Monviso

For this cycle mountaineering route, we start from the Agnello Pass and leave a car on a hairpin bend at the junction to the Grange del Rio. This maneuver will allow us to save 750 m of elevation gain on asphalt. From the Colle dell'Ag nello we reach the Col de Vieux where we begin to descend into the Bouchouse Valley, which is very busy and at certain times forbidden. We pass the Foreant and Ecorgèau Lakes always on a trail that becomes increasingly technical as it descends. Arriving at Echalp, we start to climb up the Vallon de Guil on a comfortable dirt road to the Grand Belvedere du Mont Viso. Take the high trail as the low trail is forbidden to mtb.

You push and partly pedal up to the Refuge du Visu. Last pedal strokes until Lac Lestio and then all in portage until Vallanta Pass (last section on scree). From Vallanta Pass, well-marked but sometimes exposed trail up to the Losetta Pass. The exertions are over, now we descend into the Vallone di Soustra on a trail that initially has sections that are also very difficult and then becomes very flowing. Having arrived at the hairpin bend where we left the first car, all that remains is to retrieve the second at Colle dell'Agnello.

I repeat this is a cycle mountaineering route, so favorable weather and good motivation essential.

Full report here.