiore and take the route close to the fountain “La Napoleonica” (look for the yellow marks of the Occitan route).
An up and down track leads you to Colle Encucetta Inferiore where the fun descent begins toward Stroppo.
Having crossed a forest service track, turn left and find the main road of the valley near Ponte Marmora.
At this point follow the way-there path in reverse.
You have returned to the Marmotte Hotel. Today’s excursion is over. Good Job!
Now you can enjoy a well deserved rest in the garden, sipping a nice cold beer!
Equipment
The routes usually start in high alpine environments and at a high altitude which are subject to rapid climatic change. You need clothing which allows you to adjust for these changes.
Before you leave, be sure to check that you have (either by wearing or carrying a pack) these three basic items:
- UNDERWEAR LAYER: The layer against the skin must allow for air circulation, and must wick moisture away from the body quickly.
- MIDDLE LAYER: The second layer must provide insulation while also allowing moisture to escape.
- OUTER LAYER: The outermost layer must provide protection from the elements such as wind and rain, while still allowing the body to breath and moisture to escape.
While some people consider helmets annoying and ugly, they without a doubt are essential.
Before leaving, be sure to adjust the helmet for total enjoyment.
They are very useful for protecting your eyes from the atmospheric elements.
It is important that they firmly enclose your face so you never need to remove your hands from the ski equipment.
The very best lenses are photochromic: designed to adapt to different kind of lights.
Using gloves is a very good habit because they ensure correct grips on equipment and the cushioning in the palms absorbs vibrations for a more pleasant run.
These basic items will limit injury in the case of a fall.
Short ones or long ones… are personal choices.
One or more of these should be filled before setting out.
Always check a map for water points along your path.
When choosing a backpack lightness and comfort are especially important. The backpack, in addition to carrying things, must also provide optimal distribution of the weight of items .
Before setting out, adjust all the straps and tension bands.
The ideal backpack for a day of MTB should have a capacity of 25-30L with a series of useful pockets to separate the following:
– clothing (wind-breaker, undershirt, long gloves, batteries, sun creams, etc.)
– food (energy bars, fruit, supplements, etc.)
– First Aid Kit (gauze, bandages, scissors, gloves, disinfectant, cotton bandage roll, thermal towel,etc..
– Accessories or emergency mechanical parts air chambers, cans, brake wire, adhesive tape, multi-purpose key, beagle levers, pliers, pump …)
–Various accessories (topographical maps, multi-function knife, GPS, head lamp, cellphone, camera, etc.)
During an excursion, it is advisable to have a working cell phone with you (even if turned off) with a fully charged battery.
The number to call in case of an emergency is “112”.
Emergency services might need to arrive by helicopter; in this case:
- Find a clear landing area.
- If possible, signal your position to the pilot by waving your arms.
- Make sure the injured part is in an area clear of debris or material that could be shifted by the helicopter.
BEHAVIOUR STANDARDS:
The courses are open to everyone, and much appreciated by trekkers.
– It is good practice to moderate your speed for others, and to free the passage to people on foot going in the opposite direction.
-Also, crossing alpine pastures requires caution. Dogs protecting flocks of sheep can be aggressive if you do not get off the bike or if you come too close to the sheep.