Portage Bike Festival

A new gravel rally in the heart of the Monti della Luna

The Portage Bike Festival debuts in 2026, positioning itself as a refreshing departure from typical gravel events. The organizers' slogan, "(not) just another Gravel gathering," perfectly captures the spirit of the event: it is not a timed granfondo, but a backcountry cycling experience that prioritizes adventure, exploration, and a deep connection with the mountains. The festival takes place on the slopes of the Monti della Luna, the massif overlooking the upper Susa Valley on the French border, in a high-altitude landscape of alpine meadows, mountain lakes, and ancient military mule tracks.

Location: Capanna Mautino and Lago Nero

The event headquarters is the Rifugio Capanna Mautino, located at Lago Nero, above the village of Bousson, in the municipality of Cesana Torinese, in the Province of Turin. This serves as the start and finish point for gravel routes winding through the trails of the Monti della Luna, one of the most evocative areas in the Piedmont Alps for off-road cycling. The mountain hut acts as a logistics base, refreshment point, and social hub for participants, fostering the convivial atmosphere typical of the gravel community.

The backcountry spirit

Backcountry is the festival's hallmark: riding far from asphalt and traffic on mixed terrain and natural tracks, favoring territorial discovery over pure competitive performance. It is a format designed for those who love two-wheeled adventure, the rewarding challenge of high-altitude climbs, and the satisfaction of reaching remote corners of the Alps. The event is organized by the Rifugio Capanna Mautino team in collaboration with the Workless Collective and Patatrack, groups deeply rooted in the culture of exploratory cycling.

Cesana Torinese, gateway to the upper Susa Valley

Cesana Torinese is a mountain destination best known as a ski hub in the Via Lattea area, but in summer, it transforms into a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts: hiking, trail running, and gravel cycling find their ideal terrain here. The Portage Bike Festival embraces this summer vocation, bringing a fresh, growing event to high altitudes that highlights the trails of the Monti della Luna and the natural heritage of this corner of Piedmont.