Vertical Cima Mares
The mountain running race from Alpette to the summit of Cima Mares, the opening stage of the Orco Valley Night Vertical Circuit.
About Vertical Cima Mares
A vertical climb in the heart of the Orco Valley
The Vertical Cima Mares is one of the most iconic mountain running races in the upper Canavese area. It takes place in Alpette, a small village perched at an altitude of 950 meters between the Orco and Soana Valleys, on the edge of the Gran Paradiso National Park in the Piedmont region. The race follows a simple yet demanding format: a continuous ascent from the village to the summit of Cima Mares, where athletes test their stamina on a short but challenging course.
The Route
The course spans approximately 3.4 kilometers with a positive elevation gain of about 700 meters. The start is located in front of the Copper, Labor, and Resistance Ecomuseum in the center of Alpette. From there, runners tackle trails and mule tracks that wind through the woods, gradually opening up to panoramic high-altitude views. The finish at the summit of Cima Mares rewards the effort with a sweeping vista of the Gran Paradiso mountains.
Opening Stage of the Circuit
The Vertical Cima Mares kicks off the Orco Valley Night Vertical Circuit, a vertical running series organized by ASD Gran Paradiso Valle Orco. The circuit includes about ten races held from June to October across various villages in the Orco Valley—including Alpette, Ceresole Reale, Noasca, San Colombano Belmonte, Sparone, and Locana. Most races take place in the evening, offering a unique way to explore the trails, hamlets, and landscapes of the region. Beyond individual race rankings, athletes can compete for the final circuit standings, which reward consistency and participation throughout the season.
Alpette, Land of Copper
Choosing Alpette as the venue for the inaugural stage is no coincidence: the town is historically known as the home of the masters of copper, a traditional craft celebrated throughout the Orco and Soana Valleys and showcased today by the Ecomuseum that serves as the race headquarters. Running the Vertical Cima Mares is a perfect blend of sport, nature, and local tradition in a single mountain evening.
Vertical Cima Mares — edition 2026
Il 17 giugno 2026 Alpette ospita la tappa inaugurale dell'Orco Valley Night Vertical Circuit con il Vertical Cima Mares, gara di corsa in salita di circa 3,4 km e 700 metri di dislivello dall'Ecomuseo del Rame fino alla vetta di Cima Mares.
La gara è aperta agli atleti tesserati UISP, FIDAL e RUNCARD in possesso di certificato medico agonistico valido. La partecipazione concorre anche alla classifica finale del circuito, che si chiude il 17 ottobre a Locana con la premiazione generale.
Programme Vertical Cima Mares 2026
Il programma orario dettagliato dell'edizione 2026 sarà annunciato dall'ASD Gran Paradiso Valle Orco nelle settimane precedenti la gara. In base alle edizioni passate la partenza è prevista in orario serale, con ritrovo all'Ecomuseo del Rame di Alpette.
Il Vertical Cima Mares è la prima delle dieci tappe dell'Orco Valley Night Vertical Circuit 2026, che prosegue da giugno a ottobre tra i comuni della Valle Orco (Ceresole Reale, Noasca, San Colombano Belmonte, Sparone, Locana) e si conclude il 17 ottobre con la finale e la premiazione del circuito a Locana, frazione Nusiglie.
Highlights Vertical Cima Mares 2026
Tappa inaugurale del circuito; salita continua dall'Ecomuseo del Rame alla vetta di Cima Mares; panorami sul Parco Nazionale del Gran Paradiso.
Prices Vertical Cima Mares 2026
Practical information — Vertical Cima Mares
Getting There
Alpette can be reached by car from Turin by driving up the Orco Valley. The village is located in a scenic position between the Orco and Soana Valleys, on the edge of the Gran Paradiso National Park.
Start
The meeting point and start line are at the Copper, Labor, and Resistance Ecomuseum, located at Via Sereine 1, Alpette (TO).
Registration
The race is reserved for athletes registered with UISP, FIDAL, or RUNCARD who hold a valid competitive medical certificate. For registration details and fees, please contact ASD Gran Paradiso Valle Orco or the Alpette Tourist Office (tel. +39 0124 809122).
Festival-goer photos
No photos yet. Share yours!
Share your photos
5 photos max, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Noticed an error or missing information?
Help us keep this listing up to date. Every proposal is verified by our team before publication.
Festival-goer reviews
No rating yet — be the first!
No comments yet. Be the first!
Were you there?
Share your experience with the community.
Where does it take place — Vertical Cima Mares
Ecomuseo del Rame, Lavoro e Resistenza
Via Sereine 1, 10080 Alpette