Every year, at the end of May, the "Trail del Monte Sglio" trail running event gathers 500 athletes to compete in two categories through several valleys of the Alto Canavese area.- Gir Lung (Long Run) is 60 Km (37.5 mi) with an accumulated climb of 3,400 m (11,155 ft)- Gir Curt (Short Run) is 26 Km (16.2 mi) with an accumulated climb of 1,400 m (4,593 ft)The Long Run tops the Monte Soglio peak at 1,971 m (6,467 ft) of elevation. Among other peaks, from here there is a spectacular view over Monviso, Gran Paradiso, Monte Bianco, Cervino (Matterhorn) and Monte Rosa.Start and finish line are in Forno Canavese for both races.Check website for details, maps and race track.
Ski
by ant1606
For those who haven't heard that the 2006 edition of the Winter Olympic Games was held in Torino, there are countless locations and resorts in Piedmont. From mundane top-class down to concealed small hideaways, resorts are scattered through most of the valleys of the Western Alps.Downhill ski and snowboarding, cross-country, and back-country (called "sci-alpinismo" in Italian) are favorite activities on the local white substance. Abundant snowfall guarantees long seasons officially opening on December 8th and lasting through April accordingly to the weather and snow conditions. Beyond this timeframe it's possible to enjoy a few glaciers even for summer skiing.Largest area is the "Via Lattea", which also extends across the French border, that has over 400 Km (250 mi) of downhill tracks.My favorite spots are the smallest locations for these are the least crowded.Rentals available at most...
Snowshoeing - General information
by ant1606
Abundant snowfalls seem to drag a fast-growing number of snowshoeing enthusiasts, this being the probable reason why snowshoes for rent are now available at several ski rental locations.It's a fun practice for all but the risks posed by avalanches must never be underestimated. Never venture alone anywhere in the mountains. Should you try it for the first time and no expert is part of your team, make sure to ask - rental locations are a good source for information - where a beginner should go and what areas are to be avoided. This will be sufficient to enjoy a few hours out there without major risks with the help of a map. Footprints can be helpful to get wanderers back to the starting point, although if some are left by others it could be misleading!Same as for back-country skiing, late winter or springtime are the best periods.
Most modern snowshoes, especially those available for...
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Ironbike - The World's Hardest Mountain Bike Raid
by ant1606
Taking place in July, the Ironbike is a yearly multi-stage mountain bike event that crosses the border with France across various Alpine valleys. Most of it is run in Piedmont and unfolds over a 650 total Km distance and 22,000 m (72,370 ft) overall vertical drop climb.A fascinating event to watch. That's all I can do considering my poor cycling performance!Check herebelow website for details.
Biathlon and Cross country
by deeper_blue
I managed to see 2 of the events at the recent Torino winter olympics in Pragelato and Cesana San Sicario. I saw Germany win the mens biathlon, Canada take the women's cross country and Sweden come first in the mens.The atmosphere created by the large numbers of international spectators is something I'll always remember. Notably the Norwegians.
Trial Events
by ant1606
From minor regional class to World Championships, Piedmont valleys host rounds of spectacular Trial events organized by the Italian Motorcycle Federation which are often accompanied by other recreational or social activities.This discipline had its boom in the 80s and suffered a constant decline in the years to follow due to the ever increasing access restrictions to motor vehicles in the wilderness. I definitely agree with these rules aimed at protecting the environment. Scheduled events are always subject to special permission from local authorities.
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Parks of Piedmont
by ant1606
If you love nature, well, Piedmont is a place for you. For its number and extesion of protected areas it way outnumbers any other region of Italy.Summertime activities range from relaxing wildlife-watching to extreme adventures.This image highlights the protected areas.
Although rental is available, bring your own proper equipment for:- Hiking- Rock climbing- Paragliding or hang-gliding- KayakingAvailable rental equiment for:- Cycling- Windsurfing- Rafting
Torino 2006 - XX Winter Olympic Games
by ant1606
Turin hosts the XX Winter Olympics and it's getting ready for it by completing the relevant infrastructures.The city is the base and coordination hub for the event and here will only take place some skate events and, of course, the opening ceremony. All other disciplines will find proper ground in neaby Susa and Chisone valleys, within easy reach from Turin.Map shows all Olympic locations.
There are plenty of locations in the region for winter sports such as downhill, snowboard and cross-country.One of the most impressive ski areas is the "Via Lattea", which includes several locations all linked together and that can be reached by skiing. It's so large that it can't be toured in a single day, it has over 400 Km (250 mi) of ski runs. Visit link for info:http://www.vialattea.it/en/index.htmlMap of Via Lattea:http://web.tiscali.it/pistesci/mappe/via_lattea%20mappa.htm
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