Giro dell'Albergian

The Tour of the Albergian leaves powerful memories and emotions, from the climb to the descent. The spectacle of wonderful mountain panoramas along the climb is further enriched by the fiery colors of autumn. The climb from Laux is very long and, thanks to the wind, I suffered the cold for four hours of pedaling until I met the sun. For me it was a coup de grace because I paid dearly for the cold: after 1300m d+ I often found myself with my head resting on the saddle to recover and... I hadn't been pedaling for a while! I started pushing already from under the Clot della Soma and then, to get to the Pis, I also alternated some portage because I couldn't take it anymore. And so, the only thing was to stop and take photos of these enchanting mountains and accept the gift of so much beauty even if I was in the midst of so much fatigue. Arriving at Pis was a shock: in the midst of the wind that chilled my bones I saw the Albergian hill far away on the other side of the valley and what's more with a really significant loss of altitude... And nothing, if you're in the middle, you dance: the descent from Pis was a nice stony but simple single track up to the Bergerie Albergian and then from there another journey of patience began: push, shoulder and stops; today the legs were not turning, period. But there is little to criticize: the environment of this tour is beautiful, it has peaks each with its own conformation, valleys that alternate sinuous pastures, waterfalls and decorative rocks, and then, contrasting spots of color that capture the eye. How charming! Last but not least, the track that descends from the Albergian hill is a true jewel of a single track: it reflects exactly what I expect from a mountain trail. It has a technical, never harassing, rough surface, where you have time to build the line while the earth between one rock garden and another gives you that moment of pause for the next evaluation as well as offering an amazing grip. A myriad of comfortable hairpin bends takes you down without fear of ending up "beyond", and some relaunches help to always keep your attention high in the guided. Flow interlude of a balcony section with a beautiful view towards the bottom and then dive back into the woods where roots are added to the boulders, but the surface is always optimal. Cows to move along the track and conclusion on a dirt road up to the beautiful refreshing fountain of Laux. The Tour dell'Albergian is a diamond of our valleys!

The Conquest of Mount Albergian: An Epic MTB Adventure August 2, 2025 – Pragelato, Chisone Valley On the morning of August 2, 2025, Andrea, Alex, Luca, and my namesake Gabriele met in the Pragelato square with a clear goal: to challenge the majestic Mount Albergian. Our mountain bikes were ready, our water bottles full, and our faces filled with determination, ready to set off on what we knew would be a memorable undertaking. Our goal was not just any peak: the Albergian Pass, at 2,713 meters, a rocky sentinel of the Cottian Alps, visible from the entire Chisone Valley. The plan was clear: first climb to the Colle del Pis (2,613 m) and from there push on towards the Albergian. We knew the route was for trained bikers with mountain experience, but none of us knew the gradients and the hardships that awaited us. The long ascent The tour began immediately on dirt roads: first a compact bike path, then a mule track that wound through the trees, immersed in the cool of the forest. We tackled the hairpin bends of the farm road, where the elevation gain is gained meter after meter while still in the saddle, with some 18% walls that forced you to squeeze every ounce of energy and never let up on the pedals. Out of the forest, the landscape opened up before us, offering us a view of Clot della Soma. From there, crossing a picture-perfect valley, we continued on a mule track to the highest ski lift. Behind it, a technical trail awaited us, alternating short stretches of pedaling with moments of pushing: about ten minutes with the bike at our side, step by step, until we reached, with effort and sweat, the Colle del Pis. A well-deserved break allowed us to breathe, eat something, and be enchanted by a panorama that already promised the grandeur of the final destination. Towards the Albergian: the Last, Exhausting Effort From the Colle del Pis, a fantastic initial traverse took us down through alpine meadows to a plateau. Our wheels rolled quickly and lightly, and I even slashed a tire. A mandatory break and then we climbed again towards the ruins of the Maremout military shelter. There, stretches of pedaling with strenuous moments of pushing awaited us, where even the e-MTBs struggled to climb. With shortness of breath and burning legs, we finally conquered the Colle dell'Albergian. We were exhausted, but the view before us made every drop of sweat seem insignificant. And there... the world changed... a 360° panorama of pure Alpine majesty that took your breath away: peaks as far as the eye could see, sharp ridges, the feeling of having landed on another planet. We sat down, exhausted but elated, wolfing down a sandwich and sipping the little water we had left (there were no refreshments along the way!). The Descent: Pure Adrenaline We donned our protective gear and launched ourselves into the immediately technical descent: the first section, technical and bumpy, immediately put us to the test: tight switchbacks, exposed rocks, partially exposed traverses that made our hearts pound with excitement, certainly not fear. But as we descended, the terrain became smoother and the descent increasingly adrenaline-fueled. Following the GTA 314 trail, we tackled breathtaking curves, natural jumps, and long traverses that offered unforgettable views. Then, the forest welcomed us with its cool shade, and the descent became fast and fluid, all the way to the picturesque Lake Laux, where we stopped for a moment of peace. The Return to Pragelato: Tired but Happy Here, if you wish, you can easily return to Pragelato on asphalt. We, stubborn, chose a tree-shaded path that runs alongside the Chisone stream. It wasn't too technical, but it had a final 300m elevation gain, which, at the end of such an epic ride, represented the ultimate test of our determination. At that point, our legs were protesting; perhaps it was better to return on asphalt. An Unforgettable Adventure The Albergian was an adventure that tested us in every way: physically, technically, and mentally. But that's precisely what made it unforgettable. If you want to repeat this tour, know that it's only for experienced, well-trained bikers with good knowledge of the mountains. Bring plenty of water (there are no refreshments) and be prepared to push your bike on some sections. But if you're brave enough to tackle it, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views and a breathtaking descent. The Albergian is more than just a mountain: it's an experience that will remain in your memories forever.

Access to the 2 passes is done by carrying the bike, this trail is not recommended for e-bikes