May 2-3 2026
Why Vibram® Gran Tour Mottarone?
You may run both stages and spend the night at the summit — it’s your choice.
This year we have also thought about those who are not fast, offering a two-day event with long distances, challenging elevation gain on the first day and a more moderate second day for a more relaxed return.
Time limits are extended compared to competitive races over the same distances.
The goal is to allow participants to truly “savor” the territory.
Saturday, May 2 – 6:45 a.m.
Start area Stresa:
Course Description – Day 1
Two days rotating among alpine pastures and panoramic points of the Mottarone Park.
Start Saturday May 2 at 7:00 a.m. from the Borromean Gulf, from the Stresa Congress Center, along the lakeside avenue toward Carciano, with the Borromean Islands reflecting along the first stretch of your adventure.
From Carciano, a mule track leads to Someraro. Continuing uphill you pass Agriturismo “L’Ordin”, then the 13 birches and Alpe Cavallaccio at the foot of Mount Zughero.
You cross the Selva Spessa stream where, to your left, an old abandoned Balilla car is embedded among the rocks — a symbol of time gone by.
After reaching Alpe Vedabia, you descend steeply on a CAI trail to the historic Stonecutters Museum in Baveno.
Here the 60 km route separates; the Gran Tour continues through an urban stretch with 2 km of asphalt between Oltrefiume hamlets toward Rocca di Feriolo and “Il Bocc” beach — first refreshment point.
Return past the pink granite quarry to Mount Camoscio (water point at the Alpini hut). A panoramic detour to the cross and via ferrata endpoint is recommended.
Continuing along CAI trails over Monte Crocino back to Alpe Vedabia, the 60 km and Gran Tour join toward the summit via Mount Zughero and Rifugio CAI Baveno Alpe Nuovo (second refreshment).
Descent through Rio Inferno valley (5 km) to Colma di Granerolo (control & refreshment point). Technical descent — caution advised.
From Granerolo the route crosses alpine pastures: Alpe Natale, La Selva, Alpe Bertogna (water), Alpe Mastrolino (cut-off 5:30 p.m.).
Continue via CAI trail past Alpe del Barba and “Tre Alberi”.
Fast dirt road descent, then climb to Alpe Cortano (refreshment). Monte Rosa and the Mottarone summit come into view.
Final 5 km panoramic climb via Alpe la Gioga and Alpe la Vallaccia to reach the Base Camp (by 11:00 p.m.).
At Base Camp:
NEW: You will receive part of the medal, to be completed upon finishing.
That’s it for Saturday — make it count.
Sunday, May 3 – 6:45 a.m.
ALP Mottarone bar square:
Course Description – Day 2
Start at 7:00 a.m. from Mottarone summit, climbing to 1,500 m (Cima Coppi).
Descend via CAI L1 trail through pine and beech woods toward Alpe Secondino and Borromea station Adventure Park.
Continue through pine forest to Gignese (refreshment after ~12 km).
Cross the Herno river bridge toward “La Miniera”, then to panoramic “Tre Montagnette” pastures — considered a UNESCO-worthy landscape.
Pass through Coiromonte, then toward Sovazza (refreshment & cut-off 12:30 p.m.).
Climb Monte Cornaccia after picnic area; reach southernmost point overlooking Lake Maggiore and the Lombardy plains.
Descend to San Salvatore (control & refreshment), continue via CAI trail to Brovello, Graglia, and Carpugnino.
Climb to Stropino (cut-off 4:00 p.m., final refreshment), then descend toward Stresa via Magognino and Passera.
Stresa and the Borromean Islands are ahead.
Receive the second half of your finisher medal 🏅
Final refreshment, base camp bags, services and showers.
Base Camp bags available from 12:00 p.m.
