The exoticism of this region needs no introduction. An end-of-the-world atmosphere, a warm and enthusiastic welcome, aerial mountain trails and steep gradients are often the things that stand out the most on a first visit. These valleys are quite simply impressive, both for the quality of their landscapes and the quality of their gastronomy...
We suggest you discover the itineraries which, in our opinion, are the must-see All Mountain MTB routes in the Maira Valley and the Stura Valley during the same stay, with accommodation in 3-star hotels so you can't afford to miss anything!
Unafraid to pedal in search of altitude, we will skirt the foothills of the Ubaye, wind our way through isolated hamlets that are still inhabited and reach high plateaux with atmospheres that are both austere and exotic... On this trip, we will be focusing on logical sequences of routes at altitude, sometimes rocky but above all fun, without looking for routes that are too enduro and hard - a little gentle won't hurt after all...
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We generally start this tour with a nice loop in the upper the top of the valley. Large mountain pastures, fast and straight paths in a very 'mountain' setting right from the start! Then to decide whether to go for a similar descent or a more challenging or a more challenging trail to keep you on the pedal... the pedal... Night in a 3-star hotel
It's impossible to come to the Valle Stura without visiting the classic of the area. Head for the Gardetta plateau, where to the foot of the Rocca Meija, before taking on one of the many one of the many descents on offer in the area. Recharging possible at lunchtime if you stop for lunch at the refuge... lunch at the refuge... then it's off downhill for 1500 m on a single track between herds of cows, old bunkers and high-altitude lakes and high altitude lakes, with plunging views over the valley. A treat Overnight in a 3-star hotel
Recently established in the Demonte region, this "Bike spot XC All Mountain oriented, offers a number of trails for mountain bikes. We'll be setting off on the most aerial loop to discover another facet of the Valle Stura. facet of the Valle Stura, undoubtedly the most active valley for valley over the last twenty years. Transfer to at the end of the day to Valle Maira (1h15). Overnight in a 3* hotel
There's a big difference in altitude today. You're going to have to be be tough and careful with the battery... But it's worth it and we can enjoy the worth the effort, and today we can take advantage of the VTTAE up to the summit of Mt Bellino to enjoy a 360 degree panorama and 1600 metres of mythical descent in one of the wildest one of the wildest valleys in the Italian Piedmont, beneath the Chambeyron massif. Overnight in a 3* hotel
Surely one of the most charming spots in the Valle Maira. Beautiful hilltop villages, south-facing, panoramic views, good coffee panoramic views, good coffee, trails and paths that are fun and even technical trails. It's fast, very fast! Maybe because we know that we can add a second session in the afternoon, if there's still time on the other side of the mountain.... At the end of the day, we return to Eygliers via the Col Agnel or the Col de Larrière. Col Agnel or Col de Larche
FURTHER TRAINING = Services focused on learning and riding techniques. In a course format with half-day teaching modules or in a stay format with often a half-day of improvement (depending on level) in the morning and hiking in the afternoon to enjoy the mountain. Mainly in the Guillestrois Queyras
DISCOVERY = Easy to moderate level tours that encourage contemplation and explanations of the natural and cultural heritage, where the difference in altitude is moderate, the risk of falling and the technical requirements are low. In star or itinerant form, in France or in the Italian Piedmont
ALL MOUNTAIN = Mountain oriented trips where the pleasure of pedalling and climbing takes on its full dimension. For those who already have a minimum of technical knowledge in both climbing and descending, who obviously like the adrenalin and technicality of single descents but who are more interested in contemplating the high altitude landscapes rather than accumulating descents at all costs
ENDURO = Still in the high mountains on shared or dedicated routes, with a clear focus on descent rather than contemplation. We still pedal but this time we increase the ratio with a morning shuttle to reach between 1200 to 1500m of D+ and 2500m of D-. Protective gear is highly recommended and respect for other mountain users is mandatory.
SHUTTLE ENDURO = Clearly for downhillers who are looking for adrenaline and the technicality of the descent on trails dedicated to this practice as much as possible. The ratio is increased here with logistical support throughout the day to reach 1000m of D+ on the way up and 3000m of D-. Protection is strongly recommended and respect for other mountain users is mandatory.
TECHNICAL LEVELS :
BEGINNER = You do not yet master the basic techniques of mountain biking (balance, gear shifting, braking, maintaining your trajectories on narrow trails...) and going into the mountains scares you but you want to brave your limits.
INTERMEDIATE = You are comfortable on your bike even on narrow single tracks but many mistakes persist. You don't mind riding in the mountains, but getting into tight corners, steep slopes or rocky-rooty trails can make you worry if it goes on too long. Long, intense rides take a lot of energy and concentration and can increase the risk of falling as the day progresses.
CONFIRMED = You are able to control your bike in the mountains whatever the terrain (crossings, hairpins, roots, rocks, steep climbs and descents, singletracks) and you are able to keep all your lucidity even on long days. You still have room to improve your style, performance and riding fluidity...
EXPERT = You have full control of your bike in all situations and you are autonomous in the mountains. You are able to keep up with the pace, even on long days with 2 batteries for example. The guide may find it difficult to keep up with you.... But he knows the paths not to be missed and allows you not to worry about the route, so trust him!
PHYSICAL LEVELS :
COOL = Throughout your stay you will cycle on wide tracks that lend themselves to contemplation, the pace is not very fast, although you will obviously have to pedal to make the bike move on mountain terrain. These are our "beginners" trips and outings, of easy level. Ideal for a first approach to electric mountain biking, for those who want an active holiday but have little opportunity to do sport on a daily basis
MODERATE = You are a more regular daily rider and enjoy challenging yourself, even if it means getting into the red sometimes. The pace of cycling and the trip remains cool and contemplative, but can include many steeper sections and longer climbs that you obviously have to endure physically and mentally to enjoy the cycling experience. Easy itineraries, Discovery mountain star trips or intermediate All Mountain trips are more likely to be found in this category
SPORTSMAN = Sport is your daily routine and sweating profusely is almost a goal of the day for you. Sometimes steep climbs that require good calves and big thighs, varied pedalling rates, relaunching, linking up with descents..., all the while keeping your wits about you of course! Many of our All Mountain Enduro trips take place at this pace
INTENSE = You have "the body" as we say back home, and the muscle tone and concentration capacity to withstand long distances and a series of terrains. So we go riding from morning to night, until we run out of two batteries if necessary. Good luck!
You will ride in small groups (Minimum 3 people - Maximum 8 people, or 7 people for enduro trips with logistical support)
More pleasant, easier to discuss together, less inertia, easier for the guide to give precious advice and to adapt to the level of the group, ... less technical incidents too... In short, all advantages!
Our tours are therefore calculated with the aim of keeping them "insured" with 3 people in the Queyras, 4 people outside and during the itineraries, while keeping the number of people reduced.
Since the beginning we have worked closely with the hosts you will be staying with.
Cycling reception is improving year by year in the Queyras and the Hautes Alpes in general. In Italy, things are often already well in place
Although the "dormitory" or "3* hotel" formulas are possible to better fit the budget and expectations of everyone, we have chosen to build our stays as we would like to experience them.
Most of the time in "Gîte tout confort" formula, rooms to share (3-4 persons max) with sanitary facilities in the rooms.
For the itineraries, it is sometimes a bit more complex and we try to find the right balance between comfort, conviviality, good food without compromising the quality of the itinerary.
In order to develop this activity seriously and to offer a quality service at every stage, we have established a real cycle shop at the gates of the Queyras, in Eygliers.
We have several 9-seater vehicles and approved trailers, suitable for transporting ATVs.
The drivers are often guides or mechanics who are used to working together, which ensures a good flow, a good atmosphere and brings an extra service in the package when the bike needs to be repaired
Picnic buffets, refreshments based on local products, elaborate meals, etc. are also possible during incentive days or itinerant trips
We therefore have complete control over the logistical and material aspects. This makes all the difference in the field and is a real guarantee of quality and reactivity for you
On foot, by bike (with or without batteries) or with the bike on our backs... , All of us have travelled the length and breadth of the Guillestrois Queyras and the Piedmont over the last 15 years.
With an eye for detail, we have taken the time to design unique routes through our various programmes, so that they can be adapted to each type of practice, to each level, to each type of audience. This is a long-term project that is now bearing fruit.
By working with local guides, each in their own way, they are able to adjust the routes in real time in order to offer you theperfect sequence that will match the level and expectations of the group
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