CAUT - Curnis Auta Trail

The Curnis Auta Trail, the sporting soul of Valle Grana

The CAUT - Curnis Auta Trail is one of the most beloved trail running events in the Cuneo Alps. Organized by Podistica Valle Grana, the event brings hundreds of athletes every year to challenge themselves on the trails and ridges of Valle Grana, one of the most authentic and unspoiled valleys in the province of Cuneo, Piedmont. The name—"curnis auta," meaning "high ridge" in the Occitan language—perfectly captures the spirit of the race: a high-altitude ride along the crests that separate Valle Grana from the neighboring valleys.

Three distances for every type of trail runner

The CAUT offers three routes designed to accommodate both experienced ultra-trailers and those taking on their first mountain race:

• 80 km - 4,500 m D+: the flagship race, starting from the historic Filatoio di Caraglio and finishing in Pradleves, along a completely renovated route that touches the valley's main peaks.
• 35 km - 2,000 m D+: starting from the Sanctuary of Castelmagno and finishing in Pradleves, an intense and scenic route.
• 15 km - 1,000 m D+: the shortest loop, starting and finishing in Pradleves, ideal for those new to trail running.

The 80 km and 35 km distances are UTMB-qualifying races (100K and 50K categories respectively), a recognition that confirms the technical value and the commitment required by the course.

Between Caraglio, Castelmagno, and the Rifugio Fauniera

The charm of the CAUT lies in the places it traverses: from the Filatoio di Caraglio, a jewel of industrial archaeology, to the high-altitude pastures where the famous Castelmagno DOP cheese is produced, up to the Rifugio Fauniera and the mountain passes that overlook the valley. The Municipality of Pradleves, the finish line for all races, becomes the race headquarters for the day, buzzing with athletes, support crews, and enthusiasts.

A tough race, but for everyone

The maximum time limits—19 hours for the 80 km, 10 hours for the 35 km, and 3 hours for the 15 km—attest to the challenge of the long-distance event, marked by time gates at the Rifugio Fauniera and Santa Lucia. Numerous refreshment stations are set up along the routes (eight on the 80 km, four on the 35 km, and two on the 15 km), designed to support runners on the long stretches in the alpine environment.

The Curnis Auta Trail is much more than a race: it is an opportunity to discover Valle Grana, its Occitan culture, and its landscapes in one of the most evocative valleys in Piedmont.