An area I know well — literally behind my house — but which, approached in e-bike mode, allowed me to overcome the usual limits, to seek uphill lines, expanded visions, and new connections. A journey that from a simple excursion has transformed into a real all-mountain adventure, technical, panoramic, physical and even spiritual.
The territory: a natural balcony overlooking Lake Orta
Quarna is located in Alto Piemonte, overlooking the western shore of Lake Orta. It is a small, wild and authentic plateau, where the trails are still called “sentieri” and nature dictates the law. A place where every curve can hide a deer, and where the silence is interrupted only by the creaking of wheels on stones.
Here, among chestnut, pine and beech woods, a world of possibilities opens up for all-mountain and technical enduro. There is no shortage of views: to the east the Po Valley, to the north-west the east face of Monte Rosa and the Swiss glaciers of Monte Leone and Weissmies.
Fontegno: the climb that puts you to the test
Our adventure starts from Omegna, on the shores of Lake Orta. From there, the first climb is that of the Fontegno: a long, steep, trial-style cobblestone road that immediately makes the ride's character clear. The e-bike makes the difference here, but the ride remains active, technical, and engaging.
Halfway, a stop at the Fontegno church - dedicated to the Madonna della Neve, frescoed in the 500th century - becomes a little journey through time. Then we set off again, and the hairpin bends become gentler, allowing for a few breathers.
Monte Saccarello: between rivalries and smooth descents
Arrived at Quarna Above, historic rival of the nearby Quarna Sotto, we continue towards the Camasca and Mount Saccarello. Don’t expect Alpine peaks: here the “mountain” is a wooded crossroads, with a small chapel and a path that descends quickly and fun.
La descent of the Saccarello It is a perfect mix of technicality and interpretation: tight bends, steep sections, curves to anticipate and improvise. Nothing prohibitive, but everything to be driven — and respected, because the paths are shared with hikers.
Camasca and Mazzuccone: the heart of the adventure
We go back up to Camasca and then al Stobj Hill, the central hub of our tour. Here we aim for the Mount Mazzuccone, the summit of the day. The climb, initially soft, becomes very hard at the end: it will test your legs and engines, but at the top the view repays every effort.
In front of us, Lake Orta with its island. Behind, the real Alps: rock, snow, silence.
Descent of the Mazzuccone: visions and roots
The descent is pure adrenaline: technical, natural, with roots, stones and breathtaking panoramic passages. Short but intense, with all the characteristics of an enduro PS, to be faced with attention and respect for the trail.
We return to Camasca, again at Colle del Stobj, and it's time for the final descent.
Foglia and Fornero: the final rodeo
The last trail is a journey within a journey. It starts off gently, in a snake of leaves and curves, but soon the music changes. The flow becomes rodeo, the ride becomes physical, between steps, trial passages and stones to tame. A trail to be interpreted with the heart and with well-measured brakes.
Finally, you come out onto a quiet dirt road that leads to the Fornero plain. The return on asphalt closes the circle… but not before a stop at the Funicular, where a biker-pastry chef's sacher torte marks the (sweet!) end of a unique experience.
Conclusion: one tour, a thousand discoveries
Il Quarna Trail It is everything an all-mountain lover could wish for: technical climbs, spectacular views, varied descents and a strong naturalistic imprint. A territory to be respected, but also to be lived fully.
Whether you are an e-biker or a muscle biker, a solo adventurer or a Sunday hiker, here you will find something for you. Or rather: rocks for your tires.
See you soon, home trails.
See you out there.
