Maira Occitan Trail

MOT 3x50K Stage 1 is the escape from the mountains, in the footsteps of our ancestors who left the Maira or Macra Valley last century, which is synonymous with poverty, to seek fortune in the plains or in the world. It is a stage that starts from the upper valley, or from the Marmora-Canosio basin, and reaches its outlet on the Dronero plain, touching countless abandoned villages which today are starting to have a second rebirth. Stage 2 is the return to the highlands. It is a tough, high mountain stage that takes you to one of the most secluded and astonishing corners of the Maira Valley. After the endless meadows of Elva here is the wild Sagne hill which with its almost 2900 m. represents the maximum elevation of the MOT. Meanwhile, the severe Monte Chersogno dominates the scenery. Stage 3 is a plaisir stage and represents the current philosophy of the Maira Valley, characterized by a vocation for the outdoors and slow, widespread and environmentally friendly tourism. It is a short stage, only 38 km, and therefore worth savoring. Meanwhile, the start, under the looming Rocca Castello-Provenzale, is nothing short of suggestive. But it is only the appetizer because the main course is the complete crossing of the spectacular Gardetta plateau with the marvelous Rocca la Meja as a constant backdrop. MOT 42K We start from the village and immediately with a steep climb that crosses the town of Canosio we reach Colle di San Giovanni, from which a suggestive path leads to the main valley and from here to the beginning of the Unerzio valley. Frere, Chialvetta, Viviere and then up to the Gardetta pass, and already here it is amazing, but wait until you get to the top and crossing the entire fabulous Gardetta plateau you enter straight into fairy tales. The dominant Rocca la Meja that will attract your gaze is the enchanting castle. From Colle del Mulo, more than ten kilometers of fantastic descent will take you back to Marmora. MOT 19K Change of skin even for the biggest race brief of the MOT. The route starts and ends from the trail village in the Marmora-Canosio crossroads area, from the Tourist Office. From village up to upper village of Marmora and then the long and delightful Napoleon path; just before Palent a nice straight path takes you to the top of Mount Buch. An aerial and exciting ride along the ridge allows you to reach 2158 m. of Costa Chiggia. Finally descends for the villages of Marmora back to the village. Pure adrenaline!