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The Alta Via del Sale connects the Alps to the Ligurian coast: from the dirt roads of the 1930s to the panoramic ridge-top variants of the ancient "cannoniera" or Via Marenca.
The Via del Sale—four simple words that define a route, a path.
Salt, considered a vital necessity for life. The road to and from salt, leading to the sea along the sharp Alpine ridges, crossing the rugged and gray karst plateaus that give way to lush green forests stretching toward the sky, finally blending into a rare fusion of blue hues that fade into the Ligurian Sea.
The common thread is a road and a mule track, sometimes running parallel—one along the slopes, the other along the crests; one at the heart of the high valleys of the Ligurian Alps, the other skimming the scenic ridges that guard historic forts and unveil breathtaking landscapes to those who venture there, leaving them in awe.
This proposal include the accompaniment of
Erik Rolando
Cycle Touring Guide, FCI Master Instructor
National and regional cycling sports guide since the early 2000s, National Instructor of the Italian Cycling Federation, and lecturer in Cycle Touring Guide courses in the Piemonte and Valle d’Aosta regions. A lifelong cyclist and passionate lover of the mountains, mountain biking, and cycling travel. They have authored several guides on MTB and cycle touring, embracing the philosophy of sport and nature as a way of life. After years of cycling trips around the world and training in riding techniques and bicycle culture from a 360-degree perspective, they decided to design experiences for pedal travelers and those looking to improve their cycling skills. Their goal is to combine bikepacking or single-track rides with the warmth of a mountain refuge and the added joy of local cuisine and folklore.
Contact meTravel program
1st day: Departure from Limone Piemonte – Elevation 1400m – towards the Roman road to Colle di Tenda. Passing through 19th-century forts with an optional variant on Via Marenca. Evening arrival at Rifugio Don Barbera at Colle dei Signori at 2070m.
📏 Distance: 25 km ⬆️ Elevation gain: 1230m ⬇️ Elevation loss: 750m ⚙️ Technical difficulty: UH S1/S2 – DH S1/S2 🛤️ Terrain type: Trail / dirt road / mule track ⛰️ Max altitude: 2200m
2nd day: Breakfast, departure from Rifugio Don Barbera along the Via del Sale with a variant on Via Marenca to reach the summit of Monte Bertrand at 2482m. Variant from Colla Rossa to Margaria Binda in Piaggia. Lunch. Departure for Rifugio La Terza at 2070m, where we have dinner and stay overnight.
📏 Distance: 35 km ⬆️ Elevation gain: 1730m ⬇️ Elevation loss: 1200m ⚙️ Technical difficulty: UH S1/S3 – DH S1/S3 🛤️ Terrain type: Trail / dirt road / mule track ⛰️ Max altitude: 2482m
3rd day: After breakfast, departure for Monte Frontè, Passo del Garezzo, the dark tunnel, and Collardente. Technical descent to Realdo, lunch. Departure for Triora and descent into the Argentina Valley towards the cycling path.
📏 Distance: 60 km ⬆️ Elevation gain: 680m ⬇️ Elevation loss: 2700m ⚙️ Technical difficulty: UH S1/S3 – DH S1/S3 🛤️ Terrain type: Trail / dirt road / mule track ⛰️ Max altitude: 2100m
Is it for me?
Adventure
Commitment
Landscapes
Travel factor
Gastronomy
Culture and folklore
LEGEND: based on our personal experience, the evaluations give a subjective, measured and highly reliable value of the elements that make up the travel experience.
Other informations
Departure and return
Limone Quota 1400 - Italy
Duration
3 days / 2 nights
Guaranteed departure
Minimum 4 partecipants
Documents
Identity Card
The participation fee includes
- 2 nights / 3 days with half-board treatment (breakfast and dinner) in partner accommodations with shared room arrangements
- Support vehicle assistance with luggage transport
- Shuttle transfer from Riva Ligure to Limone Piemonte – Quota 1400m
- Guidance and accompaniment by a certified cycling Guide from the Piemonte region
Price per person
from € 680
Deposit of € 170
Payment Methods and Cancellation PolicyDeparture
- 7 - 9 August 2026 Proceed with registration
Other destinations
MTB – Basic Course: Ready Single Track, 3-day course
- Dates to be defined
