…Between effort and glory: where the battle for the polka dot jersey comes alive
The L’Étape Piemonte by Tour de France is an amateur granfondo cycling event that offers participants the thrill of experiencing a real Tour stage while crossing the spectacular mountains of the Maritime Alps.
Among demanding climbs and breathtaking alpine scenery, the major novelty of this edition is the unprecedented ascent of Colle delle Goderie, decisive for winning the Polka Dot Jersey. A unique route combining asphalt and gravel roads, linking the Vermenagna Valley and the Gesso Valley in an exciting and unforgettable challenge.
Join us at Colle delle Goderie! On foot… surrounded by silence and nature, you will feel the breath of effort and the excitement of the riders passing just a few meters away, in the heart of the mountains.
WHEN
Sunday, May 31, 2026
MEETING POINT
8:45 AM – Vernante, Piazza Vermenagna
GOOGLE MAPS LINK
https://maps.app.goo.gl/UopwSuj8T2j72f4e7
DIRECTIONS
Once in Vernante, arriving from Cuneo, turn right at the traffic light. Piazza Vermenagna will be on your right.
ELEVATION GAIN
Approx. +600 m / -600 m
DISTANCE
Approx. 12.5 km
ROUTE TYPE
Out-and-back semi-loop route
TERRAIN
Gravel forest track, dirt trail, mule track, paved country road
WALKING TIME
Approx. 4 hours (excluding breaks)
SUITABLE FOR
Adults and families
DIFFICULTY
(E) Hiking level
Suitable for everyone who is used to walking in the mountains
ROUTE DESCRIPTION – WHAT WE WILL DO
We will begin our hike directly from the village of Vernante, known for its many traditional festivals and its Pinocchio murals.
We will start climbing through Valun’t l’Arma, a small valley in the Vallone Secco branching off from the better-known Val Granda. Once lively and inhabited, the valley gradually emptied during the 1950s with the arrival of the Vernante glass factory; ancient abandoned mountain shelters (“teit”) still tell the story of a simple mountain life.
Once we reach Tetto Serre, we will continue along the forest track, now featured in the passage of the Étape Piemonte Gran Fondo, walking through wide-open views and unspoiled nature until reaching the panoramic Colle delle Goderie, at the foot of Mount Bussaia. Here, cyclists competing in the Étape Piemonte will battle for the polka dot jersey in a vibrant atmosphere of celebration, sport, and nature.
ESTIMATED RETURN
5:00 PM
REQUIRED CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT
- Hiking shoes/boots
- Water
- Snacks
- Trekking poles (if usually used)
- Rain and wind protection
- Seasonal outdoor clothing
HIKE COST
€20 (advance booking required)
The fee includes a €5 voucher redeemable at ASCOM businesses in the municipality of Vernante.
INFO & BOOKINGS
Daniele Dalmasso
Phone: 320/9135911
Email: lemons@libero.it
Bookings close by 1:00 PM on the day before the hike.
Limited availability.
NOTES
- The route may be changed if necessary at the guide’s discretion.
- In case of unfavorable weather conditions or insufficient participants, the nature guide reserves the right to cancel the excursion.
