Vertical Chionea

A vertical challenge in the heart of the Tanaro Valley

The Vertical Chionea is an uphill running race held in Ormea, in the upper Tanaro Valley, in the Province of Cuneo. Organized by G.S.D. Valtanaro, the event follows a formula that is as simple as it is demanding: start from the town center and climb as fast as possible to the Chionea Mountain Hut, nestled in the alpine nature of southwestern Piedmont.

The course

The track measures approximately 2.4 kilometers with a positive elevation gain of 380 meters: a short distance that translates into a constant and severe incline, where every step counts. It is the classic "vertical" race format, rewarding explosive power and stamina on the climb rather than long-distance endurance. The race leads athletes to the evocative setting of the Chionea Mountain Hut, a natural balcony overlooking the valley's peaks.

• Distance: approx. 2.4 km
• Elevation gain: 380 meters
• Start: Ormea town center
• Finish: Chionea Mountain Hut

Program and registration

Check-in and registration take place in the late afternoon at the gathering point in town, on Via Roma, with the race start scheduled for the evening. The registration fee is 15 euros and includes participation in the race and the final party. After the finish, athletes and supporters gather at the mountain hut for a convivial moment featuring traditional local dishes.

The spirit of the event

Vertical Chionea is more than just a competition: it is part of the "Il Cuore della Montagna" (The Heart of the Mountain) event calendar and represents an opportunity to experience the Ormea mountains in an authentic way. The organizers' philosophy sums up the atmosphere perfectly: the race is "a perfect balance between physical strength and mental determination." It is an event that combines sport, landscape, and conviviality, highlighting the territory of the upper Tanaro Valley and the mountain identity of the Municipality of Ormea.

Ormea and the Cuneo Alps

Ormea is one of the most characteristic villages in the upper Tanaro Valley, in Piedmont, surrounded by forests and trails that make it a popular destination for hiking and trail running enthusiasts. The hamlet and the Chionea Mountain Hut, accessible via the Balconata di Ormea trail network, are a reference point for those seeking nature and panoramic views: for one evening, Vertical Chionea transforms this setting into a sporting stage.