BOBBIO PELLICE Upslowtour - Ring 1 Bancet-Content

From Villanova we follow the wide dirt road following the signs for the high valley shelters (W. Jervis): immediately there is a hairpin turn to the left, then we take the deviation to the right for Colle Bancet, immediately noticing a change in the slope of the road. At this point we travel the main carriage road that with a series of hairpin bends, and stretches with slopes requiring caution, leads to a junction at an altitude of 1,980 m above sea level: turning left continues towards Col Bancet, to the right you can reach the Giulian mountain huts (branch 1a).

Stopping at Colletta delle Faure (2,109 m above sea level), we can admire the entire Val Pellice and, right in front of us, his majesty Monviso. Continuing towards Col Bancet the road will be easily passable, until you encounter a series of hairpin turns (and the remains of a military work), leading to Alpe Bancet (2,247 m above sea level), the highest point of the itinerary, after over 1,000 meters of elevation gain from the start.

At this point the road becomes a path, to be traveled carefully for about 800 m, although there are no obstacles such as exposed rocks or significant slopes. It then passes on a military mule track, with accumulated material present, and the consequent need to follow the beaten trace inside it. The hairpin bends are wide and can be traveled carefully, with a nice view of the area below.

Again the road becomes flat but presents a narrower bed, with stretches to be traveled carefully due to limited movements of the dry stone retaining walls, until reaching a military barracks that is still in excellent condition. Maintaining altitude and following the path, you reach Col Content (2,110 m), from which you can observe from above the basin of Prà, as well as the remains of bunkers and military positions dating back to the Second World War.  

From here you descend along a decidedly challenging path on a slightly trench-like track (rideable on MTB only for the most expert) that leads to Alpe Crosenna (1,660 m above sea level); there are a farm stay and a valuable water point. Then you continue on a technical mule track, with short stretches with steep slopes and a pebble surface, up to the intersection with the dirt track that returns to Villanova.

The path between Alpe Bancet and Alpe Crosenna is rideable only by the most expert and trained cyclists. For the less daring, it is possible to turn back retracing the itinerary done uphill.

Before undertaking any excursion it is advisable to check the weather reports or ask for information at the local Tourism Offices.

It is good practice not to undertake an excursion alone, always notify your destination.

Do not throw waste into the environment but carry it with you, possibly collecting those left by others.

The travel times given are indicative and may vary depending on weather conditions, your abilities and the type of bike used.

To reach the Villanova hamlet it is enough to follow the Provincial Road 161 which starts in Pinerolo and runs through the entire Val Pellice.

You can get by bus from Pinerolo to Bobbio Pellice, and from here continue by bike to the Villanova hamlet following the S.P. 161.

At the Villanova hamlet there is a large parking lot, partly paid and partly free

At the bivouac of the Bergerie Giulian there is a free charging point for e-bikes (active only in summer) and a cycle totem with tools for bike maintenance. Along the route you can see the remains of numerous fortifications dating back to the Second World War; for more information visit the following pages of the Fortified Works Atlas website: Col Bancet, Villanova, Col Content For all details and updates on the route it is possible to visit the UPSLOWTOUR website or the LIVE INFO section

Rideability: 80%

Recommended direction of travel: COUNTERCLOCKWISE

Technical difficulty MC+/OC