UpSlowTour: discover the Pinerolo area

UpSlowTour is a project promoted by the Unione Montana del Pinerolese, offering an experience with the motto “unity is strength.” The project, launched in January 2021 in Piedmont, focuses on the area around Pinerolo, a region deeply connected to the history of cycling and with much to offer in terms of cycle tourism. The team behind the project includes Osservatorio Bikeconomy, Fondazione Riusiamo l’Italia, Leonardo Web, Turismo Torino e Provincia, Consorzio Turistico Pinerolese, and Valli.

As part of the project, 15 circular routes have been identified and developed, each with unique characteristics. These total 450 kilometers, half of which are on trails and dirt roads, while the other half consists of low-traffic secondary paved roads. Each route has a starting and ending point, with several stops along the way where cyclists can rest and recharge their e-bikes at one of the 20 charging stations.

The area is ideal for slow tourism, even for families, and is closely linked to local food and wine traditions. The thematic routes average 30-40 kilometers, which can easily be completed in a full day with an e-bike, allowing for breaks to explore the local area and its points of interest.

Thanks to e-bikes, everyone can explore areas that are typically difficult for less experienced riders. The region also offers several rental points, and to assist travelers, there is an effective signage system made with low environmental impact materials that support the local economy. For example, the cycling totems, made from local Luserna stone, and bike racks made from corten steel by a local company, contribute to this sustainable approach.

To discover the routes, visit UpSlowTour portal, a dynamic platform that engages cyclists, offering all the necessary information for outdoor activities in the Pinerolese area.

The Routes

To better understand the philosophy of this project, here are three circular routes with distinct characteristics:

• The Refuge Ring is a relatively difficult route, recommended for medium-skilled cyclists, with a total elevation gain of 1,739 meters. This 37-kilometer trail starts and ends in Bobbio Pellice, passing through steep roads and military dirt roads, reaching the “Barbara” refuge (1,753 m) and the Colle Barant (2,373 m) for stunning views, before descending to the “Jervis” refuge (1,732 m) and returning through Villanova.

• The Comba Liussa Ring is an easy tourist route of only 12 kilometers, traversing the Comba Liussa valley, nestled in the green slopes of Monte Frioland. It leads to the panoramic location of Codissard (1,150 m), with stops at Ponte Sartas and Fienminuto before returning to the starting point.

• The “Memory and Partisan Routes” Ring is 34 kilometers of medium difficulty, available year-round, passing through several locations associated with partisan actions during WWII, marked by monuments and memorials. This route is a mix of trails and paved roads, allowing cyclists to enjoy picturesque landscapes, woodlands, fruit orchards, and vineyards while learning about the history of the Resistance.

All the Rings

1. Anello Bancet-Content
2. Anello dei rifugi
3. Anello Sarsenà-Cruel-Garin
4. Anello della Comba dei Carbonieri
5. Anello degli Invincibili
6. Anello della Comba Liussa
7. Anello di Castelluzzo
8. Anello Pianprà – Valanza
9. Anello della pietra di Luserna
10. Anello della Sea
11. Anello della Val d’Angrogna
12. Anello di fondovalle
13. Anello delle creste
14. Anello “Memoria e percorsi partigiani”
15. Anello Pedemontano