LOOP ROUTE OF GARDETTA -BC
Good, after a rich breakfast you are ready to head out. No cars! You leave directly from here on your MTB.
The circuit presents the “climbing” to a series of passes, in a various environment:
A first hill in the shadow of the woods is followed by a second one situated in wide pastures and steep rocky slopes.
Leave the Marmotte Hotel and head towards the valley along the dirt track that from B.ta Frere drops along the right side of the Maira stream to B.ta Maddalena.
Here you need to turn onto the pavement until Prazzo Superiore, where turning right you return to the river and pass a little bridge; continue going up along the forest track, towards the valley, and go up until Colle San Giovanni (1650 m).
Here you need to follow the paved road, first downhill, then uphill towards Preit and Grange Pratolungo, where you should avoid crossing the bridge on the left. Reach Colle del Preit, where the paved road is substituted by a dirt track that reaches first Rifugio della Gardetta (2335 m) and then Passo della Gardetta (2437 m).
You have arrived at the panoramic destination! A bit of effort but it was worth it, right?
Time for photos! Snap away and share with our hashtag:
#albergolemarmotte #vallemairabikeexperience #mairavigliosa
For the descent, take the trail that with a steep slope brings you in Vallone di Unerzio, where you can visit Viviere, Pratorotondo, Chialvetta and Gheit. From there, take “La scurcio”, a single trail that brings you to b.ta Frere.
You have returned to the Marmotte Hotel. Today’s excursion is over. Good Job!
Now you can enjoy a well deserved rest in the garden, sipping a nice cold beer!
Foto
Equipment
The routes usually start in high alpine environments and at a high altitude which are subject to rapid climatic change. You need clothing which allows you to adjust for these changes.
Before you leave, be sure to check that you have (either by wearing or carrying a pack) these three basic items:
- UNDERWEAR LAYER: The layer against the skin must allow for air circulation, and must wick moisture away from the body quickly.
- MIDDLE LAYER: The second layer must provide insulation while also allowing moisture to escape.
- OUTER LAYER: The outermost layer must provide protection from the elements such as wind and rain, while still allowing the body to breath and moisture to escape.
While some people consider helmets annoying and ugly, they without a doubt are essential.
Before leaving, be sure to adjust the helmet for total enjoyment.
They are very useful for protecting your eyes from the atmospheric elements.
It is important that they firmly enclose your face so you never need to remove your hands from the ski equipment.
The very best lenses are photochromic: designed to adapt to different kind of lights.
Using gloves is a very good habit because they ensure correct grips on equipment and the cushioning in the palms absorbs vibrations for a more pleasant run.
These basic items will limit injury in the case of a fall.
Short ones or long ones… are personal choices.
One or more of these should be filled before setting out.
Always check a map for water points along your path.
When choosing a backpack lightness and comfort are especially important. The backpack, in addition to carrying things, must also provide optimal distribution of the weight of items .
Before setting out, adjust all the straps and tension bands.
The ideal backpack for a day of MTB should have a capacity of 25-30L with a series of useful pockets to separate the following:
– clothing (wind-breaker, undershirt, long gloves, batteries, sun creams, etc.)
– food (energy bars, fruit, supplements, etc.)
– First Aid Kit (gauze, bandages, scissors, gloves, disinfectant, cotton bandage roll, thermal towel,etc..
– Accessories or emergency mechanical parts air chambers, cans, brake wire, adhesive tape, multi-purpose key, beagle levers, pliers, pump …)
–Various accessories (topographical maps, multi-function knife, GPS, head lamp, cellphone, camera, etc.)
During an excursion, it is advisable to have a working cell phone with you (even if turned off) with a fully charged battery.
The number to call in case of an emergency is “112”.
Emergency services might need to arrive by helicopter; in this case:
- Find a clear landing area.
- If possible, signal your position to the pilot by waving your arms.
- Make sure the injured part is in an area clear of debris or material that could be shifted by the helicopter.
BEHAVIOUR STANDARDS:
The courses are open to everyone, and much appreciated by trekkers.
– It is good practice to moderate your speed for others, and to free the passage to people on foot going in the opposite direction.
-Also, crossing alpine pastures requires caution. Dogs protecting flocks of sheep can be aggressive if you do not get off the bike or if you come too close to the sheep.