Mountain biking tour in the Susa Valley: 3 days of bikepacking
In summary
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Sports
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Duration3 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationPiedmont / French Alps
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AgeFrom 16 - 65 years
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CO₂-Emissions27.26 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
Italian
French
English
In a few words
Discover the Alps through a three-day pure bikepacking adventure in the heart of the Susa Valley . This technical loop route, linking Claviere to Bardonecchia , is designed for experienced cyclists seeking an authentic challenge and an adventurous journey.
Following the rhythm of the high mountains, you'll progress along old military roads and high-altitude trails. This demanding route totals over 4,500 meters of elevation gain , an effort amply rewarded by breathtaking panoramas. Among the highlights of this journey, you'll take on the challenge of conquering the legendary Mount Jafferau , reaching an altitude of 2,815 meters . The itinerary will then guide you through the unspoiled nature of the Gran Bosco di Salbertrand Natural Park and offer a spectacular crossing of the legendary Saracen Gallery .
Each day will end with opportunities for relaxation, featuring convivial stops in alpine refuges and ancient villages where time seems to stand still. An intense immersion where technical riding combines with the wild beauty of the peaks.
The highlights
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Complete hiking tour: 3 days of adventure on the best trails in the Susa Valley
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Guided experience with expert guides accompanying you throughout the journey
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Restorative nights in alpine refuges and ancient villages after the exertion
Photos
Sport
Level
Mountain biking and e-mountain biking
The expert's opinion
The trip is bikepacking: each participant carries their own equipment. It is therefore important to have suitable gear and light luggage (backpack and/or handlebar bag).
The stages include up to 49 km per day and a positive elevation gain of up to 1,700 meters. This is therefore an intermediate/advanced level experience.
In figures
MOUNTAIN BIKING
- Average duration/day: 5h30
- Average distance/day: 43 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 1600 m
- Average daily descent: 1600 m
- Predominant type of terrain : White path
Management
Italian
French
English
Andrea is a 27-year-old ski and mountain bike instructor with several years of experience in the field. He also holds a degree in biology and is passionate about the mountains in all their forms.
Program
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Claviere - Sauze D'Oulx
- Activity MOUNTAIN BIKING
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 32 km
- Positive elevation gain 1400 m
- Negative elevation 1100 m
- Predominant type of terrain White path
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
The adventure begins at Claviere Da Claviere, at 1,760 meters. The first climb takes us to Sagnalonga and the picturesque Monti da Luna (Mountains of the Moon), passing through woods and along trails perfect for mountain biking and gravel riding. Depending on the group's level, the guide will choose the most suitable routes to make the most of this first day of riding.
After the descent towards Bousson, the route climbs again to Champlas Seguin, on the slopes of Mount Fraiteve, immersed in the typical landscapes of the Alta Val Susa. Lunch at Soleil Boeuf will be the perfect opportunity to relax.
In the afternoon, you'll tackle the famous Gelindo Bordin trail, one of the most popular in the region, culminating at the 2,424m Col Basset, the day's panoramic viewpoint offering breathtaking views over the Val di Susa. A long and enjoyable descent then leads to Sauze d'Oulx, where we'll end the day enjoying the local atmosphere and some well-deserved relaxation.
Day 1 -
Sauze D'Oulx - Rochemolles
- Activity MOUNTAIN BIKING
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 49 km
- Positive elevation gain 1700 m
- Negative elevation 1900 m
- Predominant type of terrain White path
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
The second day takes you into the wilder and more spectacular heart of the tour. From Sauze d'Oulx, you cross the Gran Bosco di Salbertrand natural park along magnificent forest trails, with a smooth descent immersed in nature.
From the valley floor begins the long climb towards Fort Pramand and the famous Saracen Gallery, an incredible tunnel carved into the rock that makes this route one of the most iconic for mountain biking and gravel riding enthusiasts in Piedmont. Cycling through it is a unique and unforgettable experience.
The route continues suspended above the Bardonecchia valley, offering spectacular panoramas until the final ascent to Mount Jafferau, which at 2,815 meters represents the highest point of the entire journey.
After conquering the summit, a spectacular descent leads to the Jafferau basins and along the evocative Decauville path to Rochemolles, a small alpine village where we will spend the night immersed in the tranquility of the mountain.
Day 2 -
Rochemolles - Cesana Torinese
- Activity MOUNTAIN BIKING
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 47 km
- Positive elevation gain 1700 m
- Negative elevation 1800 m
- Predominant type of terrain White path
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
The final day of bikepacking begins with the descent to Bardonecchia. From there, the route resumes its ascent, reaching 2,054 m at Punta Colomion, a natural balcony overlooking the Bardonecchia valley, followed by a guided descent to Beaulard.
The day's main climb leads to the hamlet of Vazon. Halfway through today's work, the Vazon Refuge will be our strategic stop for a lunch featuring local flavors, essential for recharging our energy before the final section.
The afternoon is dedicated to exploring the villages of Mount Cotolivier: we'll pass through Soubras and Desertes, untouched examples of Alpine architecture, where time seems to have stood still. From Desertes, we'll take the final exhilarating descent to Fenils: a singletrack perfect for mountain biking. The return to Cesana Torinese officially completes our loop, marking the end of an epic journey through the heart of the Susa Valley.
Day 3
Note
Overnight stays may vary depending on the availability of the establishments concerned. However, the alternatives are located near the reference establishments.
Accommodation
Hotel Orso Bianco
Chalet Della Guida
Access
The route starts in Claviere and ends in Cesana Torinese, forming a three-day loop through the Alta Val di Susa. (If you have extra equipment in addition to your luggage, you can request a transfer from Claviere, the starting point, to Cesana Torinese, the arrival point.)
Go to the starting point
From the train station to Claviere:
- From Oulx train station: Take the Arriva bus (Line 285) which connects the station to Claviere via Cesana Torinese (approximately 35 minutes journey). You can also opt for a taxi (expect to pay around €35 to €50 ).
- From Briançon station: Take bus line 05 (Zou!) which goes up towards the Col de Montgenèvre and Claviere.
Price details
The price includes
- The stay will be supervised by a qualified mountain biking instructor.
- Accommodation throughout the stay
- Half-board accommodation (dinner + breakfast)
The price does not include
- Transportation to and from the meeting point.
- Lunches and drinks
- Transfer of luggage and additional equipment from Claviere to Cesana (on request)
- Mountain bike or electric mountain bike rental
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate what formalities are required for entry and stay in the destination country. You can also consult this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
For connecting flights operated by different airlines, also check the formalities for countries you transit through.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are compliant, in particular regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to still be valid 6 months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations and health recommendations. And don't forget to take into account customs restrictions and other obligations of the destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date — remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
- You will need a mountain bike or gravel bike (electric or manual) in excellent condition, a mandatory helmet, a basic repair kit, multi-layered technical clothing, and a headlamp or headlight, essential for crossing the Galleria dei Saraceni.
