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ENBACKCOUNTRY CARMO: The Alpine tour
Backcountry Carmo: The Alpine Tour ⛰️
"An epic and wild adventure crossing pristine territories, from panoramic ridges down to the Mediterranean blue. We begin the day in our legendary Land Rover Defender 4x4 heading towards Monte Croce, above the ancient village of Balestrino. From here, we kick off the tour exploring the technical trails of Val Neva, before moving towards Bardineto, at the foot of the majestic Monte Carmo.
The grand finale is the great crossing of Monte Carmo: starting from 1,000 meters above sea level for an endless descent directly to the coast. Be prepared: this is the most technical backcountry in the area, featuring steep gradients and natural rocky terrain that demand full focus and excellent riding skills. It’s the ultimate tour for those seeking isolation, a true mountain feel, and an extreme technical challenge just a stone's throw from the sea. As always, our guide will capture your most epic moments on photo and video, ready to be shared over a cold beer at the end of the day!"
Our "Quality, Not Quantity" Philosophy
At MTB Italy, we believe the group makes the adventure. That’s why we guarantee small groups of maximum 7 riders + the guide, ensuring continuous assistance, maximum safety on the most demanding sections, and an authentic experience away from the crowds.
Technical Details & Requirements
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Ideal for: Enduro bikes (recommended travel: 150-170 mm).
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Required Skill Level: Expert riders. Difficulty S3 (Single Trail Scale) or difficult Red Trails in Bike Parks. You must be comfortable with steep gradients, loose and fixed rocks, and natural technical sections.
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North American Riders: This tour is ideal for riders confident on Black Diamond technical terrain.
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E-bikes: E-bike riders are more than welcome! However, as this is a group tour, it is essential to maintain the group’s pace to ensure the best experience for everyone.
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Tour Pace: This is not a race, but the technical nature and length of the route require good physical fitness and excellent bike control.
Daily Schedule
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08:30: Meet at our headquarters in Finale Ligure.
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09:00: Departure in the Land Rover Defender 4x4 towards Monte Croce. The shuttle follows us all day (brief pedals of 5–15 minutes may be required to reach some peaks).
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Morning: Technical and physical riding between Val Neva and the Bardineto area.
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13:00: Lunch break at a typical Ligurian restaurant (approx. €18–20 per person, not included).
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Afternoon: Shuttle back to 1,000m altitude and the great Monte Carmo crossing with a technical descent to the sea.
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16:30 / 17:00: Return to Finale Ligure for the final beer and photo/video exchange.
The Trails We Will Ride:
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Morning: Parpage, Dondella, Pian Fieno.
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Afternoon: Hiroshima, Hellboy 1 & 2, XC Giustenice.
If the group is fast, the guide may add variations to the program. (In case of closures due to maintenance, weather, or hunting, the guide will adapt the program to the best daily options available).
Useful Info & Gear
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Protection: Helmet is mandatory (open-face or full-face). Knee pads are highly recommended due to the rocky terrain.
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In Your Pack: Every rider must carry a spare inner tube. We strongly suggest bringing a waterproof/windproof jacket: at high altitudes, temperatures can be 8-10°C lower than on the coast.
