La Via del Sale MTB Granfondo

La Via del Sale: cycling through the history of the Maritime Alps

The La Via del Sale MTB Granfondo is one of the most anticipated events on the Piedmontese mountain bike calendar. It takes place in Limone Piemonte, a renowned alpine resort in the Province of Cuneo, at the foot of the Colle di Tenda and just a few kilometres from the French border. The race is named after the Alta Via del Sale, the historic route used for centuries by caravans transporting salt from the Ligurian coast to the Piedmontese plains. Today, those dirt tracks—flanked by military forts and views stretching from the sea to the peaks—have become a premier natural playground for mountain bike enthusiasts.

Two routes among the Savoyard Forts

The event offers two distances designed to satisfy both highly trained athletes and those looking for a more accessible experience:

• Granfondo: 49 km with 1,800 metres of elevation gain, reserved for experienced riders on traditional MTBs;
• Mediofondo: 30 km with 1,100 metres of elevation gain, also open to e-bikes.

The race starts among the woodland trails and climbs towards the Colle di Tenda, where the two routes branch out, reaching an altitude of 2,250 metres and crossing the ancient Savoyard Forts straddling the Italian-French border. The granfondo course has been updated to better distribute the elevation gain, making the challenge less gruelling and more suitable for a wider audience, featuring a long and exhilarating final descent back to the village.

A celebration of sport for all of Limone

La Via del Sale is more than just a race: it is a weekend that brings the entire village of Limone Piemonte to life, with the meeting point and start/finish area set up in the town centre, between Piazza San Sebastiano and the main streets. Recent editions have expanded to include a youth race for younger riders, evening musical performances, and a non-competitive gravel category, designed for those who want to explore the valley's trails without the pressure of the clock. The event is part of the main Italian mountain bike marathon circuits, ensuring high-level participation.

Why it's worth attending

Among the many granfondos in the Piedmontese Alps, La Via del Sale stands out for its unique combination of athletic challenge, high-altitude environment, and historical charm. Cycling along the Alta Via del Sale means traversing an extraordinary landscape and military heritage in one of the most evocative areas of south-western Piedmont. Limone Piemonte, with its long-standing tourism tradition and proximity to the Maritime Alps Park, provides the ideal setting for those looking to combine their passion for MTB with a mountain weekend.