CORIO Monte Soglio

Difficulty (MTB Scale): BC (for cyclists of good technical ability) / S0-S1 (firm bottom but sometimes steep slopes).

Cyclability: 100% (although the last stretch to the refuge may be tiring due to the slightly rougher surface).

Tires: Use tires with a generous section and medium tread. The dirt road may have stretches of loose gravel where good grip makes the difference between staying in the saddle or putting your foot down.

Repair Kit: Don't be caught unprepared. Carry:

Spare inner tube and tire iron (even if you use tubeless).

Pump or canisters of $CO_2$.

Multitool with chain breaker (essential on steep inclines should the chain fail).

2. Clothing and Protection.

The "Onion" System: Although it is hot in Corio, at an altitude of 1,700 meters the air is crisp. Always bring a windproof/rainproof shell or a k-way for the descent.

Protection: Helmet always fastened, sunglasses (useful not only for light, but to protect eyes from dust and insects on descent) and long gloves.

Change: A spare technical underwear to wear at the hut will prevent you from facing the descent sweaty, preventing cold strokes.

3. Nutrition and Hydration.

Water: Fill your water bottles at Corio or Piano Audi. Along the dirt climb, water fountains are scarce, especially in late summer. Aim to have at least 1.5 liters of water.

Supplementation: Bring energy bars or dried fruit with you. The ascent from Piano Audi to Alpe Soglia does not allow many rest sections and the calorie expenditure is high.

Trail Sharing: The road is also frequented by hikers on foot. When descending, moderate your speed and warn of your presence with a bell or a friendly greeting: courtesy ensures the survival of MTB trails.

Respect for the Pasture: Alpe Soglia is an active pasture area. If you encounter herds of cows or flocks on the trail, slow down, keep calm and wait for the animals to move on. If guard dogs (Maremmani) are present, do not approach abruptly and get off the bike if necessary.

1. By Car (Recommended choice for cyclists).

Starting from Turin, the journey takes about 40-50 minutes (about 35 km):

Take the RA10 (Raccordo Autostradale Torino-Caselle) in the direction of the airport.

Exit at Caselle and continue on SP2 towards Ciriè / Valli di Lanzo.

After passing Ciriè, follow signs to Nole and then take SP22 following signs to Corio.

Where to park: Once you arrive in the village, the best place to leave your car is the large parking lot in Piazza Martiri della Libertà (in the upper part of the village). This is the ideal starting point to unload your bikes and immediately start pedaling to Piano Audi.

2. By Train + Bike

If you prefer rail transportation, you can use the Turin-Ceres line:

Take the train from one of the main stations (e.g., Torino Porta Susa or Rebaudengo Fossata) to Ciriè station.

From Ciriè to Corio is about 11 km away. You can cover it directly by bike (about 300 meters of positive elevation gain, a good warm-up phase) by following the provincial road, or check the availability of local buses.

Note: Always check on the Trenitalia or GTT website for bike seat availability on your chosen train.

3. By Bus

There is a suburban line (GTT or local carriers such as Giachino) that connects Ciriè to Corio:

This is the least convenient option for those with a MTB in tow, as loading the bike into the trunk is often at the discretion of the driver and subject to available space. It is advisable only if you use a folding bike or have prior arrangements.

2. By Train + Bike

If you prefer rail transportation, you can use the Turin-Ceres line:

Take the train from one of the main stations (e.g., Torino Porta Susa or Rebaudengo Fossata) to Ciriè station.

From Ciriè to Corio is about 11 km away. You can cover it directly by bike (about 300 meters of positive elevation gain, a good warm-up phase) by following the provincial road, or check the availability of local buses.

Note: Always check on the Trenitalia or GTT website for bike seat availability on your chosen train.

3. By Bus

There is a suburban line (GTT or local carriers such as Giachino) that connects Ciriè to Corio:

This is the least convenient option for those with a MTB in tow, as loading the bike into the trunk is often at the discretion of the driver and subject to available space. It is advisable only if you use a folding bike or have prior arrangements.

The Refuge: The Alpe Soglia is run with great passion and is famous for its warm welcome and typical cuisine. It is also an ideal destination for e-bike users, thanks to the possibility (upon request) of recharging batteries.

The area is often subject to sudden fog in the afternoon. It is advisable to leave early in the morning to enjoy the better visibility and cooler temperatures during the ascent.