Mount Tibert, from the Sanctuary of Castelmagno

Access

Motorway exit Cuneo. Once in Cuneo take the direction for Caraglio, here follow the sign for Valle Grana and climb up to Castelmagno. From here go up another 6 km until you reach the Sanctuary of San Magno where you leave your car in the Sanctuary car park.

Introduction

The Grana Valley is located in Piedmont (Cn) between the Stura Valley and the Maira Valley in the French border Alps. The upper Grana Valley opens into a wide basin rich in vegetation and pastures. Situated at the top of the valley is the beautiful Sanctuary of San Magno dating back to 1400, which is well worth a visit. This valley is also the site of a singular event: the 'September Roumiage'. The Provençal people from the French side gather in various places in Haute Provence and walk along the alpine paths, cross the Italian/French border and reach Coumboscuro, a village in the Grana Valley. Here, performances, festivals, concerts and debates take place. The event takes place in the weeks preceding the first Sunday in September and is followed by the media and TV. National Geographic dedicated a report to it. This valley is also important for the 'Castelmagno' cheese, considered one of the most delicious Italian cheeses, which can be bought in the village of Castelmagno.

Description

From the sanctuary, climb to the right through meadows in the direction of a Madonnina until you come to a dirt track. Follow it for hairpin bends, passing several alpine pastures. After the last farmhouse, the dirt track becomes a path that continues towards the end of the valley. At a certain point, disregard the path on the left that leads to Colle Sibolet and follow the tracks on the right that lead to Colle Intersile. At the pass, climb up the long but easy ridge on the right that leads to the summit. For the descent, follow the ascent route. This itinerary is also practicable in winter with snowshoes or skis. The slopes of Monte Tibert lend themselves very well to ski-mountaineering descents.