Lago Ponton e Rifugio Sogno di Berdzè

Prepare for a difficult mountain biking journey to Lago Ponton and Rifugio Sogno di Berdzè, a challenging 18.9-mile (30.5 km) route with 3799 feet (1158 metres) of elevation gain. This adventure typically takes around 3 hours and 28 minutes to complete. You will ride through diverse terrain, from asphalt and gravel farm roads to dirt paths and mule tracks, often requiring you to push your bike on poorly rideable sections, especially the final 300 meters to the refuge. As you ascend, the landscape opens up around 2200 meters, revealing impressive views of the Urtier valley, Nordic forests, and green, rolling hills reminiscent of Scotland. The highlight is reaching the picturesque Ponton Lake and the mountain hut itself.

To best experience this route, plan your visit between June and October, when conditions are most favorable for mountain biking in the Gran Paradiso National Park. This trail is designed for riders with very good fitness and advanced skills, as it includes technical sections and steep inclines. While some parts of the Urtier valley are moderate-easy with an e-bike, they become significantly harder with a regular bike. Be ready for sections where you will need to dismount and push your bike, particularly near the lake and the refuge.

This trail is a favorite among local mountain bikers and is highly regarded within the Komoot community for its rewarding experience. The Sogno di Berdzè mountain hut, situated at 2,526 meters, is a significant destination, located along the Alta Via 2 of the Aosta Valley at the crossroads of the Cogne and Champorcher valleys. Despite the demanding ascents and hike-a-bike sections, many riders find the