ALA DI STURA Pian della Mussa through Al-Ba

From the central square head towards Balme, at the first bend of the provincial road continue straight on via Villar to follow until the road becomes unpaved. Then continue on the unpaved road staying on the left bank of the Stura stream. At the bridge in the Tumà hamlet, turn right and reach the houses. At the first houses turn left and continue on the path until the short detour on the left to the Mondrone Gorgia. Returning back, head towards Mondrone turning left again to pass next to the cemetery, a giant bench and a playground. The route then overcomes a short but steep climb on a meadow before resuming westward direction. The path crosses the stream with two concrete fords, passes under the provincial road and just after the bridge turns right to reach the old provincial road. Turn left to the houses of Chialambertetto, where you turn left and reach the provincial road.

Cross the main road to gain the path that reaches the beginning of Balme. Before reaching the houses, make a sharp left curve to join the Val Servin Nature Trail. Continue on the white road which further ahead crosses the Paschiet stream with a ford on the right. Turn right again crossing the stream and then left arriving next to the houses of Li Fré. Climb to the Arbosetta alpine pasture: go behind the buildings where a path starts that leads to the arrival of the small Pakinò ski lift. Descend on the meadows to the right of the ski tow and intercept the path that enters the forest to the left. You arrive at the "Patinoir" where the unpaved road leading to Pian della Mussa begins. Upon reaching the plateau's asphalt road, for those who want, there are still a couple of kilometers to reach the end where the road finishes.

For the return, follow the same itinerary to the Balme ski slope, which must be crossed to reach the Cornetti hamlet and, paying attention to residents and holidaymakers, reach the Cornetti road. Turn left and at the first fork turn right: crossing a small bridge over the Paschiet stream you arrive at the Albaron Village where, immediately after the Albaron di Savoia restaurant, turn right on a white road and shortly after left to resume the ascent route. Then retrace the outward route to the Tumà bridge which this time must be crossed. Then keep left, descend again to the next bridge: cross it, turn right and continue to the village of Ala.

In any case, there are numerous connections with the provincial road from start to finish, so it is possible to travel it to shorten times.

Bicycle helmet, bicycle pump, puncture repair kit, light and reflectors, bicycle tools, bicycle backpack (about 20 litres with rain cover).

Suitable outdoor clothing resistant to multiple layers (e.g. functional T-shirt, cycling jersey, shorts, leg warmers and arm warmers), cycling glasses, gloves, sun and rain protection, snacks and drinking water, water bottle and comfortable holder, first aid kit, synthetic ice pack, mobile phone, maps.

From the plain, reach Lanzo Torinese. Continue to follow provincial road 1 up to Ala di Stura

To reach Ala di Stura there is the Ceres - Balme bus line with a stop at the central square with three runs per day (bicycle transport is not provided). 

For the bus timetable: Cavourese website

In Ala di Stura there is a large parking area just before the central square on the left

For tourist information about the valleys and e-bike rental: Consorzio Operatori Turistici Valli di Lanzo - www.turismovallidilanzo.it